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Dentinal hypersensitivity is the medical term for what the lay person calls sensitive teeth. It manifests itself as a sudden pain in the teeth when they are exposed to hot teas, cold beverages, sweets, and sour foods. The magnitude of the pain varies since it is dependant on the type of exposure. But it could range anywhere from a little tingling to a sharp pain. Because it does not exhibit any permanence; you could become deceived about its existence, or confused about your condition. But it must be brought to the dentist’s attention without further procrastination, because it could lead up to bigger dental problems later.

Although the theories about the causes of dentinal hypersensitivityare many, there is one general consensus among the dental professionals. They believe that the problem originates with the dentine; the inner portion of the teeth, right below the enamel

Under normal conditions, the dentine is tucked away, below the enamel, where it is safe from exposure. But it looses much of this protection when plaque builds up on the enamel, and it is not removed

Plaque is a film of mucus consisting of food particles, saliva and bacteria. When this progresses, it gets between the teeth, and forms little holes called pockets.  Over time the plaque will penetrate below the crown and caused the gun disease called gingivitis.

Gingivitisis the severe inflammation of the gum along with swelling and puffiness around gum line leading to dentinal exposure.  

The dentine is porous, and as such; it is penetrable. It carries, on the interior, a set of small tubes filled with fluid. When the dentine is exposed, these small tubes, inadvertently, succumb to the exposure as well. The fluid in these tiny tubes move about when sweet and / sour foods are consumed; and when they are exposed to hot liquids, or cold beverages. And with the moving fluid, there comes a stimulation of the nerve center connecting to the small tubes; and the result is pain.

OTHER FACTORS THAT CAUSE EXPOSURE OF THE DENTINE:

1. A fracture or chipped tooth. Hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods will get directly into the dentine through the section that is broken off.

4. Dental surgery: Cutting the gum exposes the dentine, and even though stitches are use to reduce the scar; there is still some amount of dentine exposure.

5. Acid Wear:  This condition develops when the teeth loose their enamel covering. Enamel is the outer shell that covers the crown or that part of the teeth that is visible. Because it is a tough shell-like tissue, enamel provides the teeth with great protective covering. However the enamel can become susceptible to erosion with the repeated use of acidic foods. Some of these foods are acidic fruit drinks, and drinks like the “colas” and certain types of red wine.

HOW TO PROTECT THE ENAMEL AND AVOID DENTINE HYPERSENSITIVITY

1. Reduce / eliminate foods and beverages that have a high acid content.
2. Protect your teeth by using a drinking straw if you have to drink an acidic beverage.
3. Avoid / reduce eating tough bone like foods that can cause the enamel to chip.
4. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and immediately after consuming acidic food and drink.
5. Increase the flow of saliva in your mouth. Chewing sugar free gum can increase the normal flow of saliva, and this strengthens the enamel.

HOW TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF DENTAL HYPERSENSITIVITY

1. Floss carefully: This prevents bacteria from penetrating below the gum line: this causes the gum to recede, resulting in dentine exposure.

1. Have regular dental checkups: When you have regular checkups, it is easier for the dentist to prevent the build up of plaque before it begins.

1. Brush properly using a soft bristle toothbrush: It is less abrasive than the ones with hard bristles, and it prevents less wear and tear at the gum line; it also massages the gum, and alleviates the build up of plaque.

4.   Brush with desensitizing toothpaste: Desensitizing toothpaste helps to reduce the stimulation of the nerve center. Over time, this builds up protection against the pain of dental hypersensitivity.