March 12, 2014  Oral Care   Health Home >> Oral Care >> Oral
care    Protection for sensitive teeth  Do you experience pain
or tingling in your teeth, especially when eating sweet, hot or
cold foods? Do brushing and flossing sometimes cause you to
cringe?  Pain from sensitive teeth usually comes and goes. If
you have constant pain, it could be a sign of a more serious
problem. Discuss your symptoms with your dental professional to
determine the cause and proper treatment.  What causes sensitive
teeth?  In healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is
protected by your gums and by your teeth's hard enamel outer
layer. Dentin can become exposed due to receding gums, fractured
or chipped teeth or erosion. Microscopic holes in the dentin,
called tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when
irritated by certain foods and beverages.  But there are other
factors that can cause tooth sensitivity:    • Brushing too
hard. Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can
cause gum recession and root expo