ANYONE who's ever enjoyed ice-cream or an ice-cold bowl of cendol on a hot afternoon may also have experienced a sharp pain or sudden discomfort with that first mouthful.

Brain-freeze aside, you can also be experiencing tooth sensitivity - a condition that affects up to 57 per cent of dental patients worldwide.

Based on the Colgate Malaysia Omnibus Study, 14 per cent of Malaysians have reported incidences of tooth sensitivity or dentine hypersensitivity as it is known to your dentist.

The issue of tooth sensitivity is an increasing concern among most people as it undoubtedly impacts their quality of life. Imagine not being able to enjoy your favourite food or drinks!

We talk to Dr Sapna Bhar of Bhar Dental, Penang, to find out more about tooth sensitivity and how you can treat it.

What is tooth sensitivity?

The pain or discomfort of tooth hypersensitivity happens when the dentine, which lies below each individual tooth's hard enamel, becomes exposed.

This can happen when the enamel is destroyed through acidic soda drinks, excessive vomiting, a cracked tooth, constant grinding and even improper brushing.

When the dentine is exposed, microscopic tubes known as tubules convey sensations to sensitive nerve endings, causing discomfort.

What triggers tooth sensitivity?

Excessive hot, cold, sweet or sour stimulation can cause pain and discomfort. However, cold is usually the culprit, such as ice-cold water or ice-cream. Sometimes breathing in air through the mouth can also trigger tooth sensitivity.

How many of your patients experience tooth sensitivity?

Two to three of my daily patients tell me they have tooth sensitivity. In my practice, it is usually due to poor oral hygiene, especially as calculus scaling can also expose sensitive dentine below the gumline during cleaning.

What can you do to prevent or treat tooth sensitivity?

I would advise using a toothpaste that treats sensitivity as well as avoiding triggers that cause pain.

In a professional setting, dentists can reduce sensitivity through Pro-Argin, fluoride or varnish applications.

Because tooth sensitivity can increase with age, it is recommended that people over 35 have dental checkups at least twice a year.