Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity, medically termed as "dentin hypersensitivity", is a sharp and sudden pain in the teeth when exposed to certain stimuli such as cold, heat, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. It can be a temporary or chronic condition affecting one or more teeth.
History[edit | edit source]
- The phenomenon of tooth sensitivity has been documented for centuries. Ancient texts make mention of dental pain upon consumption of hot or cold substances.
- Over the past few decades, research has deepened our understanding of the causes and treatments for this condition.
Causes[edit | edit source]
- Dental erosion: Wearing away of the enamel due to acidic foods, drinks or stomach acid.
- Gum recession: Exposes the sensitive root surface.
- Tooth grinding: Can wear down enamel.
- Tooth decay: Cavities can expose the inner layers of the tooth.
- Dental procedures: Sensitivity can occur temporarily after fillings, crowns, or teeth cleaning.
Treatment and Prevention[edit | edit source]
- Desensitizing Toothpaste: Contains compounds that help block sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.
- Fluoride Gel: Applied by dentists to strengthen tooth enamel.
- Dental Sealants: A protective coating applied to the exposed root surfaces.
- Root Canal: In severe cases where sensitivity is caused by nerve damage.
- Preventative measures include using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding acidic foods and beverages, and regular dental check-ups.
Myths and Misconceptions[edit | edit source]
- Many people believe that sensitive teeth mean they have cavities. However, while cavities can cause sensitivity, not all sensitivity is due to decay.
- Some think that brushing harder will help, but it can actually exacerbate the issue by further wearing away the enamel.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- "Understanding Tooth Sensitivity." American Dental Association.
- "Dentin Hypersensitivity: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention." Journal of Dental Research.
External Links[edit | edit source]
| Tooth sensitivity Resources | |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
