#65 - Dental sensitivity

Welcome to the new episode of the podcast Oral Diseases! Dental sensitivity, or dental hypersensitivity, is characterized by a short, sharp, and localized pain triggered by thermal, tactile, osmotic, or chemical stimuli, in the absence of other conditions such as caries or pulpitis. The most widely accepted mechanism is the hydrodynamic theory, in which dentin exposure—commonly associated with gingival recession, abrasion, erosion, attrition, or clinical procedures—allows fluid movement within the dentinal tubules, stimulating pulpal nerve endings and producing pain. Clinically, it presents as transient pain, often triggered by cold stimuli, which subsides after the stimulus is removed. Treatment mainly involves the occlusion of dentinal tubules using desensitizing agents, along with guidance on preventive measures such as proper oral hygiene and the control of habits that contribute to dentin exposure.