Sensitive teeth

Dental sensitivity is a painful condition that can become chronic. It can sometimes be very painful and unpleasant. This transitory pain is a consequence of the exposure of dentine to chemical, osmotic, thermal or tactile stimuli and cannot be associated with any other dental pathology. Some people tolerate this hypersensitivity whereas for other people it is a serious problem that has an impact on their life, oral hygiene habits and even their diet.

If not given the attention needed, sensitive teeth might develop into other oral problems. This frequently happens when pain impedes normal toothbrushing, making the affected person more vulnerable to caries and gum diseases.
If you fell uneasy when eating certain types of food, visit your dentist.

More information

Having Sensitive teeth is a very common problem that affects one in seven people. The teeth that are most greatly affected by hypersensitivity are canines and pre-molars, whereas molars are the least affected. People between ages 20 and 40 and women as opposed to men are more likely to be affected.

Under normal conditions, when teeth are in their natural position, enamel is the only element to be in contact with the oral environment, and the gum line is situated at the cemento-enamel junction (Tooth Anatomy).When cement or dentine become exposed because of gingival recession or enamel loss, an external tactile, thermal or chemical stimulus can trigger a painful feeling that, under normal conditions would not be bothersome at all.