Dental sensitivity can be quite discomforting. Whether it’s a mild twinge or severe pain that can continue for several hours, dental sensitivity also known as dentin hypersensitivity can deprive one of the pleasures of taking ice cream or sipping coffee.

Epimak Kayiranga, a dentist at the University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), defines dental sensitivity, as "a condition usually associated with exposed dentinal surfaces, receding gums or tooth wear. It occurs when one consumes hot, cold, very acidic foods or drinks or inhaling cold air.”

"It usually affects young adults but may also affect diabetic patients due to low immunity that affects the gum,” he says

How it comes about

Frank Rwema, a dentist at Rwanda Military Hospital, says there are various ways through which one’s teeth could become sensitive.

"It can come as a result of a decayed tooth or teeth, or cracked tooth because the enamel (outer layer of the tooth) is scrapped off and it is what protects it from external stimuli, or the enamel can wear off, which exposes the enamel or the nerves,” he says.

"If someone has fillings, and there is a leakage, then the roots are exposed because of the receded gums, then that area can be sensitive. Another problem may be periodontal disease where the gums are exposed and the bone supporting the gum is affected,” Rwema adds.

He says that the most affected type of teeth are the canines and premolars because they protrude when one brushes hard, they recede the enamel.

According to Dr Kayiranga, receding gums can be a sign of long-term trauma from excessive or forceful tooth brushing.

"The enamel may also wear off and cause sensitivity of the dentine due to poor brushing by using hard bristled tooth brushes, which affects both the enamel and the gum,” he says.

He further explains that diabetic patients are also prone to dentin hypersensitivity because their immune system is low and thus making it hard for them to fight bacteria.

"For diabetic patients, when the immunity goes down, the bacteria become aggressive so the person cannot be able to defend themselves. It starts by destroying the tissue and the bone and when it becomes severe, sensitivity occurs,” he says

Cure and prevention

Dr Rwema says treatment can be given depending on the cause of the sensitivity and advises people with sensitive teeth to go for check-up as early as possible.

"There is management of dental sensitivity depending on the cause of the problem. The affected teeth can be treated depending on the level of decay, and if there is a crack it would require another filling. Some toothpaste such as sensodyne can also help relieve the pain in the nerves which are a sensitive part of the tooth. A crown can also help protect you from exposed enamel,” he says

Dr Kayiranga also advises people to practice good oral hygiene to prevent decay, periodontal diseases and pain from the nervous system. He also advises people to regularly go for check-up because if the problem is detected early enough, it is easier to treat.