Dentinal hyper-sensitivity (or sensitive teeth), is called the condition when a cold or hot, sweet or sour stimuli in the mouth or even regular brushing causes an intense pain to some teeth.   
 

 

THE CAUSE      The main causes of a hyper-sensitivity problem are : 1. Gums recession due to age 2. Dentine exposure caused by brushing with a hard bristled toothbrush or incorrect way of brushing. 3. Enamel corrosion caused by chemical agents 4. Tooth decay THE DANGER      The most important problem with sensitive teeth is that the sufferer due to the pain caused by brushing usually starts avoiding his regular oral hygiene. Gradually this may lead to much more serious dental problems as tooth decay and gingivitis.

WHAT CAUSES THE PAIN ?     Sensitive teeth is an increasingly common problem as people keep their original teeth longer. Gums tend to recede by age exposing dentine in the tooth root below the protective covering of the enamel.  The dentine contains a network of tubules which run the full width of the dentine, so the pulp becomes exposed via the tubules to the outside oral environment.  Nerve cells of the pulp extending inside these tubules can be stimulated by external heat, cold, or touch applied from the outside.  The external simulation is thought to produce movement of the fluid within the tubule, causing a pain signal to be sent by the nerve.