Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Narrative Review of Diagnostic Approaches and Treatment Strategies

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common clinical condition characterized by transient, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to thermal, tactile, chemical, or osmotic stimuli. Diagnosis of DH requires a systematic and exclusion-based process, incorporating detailed patient history, clinical examination, and stimulus-based tests such as evaporative air, tactile probing, and thermal assessment. Differential diagnosis is essential to distinguish DH from conditions with similar presentations, including caries, cracked tooth syndrome, pulpitis, and periodontal pathology. Evidence-based management strategies encompass both in-office and at-home interventions. In-office treatments such as fluoride varnishes, resin sealants, oxalate compounds, bioglass materials, and laser therapy primarily function by occluding dentinal tubules or altering nerve response. At-home strategies, including desensitizing dentifrices containing potassium salts, stannous fluoride, arginine-calcium carbonate, or bioactive glass, provide sustained symptom reduction when used consistently. Current literature supports a multimodal, individualized approach that targets both the etiology and symptomatic treatment of DH. Continued research into biomimetic materials and long-term efficacy studies is needed to optimize treatment protocols. A structured diagnostic protocol paired with individualized treatment selection remains the cornerstone of successful hypersensitivity management. This review underscores the importance of structured diagnosis and evidence-based, patient-centered treatment planning for effective management of DH.