Article2 - Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentine hypersensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you may have sensitive teeth.

Tooth sensitivity is usually caused when there is receding of gums or due to the gum disease ( periodontal disease ). When the root of the tooth becomes exposed in the oral cavity, it does not have the protecting layer of enamel like in the crown. Roots of teeth are covered by a soft layer called cementum which once peeled off leaves the dentinal surface exposed in the oral cavity thus causing sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet.

Sensitivity in teeth may also be caused by improper brushing or overzealous brushing which causes the enamel to wear off thus exposing the dentinal layer. Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other oral health problems, especially if the pain causes you to brush poorly making you vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.

You can reduce your chances of tooth sensitivity by using low abrasive tooth paste and using proper brushing technique as advised by your dentist. Also in certain cases your dentist may advise you to get the teeth restored so as to stop the sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. So one should not ignore sensitive teeth and should ask the dentist about the best way to treat the sensitivity.