If sipping a hot cup of tea or biting into something cold sends a sharp jolt of pain through your teeth, you are dealing with tooth sensitivity. It is one of the most common dental complaints in Nairobi and across Kenya, and while it can be uncomfortable and disruptive, it is almost always treatable. Understanding what is causing it is the first step toward getting lasting relief.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentine hypersensitivity, is a sharp and sudden pain that occurs when the teeth are exposed to certain triggers. These triggers commonly include hot or cold food and drinks, sweet or acidic foods, cold air, and sometimes even brushing.
The pain happens when the dentine, the layer beneath the tooth enamel, becomes exposed. Dentine contains tiny channels that lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. When these channels are exposed and a trigger reaches them, the nerve responds with that familiar sharp sensation.
What Causes Teeth Sensitivity?
There are several reasons dentine can become exposed and sensitivity can develop.
Enamel erosion. The outer protective layer of the tooth wears down over time, particularly in people who consume a lot of acidic food and drinks such as citrus fruits, sodas, and vinegar based foods. Once enamel is gone it does not grow back.
Gum recession. When the gums pull back from the teeth, the root surface becomes exposed. Unlike the crown of the tooth, the root has no enamel covering it, making it far more sensitive.
Tooth grinding. Many people grind their teeth at night without realising it. Over time this wears down the enamel and can lead to significant sensitivity as well as jaw pain and headaches.
Aggressive brushing. Brushing too hard or using a hard bristled toothbrush gradually wears away enamel and causes gum recession. This is a very common and easily avoidable cause of sensitivity.
Cracked or chipped teeth. A crack in the tooth exposes the dentine and can cause sharp pain, particularly when biting down.
Recent dental treatment. It is normal to experience some sensitivity after procedures like fillings, crowns, or teeth whitening. This usually settles within a few weeks.
Tooth decay or a worn filling. A cavity or a filling that has deteriorated can expose sensitive parts of the tooth.
How Is Tooth Sensitivity Treated?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. This is why a proper dental examination is important before reaching for a sensitivity toothpaste and hoping for the best.
For mild sensitivity caused by enamel erosion or aggressive brushing, switching to a soft bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can make a noticeable difference over time. Your dentist may also apply a fluoride varnish to the affected teeth during your visit to strengthen the enamel and reduce pain signals.
For sensitivity caused by gum recession, a gum graft may be recommended in more advanced cases. For exposed root surfaces, a bonding agent can be applied to seal the dentine channels.
If grinding is the cause, a custom made night guard worn during sleep protects the teeth from further wear. For cracked teeth or failed fillings, a restoration such as a crown or new filling is usually required.
In cases where the nerve is severely affected and sensitivity is extreme, a root canal may be the most effective long term solution.
When Should You See a Dentist?
If sensitivity is mild and occasional it may respond to over the counter products. However if the pain is sharp, persistent, affects multiple teeth, or is getting worse over time, it needs professional attention. Sensitivity is often a symptom of an underlying problem and masking it without treating the cause means the issue continues to progress quietly.
Book a Sensitivity Assessment at DentMind CBD
Do not let tooth sensitivity affect your quality of life. At DentMind CBD Dental Centre on Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD, our team will identify the exact cause of your sensitivity and recommend the most effective treatment for your situation.
DentMind CBD Dental Centre
Victor House, Third Floor
Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD
0715 063640
www.dentmindcbd.co.ke
