If you occasionally experience a sudden flash of pain, or a mild tingly feeling when you bite into sweet or sour foods, or drink hot or cold beverages, you may have sensitive teeth.

Pain from sensitive teeth is not always constant; it can come and go. Constant pain could be a sign of a more serious problem. It is still important, however, to discuss your symptoms with Dr. Ortega to determine the cause and proper treatment.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

In healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums and your teeth's hard enamel shell. Microscopic holes in the dentin, called tubules, allow the pain signal to be transmitted back to the nerve triggering pain, when irritated by certain foods and beverages. Dentin can be exposed by:
• Receding gums caused by improper
   brushing or gum disease.
• Fractured or chipped teeth.
• Clenching or grinding your teeth.

TREATMENT

Depending on the diagnosis, Dr. Ortega may recommend one or more of the following treatments to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth:
• A soft-bristle toothbrush.
• A special toothpaste for sensitive teeth
  that can either block access to the nerve
  or insulate the nerve itself.
• A fluoride rinse or gel for sensitive
  teeth, recommended by Dr. Ortega.

A sensitivity toothpaste usually takes several weeks to ease pain. Follow Dr. Ortega's special home care instructions for regular use to keep pain from returning.