Dentinal Hypersensitivity

Dentinal Hypersensitivity is a common phenomenon affecting several patients worldwide. Due to clinical symptoms closely resembling other conditions such as Cracked tooth syndrome, Reversible pulpitis etc? it is, unfortunately, a largely under reported and misdiagnosed condition. It is characterized by sharp and transient tooth pain precipitated by exposure of dentin to external oral environment. The clinical cause of dentin hypersensitivity is exposed dentinal tubules, resulting from gingival recession and subsequent loss of cementum on root surfaces. (6) Various exogenous stimuli induce this response, including introduction of hot or cold food and drinks into the mouth, sweet food items, and acidic beverages (eg: Pepsi, Coca Cola and other soft drinks), brushing of teeth etc. . Clinical procedures such as tooth bleaching and whitening treatments are also reported to invoke hypersensitivity. (8) The treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity involves 3 general principal strategies. The exposed tubules can be covered through application of dental restorative techniques or gingival grafts. The tubules can be plugged or blocked using compounds that precipitate together into a sufficiently large mass to occlude the tubules. (6) The nerve tissue may also be desensitized through use of desensitizing agents. Hypersensitivity is influenced by the health and characteristics of the teeth and periodontium, as well as the oral environment and external factors. Predisposition to hypersensitivity is multifactorial. Risk factors are numerous, often acting synergistically and always influenced by individual susceptibility. Susceptible individuals are those with poor oral hygiene, bruxism and other such detrimental oral habits, periodontitis, gingival recession, and patients undergoing periodontal treatments of any kind. Treatment options involve pain management and gradual cessation of adverse symptoms. Treatment procedures can be carried out in - office or at - home, as a wide selection of over the counter medication and products are available to patients at pharmacies and drug stores.