Dentine Hypersensitivity: Review of a Common Oral Health Problem

Dentine hypersensitivity remains an enigma. Although, it is known to usually present with sharp, short pain caused by one or more external stimuli, it is often inadequately understood. Controversies therefore abound concerning the appropriate terminology for the condition, variations in prevalence, and what is most important to the patients suffering from the condition - a treatment that provides immediate relief with long lasting effect. Available interventions using desensitizing agents provide only temporary relief. The interest of dental practitioners and researchers in dentine hypersensitivity remains very high as it is still a common complaint among patients globally. The myriad array of treatments available and claims of efficacy has not lessened the clinician’s dilemma. As a guide and update for clinicians, the aim of this paper is to review the published literature and provide current opinion on the prevalence, aetiology, mechanism, clinical features, treatment as well as the concept of oral health related quality of life among patients with dentine hypersensitivity. A manual and PubMed literature search was conducted using the keywords: dentine hypersensitivity, tooth sensitivity, cervical dentine hypersensitivity, root dentine hypersensitivity in combination with the words prevalence, epidemiology, diagnosis, mechanism, aetiology, clinical features, treatment, oral health or quality of life. The recently developed treatment agents appear promising but will require more randomized clinical trials. Dentine hypersensitivity remains a common condition with significant effect on daily life. The incorporation of a measure of oral health related quality of life is recommended as one of the outcome measures for new treatment modalities.