What causes tooth sensitivity?

A very common condition, tooth sensitivity is discomfort while eating very hot, cold, sweet or sour foods or drinks. This may be due to receding gums, exposed roots, gum disease, tooth whitening, crown placements, deep fillings, grinding/gritting your teeth at nights, or even brushing too hard which can wear away gum tissue or tooth surfaces. ... more

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth – the dentin – becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to the tooth's never center (the pulp). These dentinal tubules (or channels) allow the stimuli – for example, the hot, cold, or sweet food – to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel. ... more