Dentin Hypersensitivity - Sensitive Teeth
About Dentin Hypersensitivity
Dentin Hypersensitivity (sensitive teeth) affects one out of every four adults. It can cause severe pain and discomfort on a daily basis. Having sensitive teeth makes enjoying your favorite hot or cold foods close to impossible. Most commonly, teeth become sensitive because the gums begin to recede. As the recession of the gums occurs, tooth roots are exposed. When these roots come in contact with hot or cold liquid, air or food, temporary tooth discomofort or pain occurs.
Causes of Dentin Hypersensitivity
Your gums and tooth enamel protect the porous part of your tooth, called dentin. The following exposes that dentin, resulting sensitivity:
- Poor oral hygiene. Plaque builds up around the gums, hardens to tarter and a bacteria in the tarter causes gum recession;
- Improper brushing. An estimated 50-90 percent of people brush with too much pressure. Repeating this over time can cause gum tissue recession;
- Tooth abrasion from using a hard-bristle brush;
- Periodontal (gum) surgery;
- Enamel corrosion caused by chemical agents;
- Bite problems;
- Trauma;
- Medical conditions: chemotherapy, bulimia and radiation therapy;
- Clenching or grinding the teeth.
Saving your Teeth
Don't let this condition continue without seeing your dentist. It is important that there is a proper diagnosis for the appropriate treatment. Failing to treat your sensitive teeth can lead to tooth and gum disease or even tooth loss. Many people simply use the highly advertisied "sensitive teeath" toothpaste, which, if used for an extended period of time, can start to mask make more serious problems.