Aetiology, prevalence and clinical features of cervical dentine sensitivity

Cervical dentine sensitivity (CDS) is a painful response to thermal, physical or chemical stimulation of the cervical area of the tooth. The reported prevalence of this clinical condition ranges from 8 to 35% depending on the population studied and methodology used to evaluate CDS. Detailed epidemiology is lacking with regard to possible causal factors. Well conducted studies in larger populations using accepted standardized methodology for both questionnaire and clinical examination are essential if these factors are to be identified and the condition successfully prevented and treated. This paper reviews current literature on the prevalence, aetiology and oral distribution of this troublesome condition.