Dentin sensitivity, commonly known as “back teeth”, has become one of the most common oral diseases in China, with nearly one-third of adults suffering from dentin sensitivity. Patients feel that since some time their teeth have become delicate, hot, cold, sour, sweet and hard foods will cause tooth pain and discomfort, and they are afraid to open their mouths outdoors in winter. So what causes dentin sensitivity? In short, it is caused by the exposure of dentin. Under normal circumstances, the surface of dentin should be covered with enamel and bone, which is like a protective coat to block external stimuli from entering the tooth directly. When enamel or bone is missing in some parts of the tooth due to wear and tear, the dentin is exposed directly to the mouth and external stimuli are transmitted unimpeded through the dentin tubules, which are channels in the dentin, to the inner pulp, thus causing pain. What are the factors that can lead to dentin exposure and thus dentin sensitivity? There are four main points. First, improper brushing is the primary cause of dentin sensitivity. We brush our teeth every day, but do you know what is involved in brushing? Some people are accustomed to the horizontal brushing method, and the force of brushing is too large, and in the long run the enamel and bone of the tooth neck is worn, the dentin will be exposed, and even produce visible defects. In addition, the quality of toothbrushes and toothpaste is also important, the bristles of toothbrushes are too hard, and the friction agent in toothpaste is too rough, which will also cause irreversible damage to teeth. Second, receding gums due to periodontal disease is another important risk factor for dentin sensitivity. In patients with periodontal disease, the gums recede due to the destruction of periodontal tissue, and the roots of the teeth are exposed. The bone on the surface of the roots is thin and easily worn, leading to a faster and more extensive exposure of dentin. Third, some people like to eat hard foods such as hazelnuts, fava beans, etc. Some people have the problem of grinding their teeth at night, and the enamel on the biting surface of the teeth is worn away, and the exposed dentin becomes sensitive. Fourth, acidic food is easy to cause tooth sensitivity, especially carbonated beverages on the corrosion of the teeth can not be ignored. Nowadays, teenagers drink a lot of carbonated beverages, and it is also very common that acidic substances can cause enamel demineralization and dentin exposure, thus causing dentin sensitivity. Dentin sensitivity is known as the “flu of oral diseases” and is often overlooked. Although many people suffer from dentin sensitivity every day, they do not know that it is a disease and can be treated, and have been suffering in silence. In fact, the oral “cold” should also be taken seriously, we can not cover the cheeks to live. Now there are many ways to treat dentin sensitivity, the most simple and effective, the least damaging method than desensitizing toothpaste, now available on the market desensitizing toothpaste such as comfort, Colgate, cold acid spirit, etc. are a good choice. Some desensitizing toothpastes contain potassium ions to reduce the sensitivity of the nerves, and some contain fluoride to promote the closure of exposed open dentin tubules, thus blocking the transmission of stimuli to the interior of the teeth. “Treatment is better than prevention”, what can be done to prevent dentin sensitivity? Here are five wonderful recipes for you: 1, choose qualified toothbrush, toothpaste, avoid brushing too hard across the brush; 2, actively prevent and treat periodontal disease, prevent gum recession; 3, reduce the intake of acidic food and drinks, do not brush your teeth immediately after eating such food, and brush your teeth after 1 hour; 4, do not eat too hard food, do not chew on the side; 5, use desensitizing toothpaste to control dentin sensitivity, if there is no obvious effect after 4 weeks, promptly seek medical attention.