Association of tooth wear with dentin hypersensitivity: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The association between tooth wear (TW) and dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is not well understood. This systematic review investigated the role of TW (and etiological factors) as an associated factor for DH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was conducted in five databases with terms related to DH and TW, until April 2025. Three pairs of independent reviewers selected clinical studies reporting on DH and TW (and related etiology) in dentate adults, and performed data extraction. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. A structured narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included, with DH prevalence varying from 8.6% to 84.7%. Many indices were used for TW, the most common being BEWE (n = 8); and for DH, the most common being Schiff (n = 7). DH prevalence was higher in patients with (mean: 42.1%) versus without (18.7%) TW. Similar trends were observed when analyzing teeth with (34.6%) versus without (12.4%) TW. DH was associated with specific acidic diets, parafunctional behaviors, and health and lifestyle factors. There was conflicting evidence associating toothbrushing frequency and technique to DH. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides evidence for a consistent association between DH and TW and some etiological factors, observed across patient- and tooth-level analyses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with TW and/or etiological factors-including dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and parafunctional behaviors-should prompt a thorough evaluation for underlying DH, and vice-versa. Identifying and addressing these factors will help explain the occurrence of DH and guide effective prevention strategies.