Dealing with sensitive teeth.

Abstract

Dental pain is extremely common in the UK and can severely reduce the quality of life when it is associated with eating, drinking or speech. Patients often present complaining of a short, sharp, stabbing pain from hot or cold air, foods or drinks: while this may be caused by tooth decay, failing fillings or cracks in teeth, a major cause is sensitivity from exposed dentine. Treatment varies from dietary control, desensitising toothpastes to protection with dentine-bonding agents and glass ionomers. In extreme cases elective devitalisation is necessary.