It is estimated that over 40% of adults experience tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity.  Sensitivity occurs more often in women than in men.  Sensitivity usually presents as a short, sharp pain that originated from a tooth or teeth in the mouth. #martindental

So what causes tooth sensitivity?  Well each tooth contains four parts.  The enamel is the hardest layer, and what you see.  The dentin is just underneath the enamel, then follows the cementum.  The cementum is present on the root surface and it helps anchor the teeth to the jaw.  The pulp is in the very center of the tooth.  It contains soft connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Dental Care Queen Creek AZ

There are many factors that lead to tooth sensitivity, but the most common are gum recession, loss of cementum and loss of enamel.  Gum recession is when the gums move down from the gum line, exposing the root dentin surface.  This can happen because of periodontal disease or by brushing to hard causing gum abrasion.  When loss of enamel occurs, this happens when the toothbrush wears down the enamel surface and exposes the underlying dentin. Dental Care Queen Creek AZ

When the enamel becomes worn down or when the gum line is recessed and the dentin becomes exposed, this is when tooth sensitivity occurs.  The dentin has tubes that run from the center of the tooth (the pulp that has all the nerves) to the exposed dentin surface.  When it is exposed, dentin fluid flows outward from the pulp. #smilewithconfidence  If the flow is exposed to any external stimulus, like heat, cold, change in pressure, sweet/sour foods and drinks, a signal id transmits to the nerves, which is then perceived as pain.