What is the definition or description of: sensitive teeth?

Hypersensitivity: Sensitive teeth are very common. The technical term is hypersensitivity and it can be caused by a variety of dental problems or just be a natural situation for a specific patient. About 20% of the population has natural hypersensitivity in one or more areas of the mouth.

Tooth discomfort.: Tooth sensitivity is used to describe teeth that are uncomfortable to hot or cold or sweets or salts or chewing. Sensitivity can be mild, severe or anything in between. It can be due to cavities, gum recession and root exposure, cracked cusps, lost fillings and other reasons as well.

It Hurts!: Teeth do have nerves and will respond to hot and cold. A normal response is a quick pain or sensitivity that goes away quickly. If the response lingers for a while, throbs, hurts without stimulation, wakes you up at night, or occurs spontaneously, then there are dental issues that need to be addressed. See your dentist if any of those symptoms sound familiar.

Not happy: Sensitive teeth are teeth that respond unfavorably to external stimulus. This can be caused by exposure of the root surface of the tooth, decay or a dying nerve. In some cases it can easily be treated with covering the root surface with a dental material. Other times it requires more treatment to eliminate the decay or the dying nerve.

Ouch!: Most people refer to sensitive teeth as a condition where they have an unusual or painful response to hot or cold liquids or food. It can also be used to describe teeth that are painful during chewing.

Sensitive Teeth: A working definition of tooth sensitivity is that occasion that inhibits any normal use of your teeth/mouth due to pain to you teeth from hot ,cold or chewing. An example is some one who never drinks a cold beverage without a straw. Someone who avoids chewing on one side or the other. Someone who gives up their coffee or tea due to pain when drinking something hot.

Trauma: Trauma secondary to clenching/grinding is the most common cause of unexplained tooth sensitivity. Homeopathic products Arnica and Hypericum will resonate with such pulpitis. Use of these products with a nightguard can help resolve the sensitivity.

Very Common Problem: The common causes are the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. Other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, gum disease or a side effect of a teeth grinding. The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dentist examine you.