Does the thought of drinking a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or eating a bowl of ice-cream stress you out? Do you wonder if you’re ever going to be able to breathe in cold air or brush your teeth without wincing? If these thoughts cross your mind regularly, you may be struggling with a condition known as dentin hypersensitivity, or sensitive teeth.

Beyond the enamel, there’s a part of the tooth called the dentin. The dentin surrounds the pulp chamber, which is the part of the tooth that houses the nerves and blood vessels of your tooth.

If the enamel is down, little tubes in the dentin allow heat and cold to affect these nerves, resulting in pain or discomfort.

Other Teeth Sensitivity Causes

The other reasons for teeth sensitivity include:

• Cracked tooth
• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Brushing too hard and too often
• Certain tooth-whitening methods
• Eating a lot of acidic foods and liquids

Treating your Tooth Sensitivity

Solutions to reduce or eliminate teeth sensitivity include: 

• Ditch your hard-bristled toothbrush and energetic brushing technique for softer bristles and a softer touch.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks like grapefruit juice and lemon juice.
• Use de-sensitizing toothpaste, which helps over time.

Other solutions your dentist may suggest are:

• Crown, Inlay or Bonding: Ways to fix a cracked tooth or worn fillings
• Gum Graft: Replaces lost gum, which provides protection for your roots
• Root Canal: Treats the inflamed or infected pulp of the tooth

Now that you know your teeth actually come with their own protective shield, do everything you can to protect your enamel. For starters, avoid routinely doing things that can damage it. Also, visit your dentist regularly and don’t ignore dental problems – having a low cost, high-quality dental plan can help! It’s one of those things that don’t get better with time. In fact, they get worse and more expensive.