WHAT IS TOOTH SENSITIVITY?

Did You Know?

Tooth sensitivity is the occasional twinge or discomfort described as sudden, sharp pain that at times radiates to other parts of the mouth or face when stimulating the teeth with hot, cold or sour food.  Brushing your teeth may also cause such an episode.  To help manage the pain, you may find yourself trying to avoid certain foods or drinks...or not brushing your teeth in the sensitive areas.

The first layer of the teeth that experiences sensitivity is "dentin hypersensitivity".  Enamel, the first layer of the teeth, does not have nerve endings and so is not stimulated by the foods, drinks, or common stimuli that normally cause the occasional twinge or pain.  This sensitivity is known as a transient tooth pain.  It is described as short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to a stimulus that cannot be associated with any other form of dental defect or pathology.

Teeth sensitivity usually has a significant impact on your quality of life...from both a physical and emotional standpoint.  Untreated hypersensitivity may lead to:

+Pain

+Unpleasant Social Activities

+Inability To Enjoy Hot and Cold Foods and Drinks

Brought to you by GlaxoSmitKline/Consumer Healthcare, I proudly raise awareness of sensitive teeth and acid erosion by utilizing and recommending the Sensodyne line of oral care remedies that have proven to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms associated with dentinal hypersensitivity.  I would be happy to discuss this topic in more detail in future blog entries as well as in my office with you personally.  Please feel free to contact me personally, whether at the office or via email, to comment or ask questions on how we can help YOUR sensitivity feel better.

Remember, I am here to help you create the "Smile You'd Be Proud To Wear...ANYWHERE!!