Dental pain is extremely common in the UK and can severely reduce the quality of life when it is associated with eating, drinking or speech. Patients often present complaining of a short, sharp, stabbing pain from hot or cold air, foods or drinks: while this may be caused by tooth decay, failing fillings or cracks in teeth, a major cause is sensitivity from exposed dentine. Treatment varies from dietary control, desensitising toothpastes to protection with dentine-bonding agents and glass ionomers. In extreme cases elective devitalisation is necessary.