When you are eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, you feel teeth discomfort or painful, then you may have sensitive teeth. The discomfort or painful sensation is temporary, but may come and go over time.

Sensitive teeth may occur at any age. The inside of tooth is primarily made up of a material called dentin, which contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. A hard outer layer of enamel protects the dentin within the crown portion of teeth, and the dentin extending down to the root of your tooth is protected by a layer of cementum. A little break in the enamel can lead to sensitivity. The cause of this break can be tooth decay, fractured tooth structure or even worn-away enamel from grinding your teeth at night. In this case, treatment for sensitivity will require repairing the tooth.

Gum disease can also lead to teeth sensitivity. Receding gums cause the root of the tooth to become exposed and, eventually, covered with plaque and tartar. Nonetheless, the natural exposure of the neck of the tooth – below the end of the enamel – can still lead to this problem without initial decay or gum disease.

Luckily, sensitive teeth can be prevented and eased. Proper toothbrushing and flossing techniques can prevent sensitive teeth, and it will promote healthy teeth and gums regardless of your condition. Overly hard brushing can wear down the tooth enamel due to abrasives in toothpaste. Therefore, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a desensitizing toothpaste may help protect your enamel. 

Your dentist might also recommend a fluoride gel treatment, which strengthens your current tooth enamel, decreasing the sensations sent to the nerve. If your teeth sensitivity is caused by fractured tooth or dental caries, this may involve a crown, inlay or bonding, depending on the problem.