OVERVIEW

What is Dentin Hypersensitivity?

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH), also known as tooth sensitivity, is commonly referred to as "tooth sensitivity" or "sensitive teeth" in everyday language. It refers to a transient soreness or sensitivity in teeth triggered by external stimuli such as temperature changes (hot or cold), sweet or sour foods, or mechanical forces. These symptoms occur due to the loss of the tooth's protective outer layer.

Its characteristics include rapid onset, sharp pain, and short duration, often significantly affecting the patient's diet and daily life.

For mild cases, desensitizing agents can be used. However, if there is visible tooth structure loss, dental fillings are recommended. If the damage extends deep into the dental pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary.

Is Dentin Hypersensitivity Common?

The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity ranges from 3% to 73%, with the highest occurrence in individuals aged 20–40. It is more common in women than in men, and the canines and first premolars are most frequently affected.

SYMPTOMS

What are the manifestations of dentin hypersensitivity?

Patients with dentin hypersensitivity often experience transient toothache and sensitivity after brushing teeth, exposure to cold wind, drinking cold beverages, or chewing hard foods. Once the stimulus is removed, the symptoms quickly disappear. These symptoms typically occur rapidly, involve sharp pain, and are short-lived.

CAUSES

How Does Dentin Hypersensitivity Occur?

The sensation of teeth originates from the pulp at the very center of the tooth. Under normal circumstances, the pulp is protected by thick layers of dentin and enamel, making it difficult for external stimuli to reach the deep pulp.

However, if dentin is directly exposed to the oral environment, its surface contains numerous microscopic "pores" that can more easily transmit external stimuli to the inner tooth. As a result, the tooth may feel "sore," which is the cause of dentin sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity.

What Common Conditions Can Lead to Dentin Exposure?

Enamel wear (such as wedge-shaped defects), tooth fractures, severe cavities, gum recession caused by periodontitis, and other factors can contribute. Alveolar bone dehiscence or fenestration, overly fragile gum tissue, and iatrogenic factors may remove the protective cementum on the root surface, while tooth wear, abrasion, or erosion can strip away the protective enamel on the crown.

Iatrogenic factors mainly include sensitivity caused by teeth whitening, post-tooth preparation sensitivity, and sensitivity resulting from periodontal treatment.

DIAGNOSIS

How to Identify Dentin Hypersensitivity?

Dentin hypersensitivity can be determined by its typical symptoms. If you experience related symptoms, it is advisable to visit a dental clinic promptly. The dentist may use a probe to glide over the tooth surface to locate sensitive areas, confirm whether it is dentin hypersensitivity, and identify potential causes.

TREATMENT

Which department should I visit for dentin hypersensitivity?

Dentistry.

How is dentin hypersensitivity treated?

Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause.

• For mild sensitivity, desensitizing medications can be used, with fluoride being a common approach, along with some emerging biomaterials.
• If there is already visible tooth structure loss, filling materials are recommended for restoration.
• If the surface damage extends deep into the dental pulp (tooth nerve), root canal treatment becomes an option.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

What should be noted in diet?

Avoid strong irritants such as cold, hot, sour, or sweet foods, and refrain from biting hard objects. There are no other specific dietary restrictions—maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

What should be noted in daily life?

For daily precautions, please refer to the "Prevention" section.

PREVENTION

What preventive measures are there?

• In daily life, it is most important to pay attention to the correctness of brushing techniques. The modified Bass technique is the most widely recommended brushing method. At the same time, avoid brushing horizontally with excessive force or using a "sawing" motion.

• Additionally, remember to undergo a specialized dental check-up and professional cleaning once a year. This allows timely treatment of potential cavities and the removal of tartar between teeth and gums, preventing further gum recession.

• Furthermore, if you already experience mild tooth sensitivity, you can use desensitizing toothpaste available on the market for brushing or apply it directly to sensitive teeth, which can provide noticeable improvement.