Dental hypersensitivity is a common dental condition that can cause discomfort, soreness, and sharp pain when teeth come in contact with hot, cold, sour, or sweet food or drinks. The condition occurs due to the stimulation of internal dental nerves by the outside world.

Tooth sensitivity is not a single disease, but a symptom of various dental defects.

There are two primary categories of causes for tooth sensitivity. The first is the destruction of the integrity of the tooth tissue, which leads to the teeth becoming "thin." Dental diseases such as caries, wedge-shaped defects, night bruxism, and acid erosion cause tooth tissue defects, leading to sensitive reactions. The second category is a gingival recession, where the gums recede, exposing the dentin beneath.

The holes in the dentin lead to the tooth nerve in the center of the tooth. Exposed dentin leads to sensitivity to hot, cold, sour, and sweet food or drinks.

Several factors can cause tooth sensitivity, including age, environmental climate change, and mental stress. Tooth defects often arise from improper brushing techniques, trauma, or abrasion, damaging the enamel and exposing the dentin.

Some systemic diseases increase the irritability and sensitivity of nerve endings. Factors such as brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush, gingivitis, retracted gums, broken teeth, teeth grinding or clenching, acidic foods, dental procedures, and replacement of partial crowns and other dental restoration procedures can also contribute to tooth sensitivity.

It is essential to understand the factors that affect tooth sensitivity to prevent and manage it effectively. Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down the enamel and expose the dentin, leading to sensitivity.

Gingivitis, inflamed and painful gum tissue, can expose the root of the tooth, while broken teeth can become filled with bacteria called plaque, causing the pulp to become inflamed. Teeth grinding or clenching can lead to the wearing down of the enamel, and acidic foods can attack the enamel if eaten in excess.

Dental procedures such as cleaning, replacement of partial crowns, and other dental restoration procedures can cause tooth sensitivity. However, the pain usually goes away with time.

Proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, can help prevent tooth sensitivity. Avoiding highly acidic foods, limiting the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and wearing a mouthguard when grinding or clenching teeth can also help prevent tooth sensitivity.

Dental hypersensitivity is a common dental condition that can cause discomfort, soreness, and sharp pain when teeth come in contact with hot, cold, sour, or sweet food or drinks. Tooth sensitivity is a symptom of various dental defects and not a single disease. Understanding the factors that contribute to tooth sensitivity can help prevent and manage it effectively.

Proper oral hygiene practices, avoiding highly acidic foods, limiting the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and wearing a mouthguard when grinding or clenching teeth can help prevent tooth sensitivity.