For some patients, the thought of a glass of iced water or a sweet treat brings on a shudder. Your New Farm dentist frequently sees patients who are dentally healthy, but who suffer from a kind of tooth pain referred to as ‘dentine hypersensitivity’. Dentine hypersensitivity occurs when the enamel covering the tooth is worn away, usually by aggressive tooth brushing or acid erosion, which exposes the underlying dentine. Dentine makes up the bulk of the tooth, and contains tiny tubes that run inwards to the dental pulp. Changes in temperature, the presence of sugar, and some physical triggers may cause movement of fluid inside the tubes, which stimulates the nerve endings in the pulp. As a result, the patient experiences sensitivity, which may range from mild to intense. Your New Farm dentist offers a number of management options for dentine hypersensitivity. The first step is to rule out more sinister causes of the pain, such as dental decay, and this will involve a comprehensive examination by your New Farm dentist. Once a diagnosis of dentine hypersensitivity is established, a variety of products can help, either by sealing the tube openings, or by reducing the sensitivity of the nerves. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, make a time to talk to your New Farm dentist and discuss the options available to you. We might be able to apply a product in the chair, or recommend one for at-home use, such as sensitive toothpaste. Treatment is straightforward, so talk to your New Farm dentist to find a solution today.