Sensitive teeth symptoms present in pain when ones teeth are exposed to hot or cold sensations. The pain can be sharp or lingering depending on the cause of the sensitivity. Worn out tooth enamel, fractured teeth, cracked teeth, cavities or an exposed root canal can all cause sensitive teeth. Each tooth contains small hollow tubes called dentin. When a tooth loses its protective covering, the dentin allows hot or cold to travel down the tooth and stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin is also sometimes exposed as the gum recedes which causes hypersensitivity near the gum line.
Good oral hygiene is a key attribute to preventing damage of the protective covering of the tooth or receding gums. If you brush your teeth incorrectly or even over brush your teeth, these problems may present.
If you have tooth sensitivity, visit your dentist who can prescribe desensitizing tooth products which contain compounds that block sensations that make your tooth hurt.