SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND CLINICAL-FEATURES OF HYPERSENSITIVE TEETH

Tooth hypersensitivity is associated with exposure of the dentine to t he external environment of the mouth. This exposure can result from lo ss of enamel by processes including abrasion and erosion, or by denuda tion of the root surface as a result of gingival recession or periodon tal treatments. Dentine hypersensitivity can be described as an advers e reaction or pain in one or more teeth resulting from either a therma l, chemical, bacterial or mechanical stimulus. Painful symptoms arisin g from exposed dentine are a common finding in adults and reportedly a ffect as many as one in every seven patients attending for dental trea tment. Although predisposition to dentinal hypersensitivity is multifa ctorial, enamel loss as well as gingival recession may be more severe with advancing age. Because of the greater longevity of people who are also keeping their teeth longer, hypersensitivity is a growing concer n. Clinical studies show that individuals with less than adequate plaq ue control experience more root hypersensitivity to air stimuli than o thers with better oral hygiene. Although plaque does not alter the pul pal threshold, i.e. has no effect on the pulp, it seems that microbial plaque has an effect on root sensitivity.