Sensitive teeth are not only painful, but they can also begin to interfere with your daily life.

Tooth sensitivity is among the common causes of a toothache.

The phrase “tooth sensitivity” refers to tooth discomfort or feelings of toothache in one or more teeth.

People who suffer from tooth sensitivity avoid daily activities such as consuming hot or cold foods and beverages as well as brushing their teeth.

These simple activities cause tooth sensitivity sufferers to live in constant fear of severe pain. Based off information from cosmetic dentists, sensitivity occurs when the dentin, a porous tissue in your teeth, becomes exposed.

The dentin has microscopic channels, called tubules, which are pathways to the nerve.

When dentinal tubules are exposed, due to receding gum tissue or enamel loss, nerves are more easily triggered by certain stimuli causing tooth sensitivity.

Factors that can contribute to Tooth Sensitivity:

• Aggressive Toothbrushing: You can have too much of a good thing. Brushing your teeth with too much force, or with a hard-bristle toothbrush, may wear down tooth enamel, expose the cementum or dentin and cause tooth sensitivity.
• Grinding your teeth: teeth grinding can cause the enamel to wear away and leave the dentin exposed.
• Dental cleanings or treatments – Sensitivity is temporary and is often just sore gums
• Temporary tooth sensitivity: which can occur after a professional teeth-whitening treatment, but usually goes away shortly after the procedure ends.
• Gum disease: Inflamed gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, leaving vulnerable areas exposed.

How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

Here are some steps you can take to prevent tooth sensitivity:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush:
Using the right toothpaste and also a soft-bristled toothbrush can double the sensitivity-fighting effects.

Toothbrushes with soft bristles are more gentle on both the gums and tooth enamel, yet are still very effective at removing bacteria and plaque buildup.

Harder bristles, on the other hand, can scratch enamel and even cause it to erode. This will increase the risk of roots becoming exposed and teeth becoming more sensitive.

Brush with a sensitivity toothpaste
Selecting a toothpaste that’s specifically designed to easy sensitivity and using it regularly can help reduce the severity of the sensitivity and give you some relief.

• Brush and floss your teeth twice a day to prevent gum loss.
• Be sure to clean all parts of your mouth, including between teeth and along the gum line.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks.

Sensitive Teeth Treatments
If you have sensitive teeth, don’t neglect your daily oral care routine.

Just be sure to use a soft toothbrush and soft floss. You can also try a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

Several brands are available, and you should notice some improvement with regular use of any of them. Also, try spreading some sensitizing toothpaste along the exposed cementum or dentin area

before bed to help reduce sensitivity. Just use your fingertip or a cotton swab to rub the toothpaste directly onto the exposed spot.

See your dental professional for proper assessment and to find out the best steps to take for treatment.