Etiology and Management of Hypersensitivity of Teeth - A Review

Hypersensitivity of teeth is a common clinical condition usually associated with exposed dentinal tubules. It is predominantly found in patients belonging to 20-60 years of age and most commonly affects the canines and premolars of both the arches. This article concisely reviews the etiology, patho-physiology, mechanism and management of dentin hypersensitivity. Treatment of dentin hypersensitivity should start with an accurate diagnosis and removal of the etiology. Differential diagnosis should be made and all other probable causes should be excluded. An often neglected phase of clinical management of dentin hypersensitivity is the identification and treatment of the causative factors. By removing the etiological factors, the condition can be even prevented from occurring or recurring. There are various treatment modalities available which can be used at home or may be professionally applied. The “at home” desensitizing agents include toothpastes, mouthwashes or chewing gums and they act by either occluding the dentinal tubules or blocking the neural transmission. The in-office treatments include application of potassium nitrate, fluorides, adhesive resins, copal varnish and oxalates. This article also discusses the recent treatment options like carbonated nano hydroxyapatite crystals bioglass, calcium silicate derivative of Portland cement, lasers and casein phosphopeptide.