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Dentistry vocabulary · Dental Conditions

Tooth sensitivity

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

nounCore term

In dentistry, tooth sensitivity means: Short, sharp pain in a tooth when it meets cold, heat, sweet food or air, usually because dentin has been exposed by gum recession or wear.

In Turkish: diş hassasiyeti, dentin hassasiyeti

How it is used

Patients say 'My teeth are sensitive to cold.' The clinical name is dentin (or dentine) hypersensitivity. Desensitizing toothpastes, varnishes and bonding agents are the treatments usually discussed.

Example sentences

  1. Tooth sensitivity after whitening usually settles within a few days.

  2. She came in complaining of tooth sensitivity when drinking cold water.

Common collocations

  • tooth sensitivity
  • sensitivity to cold
  • reduce sensitivity
  • desensitizing toothpaste
  • dentinThe yellowish tissue that forms most of a tooth, lying under the enamel and around the pulp. It contains tiny tubes, so it can feel pain when it is exposed.
  • gingival recessionShrinking back of the gum from the tooth, which exposes part of the root. It can be caused by gum disease, brushing too hard or thin gum tissue.
  • erosionLoss of tooth surface caused by acids that do not come from bacteria, such as acidic drinks, fruit, or stomach acid from reflux or vomiting.
  • tooth whiteningA cosmetic treatment that makes teeth lighter with a peroxide gel, applied either in the clinic or at home in custom-made trays.

More terms: Dental Conditions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.