Dentin hypersensitivity: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}} {{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = Dentin hypersensitivity
| image                  = [[File:Tooth_Section.svg|250px]]
| caption                = Cross-section of a tooth showing dentin
| field                  = [[Dentistry]]
| synonyms                = Dentinal sensitivity, root sensitivity
| symptoms                = Sharp pain in response to stimuli such as cold, hot, sweet, or touch
| onset                  = Can occur at any age, but more common in adults
| duration                = Can be temporary or chronic
| causes                  = [[Gingival recession]], [[tooth wear]], [[dental erosion]], [[bruxism]]
| risks                  = Poor oral hygiene, aggressive tooth brushing, acidic diet
| diagnosis              = Clinical examination, patient history
| differential            = [[Dental caries]], [[pulpitis]], [[cracked tooth syndrome]]
| prevention              = Proper oral hygiene, use of desensitizing toothpaste, avoiding acidic foods
| treatment              = Desensitizing agents, fluoride varnishes, dental bonding
| frequency              = Affects up to 57% of the adult population
| deaths                  = Not applicable
}}
'''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' (also known as '''Sensitive Teeth''') is a common dental condition characterized by sharp, sudden pain in the teeth when exposed to certain stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances. It is often caused by the exposure of [[dentin]], the layer of tooth beneath the enamel, due to enamel erosion or gum recession.
'''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' (also known as '''Sensitive Teeth''') is a common dental condition characterized by sharp, sudden pain in the teeth when exposed to certain stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances. It is often caused by the exposure of [[dentin]], the layer of tooth beneath the enamel, due to enamel erosion or gum recession.
==Causes==
==Causes==
The primary cause of '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' is the exposure of dentin. Dentin contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. A hard outer layer of enamel protects the dentin within the crown part of the tooth, and the dentin extending down to the root of the tooth is covered by cementum. When the dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, these tubules allow heat, cold, acidic or even sticky substances to reach the nerves inside the tooth, causing pain.
The primary cause of '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' is the exposure of dentin. Dentin contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. A hard outer layer of enamel protects the dentin within the crown part of the tooth, and the dentin extending down to the root of the tooth is covered by cementum. When the dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, these tubules allow heat, cold, acidic or even sticky substances to reach the nerves inside the tooth, causing pain.
Common factors that contribute to dentin hypersensitivity include:
Common factors that contribute to dentin hypersensitivity include:
* [[Tooth decay]]
* [[Tooth decay]]
* [[Gum disease]]
* [[Gum disease]]
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* Teeth grinding
* Teeth grinding
* Tooth whitening products
* Tooth whitening products
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
The main symptom of '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' is a sharp, sudden pain in response to stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances. This pain can be intermittent or constant depending on the severity of the condition.
The main symptom of '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' is a sharp, sudden pain in response to stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances. This pain can be intermittent or constant depending on the severity of the condition.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' is typically made by a [[dentist]] during a dental examination. The dentist may use a spray of air or cold water on the teeth to determine the location of the sensitivity. Dental X-rays may also be used to rule out other possible causes of the pain such as a cavity or abscess.
Diagnosis of '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' is typically made by a [[dentist]] during a dental examination. The dentist may use a spray of air or cold water on the teeth to determine the location of the sensitivity. Dental X-rays may also be used to rule out other possible causes of the pain such as a cavity or abscess.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment for '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' focuses on blocking the exposed tubules in the dentin to prevent the stimuli from reaching the nerves. This can be achieved through the use of desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride gels, or dental procedures such as bonding, crowns, or root canals.
Treatment for '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' focuses on blocking the exposed tubules in the dentin to prevent the stimuli from reaching the nerves. This can be achieved through the use of desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride gels, or dental procedures such as bonding, crowns, or root canals.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Prevention of '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' involves maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent the erosion of enamel and gum recession. This includes regular brushing and flossing, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, and regular dental check-ups.
Prevention of '''Dentin Hypersensitivity''' involves maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent the erosion of enamel and gum recession. This includes regular brushing and flossing, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, and regular dental check-ups.
 
== Dentin hypersensitivity gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Odontoblast_diagram.png|Diagram illustrating odontoblasts, the cells responsible for dentin formation.
File:CinnamylAlcoholOnPetriDish.jpg|Image of cinnamyl alcohol on a petri dish, used in dental research.
</gallery>
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Tooth enamel]]
* [[Tooth enamel]]
* [[Tooth decay]]
* [[Tooth decay]]
* [[Gum disease]]
* [[Gum disease]]
[[Category:Dental conditions]]
[[Category:Dental conditions]]
[[Category:Oral hygiene]]
[[Category:Oral hygiene]]
[[Category:Tooth pathology]]
[[Category:Tooth pathology]]
{{Dental-stub}}
{{Dental-stub}}
{{Medicine-stub}}
{{Medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 00:37, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Dentin hypersensitivity
Synonyms Dentinal sensitivity, root sensitivity
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Sharp pain in response to stimuli such as cold, hot, sweet, or touch
Complications N/A
Onset Can occur at any age, but more common in adults
Duration Can be temporary or chronic
Types N/A
Causes Gingival recession, tooth wear, dental erosion, bruxism
Risks Poor oral hygiene, aggressive tooth brushing, acidic diet
Diagnosis Clinical examination, patient history
Differential diagnosis Dental caries, pulpitis, cracked tooth syndrome
Prevention Proper oral hygiene, use of desensitizing toothpaste, avoiding acidic foods
Treatment Desensitizing agents, fluoride varnishes, dental bonding
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Affects up to 57% of the adult population
Deaths Not applicable


Dentin Hypersensitivity (also known as Sensitive Teeth) is a common dental condition characterized by sharp, sudden pain in the teeth when exposed to certain stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances. It is often caused by the exposure of dentin, the layer of tooth beneath the enamel, due to enamel erosion or gum recession.

Causes[edit]

The primary cause of Dentin Hypersensitivity is the exposure of dentin. Dentin contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. A hard outer layer of enamel protects the dentin within the crown part of the tooth, and the dentin extending down to the root of the tooth is covered by cementum. When the dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, these tubules allow heat, cold, acidic or even sticky substances to reach the nerves inside the tooth, causing pain. Common factors that contribute to dentin hypersensitivity include:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Vigorous tooth brushing
  • Acidic foods and drinks
  • Teeth grinding
  • Tooth whitening products

Symptoms[edit]

The main symptom of Dentin Hypersensitivity is a sharp, sudden pain in response to stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances. This pain can be intermittent or constant depending on the severity of the condition.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of Dentin Hypersensitivity is typically made by a dentist during a dental examination. The dentist may use a spray of air or cold water on the teeth to determine the location of the sensitivity. Dental X-rays may also be used to rule out other possible causes of the pain such as a cavity or abscess.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for Dentin Hypersensitivity focuses on blocking the exposed tubules in the dentin to prevent the stimuli from reaching the nerves. This can be achieved through the use of desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride gels, or dental procedures such as bonding, crowns, or root canals.

Prevention[edit]

Prevention of Dentin Hypersensitivity involves maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent the erosion of enamel and gum recession. This includes regular brushing and flossing, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding acidic foods and drinks, and regular dental check-ups.

Dentin hypersensitivity gallery[edit]

See also[edit]


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