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Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is a common issue caused by exposed dentin tubules. Pain is triggered by stimuli like cold or acidic intake. Treatment focuses on identifying the cause and may include fluoride, potassium salts, desensitization, laser, or protective materials.

Author: Carolina Bertilsson • Dental Specialist • Department of Cariology • Gothenburg
Reviewed by: Svante Twetman • Specialist in Pedriatric Dentistry • Professor emeritus • Institute of Odontology • Copenhagen
9 min read
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    This article is based on an original article in Swedish which can be found here

    BACKGROUND

    Sharp pain or hypersensitivity in teeth, also known as sensitivity, is a common symptom among adults. The condition is characterized by a brief, sharp, and stabbing pain followed by lingering pain that lasts for varying durations. Sensitivity usually occurs when teeth are exposed to stimuli such as cold, heat, sweet or acidic foods, and is often associated with exposed dentin (1).

    ETIOLOGY

    Sensitive teeth can have several different causes. The short, sharp pain associated with tooth sensitivity is often related to exposed dentinal tubules (1). Although the neuro-sensory mechanisms of dentin hypersensitivity are not fully mapped, the hydrodynamic theory, proposed as early as the 1960s by a Swedish dentist (2), is generally accepted.

    Fluid movements in the dentinal tubules affect odontoblast processes that signal pain. These fluid movements result from various stimuli such as evaporation (air blasting), thermal (cold), mechanical/tactile (probing, touching), and osmotic stimuli (sugar, acid) (3). Pain can also be triggered by electrical or chemical stimuli. In cases of hypersensitivity, the pain signal is generally generated by non-harmful stimuli (1).

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