If you've ever taken a sip of a cold drink or bite of something hot and felt a sharp pain through your teeth and gums, you may be one of the many people in the world who have sensitive teeth.

What causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitive teeth are a common condition that often comes and goes. Sensitivity in the teeth is sometimes caused by unfilled cavities or fractured teeth. If you experience tooth sensitivity even after these problems have been corrected, there are a number of other causes. Worn out tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root may cause sensitivity.

In the case of an exposed root, the dentist may recommend a root canal, which will most likely alleviate the sensitivity.

More often than not, however, sensitive teeth come from the gradual wearing down of enamel, which is why it's more common in older people than younger. Enamel acts as a protective covering of the teeth's dentin, which contains small hollow canals. When the enamel is worn down, these canals allow heat and cold to pass through to the nerves in the tooth, resulting in tooth sensitivity.

Preventing tooth sensitivity
If you have sensitive teeth, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the sensitivity. Proper oral hygiene can help prevent sensitivity in the first place by keeping gums and teeth clean.

There are a number of different types of tooth desensitizers. For more serious cases or if tooth sensitivity causes severe discomfort, you may need to go to your dentist to get a stronger prescription. But for mild discomfort, over the counter tooth desensitizers have a number of advantages for people with sensitive teeth.

Mild cases of tooth sensitivity would be described as discomfort from hot, cold, or sweet foods. In this case, a toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth can help to reduce the amount of sensitivity by decreasing the sensitivity of the dentin, where the root of the pain stems. In order for these toothpastes to be effective, they must be used in place of your regular toothpaste, so at least twice daily. Most patients say it takes about 2 weeks to notice results and a lowered sensitivity.

In addition to desensitizing teeth, over the counter tooth desensitizers have a number of other advantages. Many of these toothpastes and treatments include ingredients like fluoride and tartar control, so they prevent cavities and plaque build-up as well. In addition, there are also desensitizing whitening toothpastes, so you can whiten teeth while building them up at the same time.
Tooth desensitizers are not just for people who experience pain from sensitive teeth. Many people opt to use a tooth desensitizer a few weeks before undergoing whitening treatment, as the process can cause increased sensitivity once it's completed.

If you have a mild case of sensitivity in your teeth, as most people do from time to time as they get older, over the counter tooth desensitizers are an effective way to take the pain out of hot and cold beverages and food. For more painful or serious cases, you should probably visit a dentist and discuss other options with him or her.