Dentin hypersensitivity: differential diagnosis, tests, and etiology.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DHS) is a painful condition that affects up to 57 percent of the adult population. It occurs as a result of exposure of dentin to the oral environment. Ensuring the correct diagnosis of this condition is based on history and examination. An oral screening for DHS should encompass such elements as patient history, clinical examination that includes radiographs, a variety of tests, identification of risk factors, and a differential diagnosis. An understanding of dentinal fluid and odontoblasts is also beneficial for diagnosis.