Sensitive Teeth: Why It Happens and How We Treat It in Sharjah

Sensitive teeth explained by Dr. Ahmed Abou Foul at aiHealth Medical Center, Sharjah — causes from enamel wear to gum recession, treatments, and when to worry.

Sensitive Teeth: Why It Happens and How We Treat It in Sharjah Tooth sensitivity is the sharp, sudden discomfort you feel when teeth meet something cold, hot, sweet or acidic. It happens when the protective outer layers — enamel on the crown and gum tissue over the roots — wear thin, exposing the dentin underneath with its thousands of microscopic nerve-ending channels. At aiHealth Medical Center in Sharjah, sensitivity is diagnosed and treated by Dr. Ahmed Abou Foul , a specialist periodontist — gum recession, one of the most common and most missed causes of sensitive teeth, is exactly his field. Most cases are treated simply; almost all are treatable. What Tooth Sensitivity Actually Is A healthy tooth is protected: enamel above the gum line, gum tissue and bone below it. Beneath that armor lies dentin, a porous layer threaded by tiny tubules that connect directly to the nerve inside the tooth. When enamel thins or gums recede, those tubules are exposed — and every cold drink, hot soup or sweet bite sends a signal straight to the nerve. Sensitivity is a symptom, not a diagnosis: it always has a cause, and finding that cause is the whole point of an examination. The Most Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth Enamel wear from acidic foods and drinks — citrus, sodas, energy drinks and frequent snacking slowly dissolve enamel. Aggressive or hard brushing — scrubbing with a hard brush wears enamel at the gum line and pushes gums away from the teeth. Gum recession — the gum line drops, exposing the root surface, which has no enamel protection at all. Recession can come from gum disease, grinding, or brushing trauma. Gum disease — inflammation opens the gum seal around the tooth. See our guide to gum disease treatment options at your Sharjah dentist . Teeth grinding (bruxism) — night-time clenching flexes and cracks enamel, especially near the gum line. Tooth decay and cracked teeth — a cavity or a hairline fracture exposes the nerve directly. Sensitivity localized to ONE tooth is a warning sign. Recent dental work or whitening — sensitivity after a cleaning, filling or whitening is common and usually settles within days. Age-related changes — gums naturally recede over decades, and accumulated enamel wear adds up. Sensitive Teeth and Gum Recession: The Periodontist Connection Many patients chase sensitivity with special toothpaste for years without realizing the real…

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