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.

What is Pro-Argin technology and how does it work?

Pro-Argin is produced by Colgate and uses a naturally-occurring amino acid - arginine - and calcium carbonate to seal open dentin tubules.

According to research, Colgate Pro-Argin technology binds to the negatively-charged dentin surface and helps attract a calcium-rich layer into the dentin tubules to effectively plug and seal them, stopping sensitivity triggers from affecting nerve endings.

With regular use, dentin tubules remain closed even after exposure to acids, helping to block pain-producing stimuli.

How long have you been using Pro-Argin in your practice?

It's a new technology and I have been using it on patients who suffer from tooth sensitivity for the past three months.

Is Pro-Argin technology available off-the-shelf?

Pro-Argin technology used to only be available in dentists' offices.

However, Colgate has recently launched Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste for everyday consumers, and it is the only toothpaste featuring Pro-Argin technology available off-the-shelf.

I believe Colgate also has a line of toothbrushes and mouthwash specifically for sensitive teeth sufferers that complement it.

How effective is Pro-Argin technology?

In my practice, I have used lots of Colgate products and they have delivered consistently. In fact, I have been using Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief myself for a particular tooth that was prone to sensitivity and am glad to vouch for its effectiveness. I don't wince every time I eat or drink something cold.

Most people will see best results after regular use of Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief for a month. Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief is what I usually recommend to my patients.