Q: What is dentin hypersensitivity?
A: If you have a tooth that is extremely sensitive to hot or cold, you may have dentin hypersensitivity. Dentin is a relatively hard protective material that is beneath the tooth's enamel. Dentin surrounds the pulp, which holds the tooth's nerve and blood vessels.
Dentin hypersensitivity can develop when enamel is worn down or gums have receded and the surface of a tooth's root is exposed. Also, over time enamel can develop microscopic cracks from repeated exposure to extreme hot and cold, which makes the enamel expand and contract. In any of these cases, dentin cells can be stimulated by hot or cold and make the tooth sensitive. When this happens, eating hot or cold food, or exposing the tooth to cold air can be painful.
See your dentist. If the diagnosis is dentin hypersensitivity, the dentist may be able to put a sealant on the painful tooth. Or the dentist may prescribe a special gel or recommend an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste. Whenever you have pain in a tooth, it's best to get dental attention quickly to make sure the pain is not from a cavity or an abscess.
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