Tooth sensitivity:

Do you experience sharp pain while eating/drinking hot, cold, sweet, sour drink/food?
If yes, do you regularly seek dental check-ups and treatments in the presence of the sharp pain?
If yes, then the most approaching diagnosis is TEETH SENSITIVITY.

Why is that?
Tooth crown structure is composed of vital ad living structure known as pulp(pulp), the pulp is protected
by mixed organic and non-organic layers (dentine) which is connected to the pulp by nerve endings,
dentine is protected as well by the non-living outer most layer of the visible tooth crown known as
enamel.

As a result; when dentine is exposed, nerve endings are stimulated causing the sharp pain you feel

How does dentine get exposed?

1. Normal physiological process that occurs with aging.
2. Toothbrushes with hard bristles causing tooth abrasion.
3. Faulty brushing techniques, aggressive brushing that lead to tooth abrasion and gum recession.
4. Periodontal diseases causing gum recession and root exposure.
5. Bad eating and drinking habits such as; citrus acids, soda drinks, etc causing erosion of tooth
structure and dentine exposure.
6. Habitual grinding of teeth causing wearing off (attrition) enamel and dentine exposure.

How does dentist or patient prevent dentine exposure?

1. Proper tooth brushing technique.

2. Soft tooth brush bristles.
3. Limit acidic food/drinks; avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating/ drinking acidic
substances since acid softens enamel and makes it susceptible to erosion during brushing.
4. Fluoride toothpaste as treatment and prevention by strengthening tooth structure.

How does dentist treat dentine exposure and tooth sensitivity?

1. Eliminate the cause and educate the patient; proper tooth brushing, soft toothbrush bristles and
improved eating habits.
2. Desensitizing toothpaste; to block pain sensation.
3. Fluoride application either clinically or at home or both; to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce
pain.
4. Desensitizing or bonding; applied to sensitive root surfaces, local anaesthesia might be needed.
5. Surgical gum graft; in cases of gum recession, small amount of gum tissues can be taken from
elsewhere in oral cavity and attached to the affected site.
6. Root canal; if the pain is severe and not improved by other means of treatments, dentist might
recommend root canal treatment. This significant treatment might seem the last resort.

General tips for better oral hygiene:

1. Twice a day, brush your teeth gently with soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
2. Once a day, floss your teeth gently.