Dentin Hypersensitivity (sensitive teeth) affects one out of every four adults. It can cause severe pain and discomfort on a daily basis. Having sensitive teeth makes enjoying your favorite hot or cold foods close to impossible. Most commonly, teeth become sensitive because the gums begin to recede. As the recession of the gums occurs, tooth roots are exposed. When these roots come in contact with hot or cold liquid, air or food, temporary tooth discomfort or pain occurs.

Causes of Dentin Hypersensitivity
Your gums and tooth enamel protect the porous part of your tooth, called dentin. Exposed dentin can result from:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Improper brushing
• Tooth abrasion from a hard-bristle brush
• Periodontal (gum) surgery
• Enamel corrosion caused by chemical agents
• Bite problems
• Trauma
• Medical condition, such as chemotherapy, bulimia and radiation therapy.
• Clenching or grinding teeth

The pain caused by dentin hypersensitivity isn't always constant. Usually sensitive teeth have occasional flashes of pain. Constant pain could be a more serious problem.