For millions of people, teeth sensitivity can make life miserable. The pain and discomfort caused by teeth sensitivity can prevent you from taking any hot or cold food. In some cases the teeth may be completely treated from sensitivity.

Causes of Teeth Sensitivity

The part of the tooth covered by enamel is visible to us; this layer protects the softer dentine underneath. If the dentine gets exposed, teeth usually become sensitive. This happens where the tooth and the gum meet that is dentino-cementum junction where the enamel layer is pretty thin.

Toothbrush abrasion caused by brushing vigorously from side to side, causes removal of dentine layer particularly where the teeth meet the gums. The freshly exposed dentine causes teeth sensitivity as the dentinal tubules and the nerve ending get exposed.

The loss of tooth enamel caused by acidity from acidic food and drinks causes tooth erosion, which in turn causes teeth sensitivity due to exposure of dentinal tubules within the exposed dentine.

Gum recession is one more cause of teeth sensitivity where the gums naturally recede (shrink back), and the roots get exposed leading to sensitivity. Root surfaces do not have an enamel layer to protect them.

Plaque or tartar depositions can cause the gum to recede down the tooth and even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Gum diseases or Pockets formed can cause sensitive teeth, as it not only exposes the dentine but due to improper hygiene you might get other infections as well.

Tooth grinding is a habit which involves clenching and grinding the teeth together. This can cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn away, making the teeth sensitive.

A cracked tooth or filling can also cause sensitive teeth as the crack can run from the biting surface of a tooth down towards the root. Extreme temperatures, especially cold or hot, may cause discomfort.

Tooth bleaching can cause teeth sensitivity in some people and this sensitivity is temporary during or after having the teeth bleached. Inform your dentist about your history of teeth sensitivity before bleaching your teeth.

Preventing Teeth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity)

The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to keep the gums from receding. Reducing the pressure on brushing your teeth helps tremendously. The problem is that our brushing technique is not correct and we brush as if it's a habit.

Dentists advise people to use an advanced electric toothbrush (plaque remover). These toothbrushes feature pressure sensors that stop the brush when you apply too much pressure. Another option is the Alert toothbrush, which activates a warning light when you brush too hard.

Treating Teeth Sensitivity

Nowadays, there are very good treatment for teeth sensitivity, your dentist may suggest that you try desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Desensitizing toothpaste usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced. When you go shopping for tooth paste or any dental care product make sure that they have, the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. It gives you assurance that products have met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.

If the desensitizing toothpaste does not ease your discomfort, your dentist may suggest in-office techniques. A fluoride gel, which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations, may be applied to the sensitive areas of the teeth; it is done in separate sittings depending upon the sensitivity.

If receding gums still cause teeth sensitivity, your dentist may use agents that bond to the tooth root to "seal" the sensitive teeth. The sealer usually is composed of a plastic material and blocks the dentinal tubules.

In cases where hypersensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend endodontic (root canal) treatment to eliminate the problem. Sometimes the use of ceramic or porcelain caps to cover the sensitive teeth can help reduce sensitivity and improve esthetics