Treatment of Sensitivity in Colchester

Sensitivity can be very distressing and may result in patients avoiding certain foods. Sensitivity is also known as dentine hypersensitivity and can give episodes of short, sharp pain. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time. Sensitivity is caused by the underlying dentine being exposed. In normal circumstances dentine is protected by the enamel but the enamel wears down over time quicker for some than others and this may be due to their diet. When the dentine is exposed to hot and cold stimuli this can cause sharp pains. The dentine contains a large number of pores or tubules that run from the outside of the tooth to the nerve in the centre. When the dentine is exposed, these tubules can be stimulated by changes in temperature or certain foods.

• Gum recession due to age or improper tooth brushing or Acidic drinks that cause enamel erosion and dentine exposure
• Tooth grinding – this may actually cause most or all of the teeth to feel sensitive
• Brushing incorrectly and/or brushing more than three times a day could result in a loss of enamel
• Gum disease, which can result in gum recession oA chipped or fractured tooth may expose the dentine