By Dr Yao Xu DDS (Minnesota) General Dental Surgeon

Tooth sensitivity is among the most common complaints among dental patients. When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities, such as brushing, eating and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots.

Some causes of sensitivity to cold/sweet/hot include:

• Cavity or worn filling: usually sensitive to cold and sweet

If you’re bothered by sensitive teeth, visit a dental clinic in Bukit Timah to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. He or she can identify or rule out any underlying causes of your tooth pain.

Depending on the circumstances, your dentist might recommend:

• Fillings: if your tooth has a cavity or large areas of exposed dentin, your dentist can fill it, sealing the exposed tooth structure to protect it.

To prevent sensitive teeth from recurring, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Use gentle strokes, rather than vigorous or harsh scrubbing, and avoid using an abrasive toothpaste. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. Teeth grinding can fracture teeth and cause sensitivity.

You might also consider taking care when eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks, such as carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and wine — all of which can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time. When you drink acidic liquids, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. After eating or drinking an acidic substance, drink water to balance the acid levels in your mouth.

How do I know when it’s time to see a dentist?

If a tooth is highly sensitive for more than three or four days and reacts to hot and cold temperatures, it’s best to get a diagnostic evaluation from your dentist to determine the extent of the problem. Before taking the situation into your own hands, an accurate diagnosis of tooth sensitivity is essential for effective treatment to eliminate pain. Because pain symptoms can be similar, some people might think that a tooth is sensitive, when instead, they actually have a cavity or abscess that’s not yet visible.