Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth are a common complaint, mainly in the winter. Sometimes this is a relatively easy problem to solve.
Studies show that one in four people suffer from sensitive teeth, however, this is greater in the 25-45 age group and in women. People most likely to suffer from this marginal tooth sensitivity are those who over- enthusiastically brush their teeth, consume more than usual amounts of wine or citrus drinks, have had treatment for gum disease or who have special medical problems - like bulimia.

People whose teeth are sensitive feel pain when they eat or drink things which are very cold (most usually), hot or sweet and when brushing. The classic example is eating ice cream, but simply being out in the cold weather breathing on a frosty morning can be enough to set off the problem.

Typically pain from sensitivity is sudden, sharp, and stabbing but subsides very quickly. If left untreated, the pain of sensitivity can lead to poor oral hygiene - it can become quite painful for the sufferer to brush their teeth so they stop doing a thorough job, which only makes the sensitivity problem worse. Their problem usually is the tooth margin - just below the enamel and where the 'nerve' is most exposed. Normally it is covered up.

 

Dentists can recommend desensitising toothpastes as a good way to deal with the problem. Dentists also advise people to use the right type of toothbrush, especially as a lot of teeth sensitivity comes from over- brushing with a hard brush. Soft brushes are recommended. If you are experiencing continued problems with tooth sensitivity, it is probably a good idea to visit your dentist. No-one needs to suffer from this problem when there is often a simple solution