Dental sensitivity is usually caused by dentine atrophy or periodontal disease caused by dentin in the root region. Gingival atrophy is very common and by the age of 65, four-fifths of the population's gum will decline.
When the root of the tooth is exposed, it does not have an enamel like the crown of the tooth. Instead, the root has a very soft covering called cementum, which, once lost, exposes the dentin of the root. Excessive brushing or the use of very abrasive toothpastes can also lead to abrasion and dentin exposure of the tooth enamel surface. A very acidic diet - such as a diet containing a lot of citrus, kimchi or sodapop - can cause the teeth to corrode and dissolve the surface of the tooth, thus exposing the dentine. Due to acid in the mouth, overeating and GERD can also lead to tooth erosion and sensitivity.
If you have any sensitive teeth, tell your dentist or health care provider so that he or she can check your mouth to see if the problem is tooth sensitivity (dentin hypersensitivity) and help you choose the best treatment. When the teeth are sensitive, brushing may be very painful. If the brushing is not good because of the pain, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease will be even higher. Pain after hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and beverages may also be signs of a recessed hole or hole in the teeth, or signs of tooth fracture. If this is the case, the dentist will use fillings or other treatments.
