Ask a 'Tooth Sensitivity Specialist' Online

The sharp pain that you experience when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, acidic, and air is called tooth sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity. The tooth becomes sensitive when the inner layer of the tooth, that is dentin, or the cementum in the tooth root gets exposed. Sensitivity is the result of any stimuli to the nerve endings present in the dentinal tubules. Improper brushing technique, hard toothbrush, bruxism (teeth grinding), gum recession, dental caries, fractured tooth, and frequent consumption of acidic food and beverages causes sensitivity. In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the regurgitation of stomach acid into the oral cavity causes enamel erosion. It is also seen in patients suffering from bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Using desensitizing toothpaste and mouthwash, mouth guards, and getting the underlying health condition treated might treat sensitivity.