Several reasons can cause teeth to be sensitive. These include teeth wear, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Teeth wear is a natural thing to occur. Over time, the enamel of the tooth wears down, exposing dentine, which is the inner part of the teeth. It is the dentine—small tubes—that lead to the nerves located inside teeth. When eating something cold or hot, the sensation travels through the dentine, reaching the nerves.
Wearing down of the teeth can also be due to habits, such as teeth grinding. This speeds up the wearing down processes, exposing dentine even faster. For some, this can even cause the teeth to chip into small bits, exposing the dentine even further.
Overly brushing your teeth can cause sensitivity, as well. Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with tough bristles can scratch away at the enamel that's protecting the dentine.
Gum diseases left untreated can also cause teeth to be sensitive, along with tooth decay, allowing bacteria to infect the tooth and cause sensitivity.
A visit to the dentist can also cause your teeth to be extra sensitive. Fortunately, the sensation does leave within a couple of weeks.