Dentine hypersensitivity

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Dentine hypersensitivity is an intense pain felt when the dentin of the teeth are exposed to hot or cold foods or drinks. Pressure can also trigger the acute pain. This sensitivity can be caused by several factors, including worn or decaying teeth and exposed tooth roots.

The rapid flow of liquids in dentinal tubules can trigger nerves along the pulpal canal of the dentin, causing pain. This hydrodynamic flow can be increased by cold, air pressure drying, sugar, sour (dehydrating chemicals), or forces acting onto the tooth.

Treatment can consist of amorphous calcium and phosphate, potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, gluma, fluoride therapy, or calcium sodium phosphosilicate.

Potassium nitrate is commonly used in toothpastes such as Sensodyne or Crest Sensitive as a remedy. There is some dispute about their effectiveness.^[1] Strontium chloride is used in Sensodyne Original toothpaste.

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