Many people suffer from sensitive teeth, which often means they suffer from pain and discomfort when they eat certain foods. Most people experience twinges when they eat very hot or very cold foods and acidic, sour foods. Some people have very sensitive teeth, which can cause them to experience severe pain for long periods of time.

Sensitivity is caused by the exposure of the dentin portion of the tooth; this section of the tooth is protected by the harder enamel surface; however, if the enamel becomes worn or damaged it can lead to the dentin, which contains the nerves, becoming exposed. There are many possible causes of sensitive teeth, including gum disease, decay, erosion, teeth grinding, gum recession and brushing the teeth too hard.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, it is important to visit your dentist, as it may be indicative of a more serious dental problem; it could indicate severe decay or gum disease, which may cause the tooth to become severely damaged. If the tooth is extensively damaged it may not be salvageable and the dentist may have no other option but to carry out a tooth extraction.

If you suffer from mild sensitivity, you may be advised to use special toothpaste that is designed to decrease sensitivity; there is a huge range of these toothpastes available at chemists and supermarkets.

To prevent sensitivity, try to brush the teeth thoroughly but not too firmly as this can cause the enamel surface of the teeth to become worn; Essex dentists also advise patients to stick to a good daily oral hygiene routine, visit their dentist regularly and limit the amount of sugary, acidic foods they consume, and offer a range of dental jobs for teeth that are in a bad condition.