Pereira R, Gillam DG, Pathak T and Satyamurthy P
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH) in an Indian population and to assess the factors associated with this condition.
Methods: 4200 subjects were examined in the Out-Patient Department (OPD) at the MGM Dental College, Navi Mumbai City. Patients who complained of dentine hypersensitivity were given the questionnaire to complete, in order to obtain the following information, demographics, dental history, eating habits and DH symptom data, and associated known factors relating to DH. In total 548 questionnaires were completed. Oral examinations assessed DH in participants who reported DH in at least one of their teeth. The subjects also quantified the severity of DH on 10-digit visual analogue scale. The diagnosis of DH was established by a short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentine in response to triplesyringe air blast and explorer probe of the tooth surface.
Results: The prevalence of self-reported DH was 13%; and that of clinically diagnosed DH was 8.2%. Numerically more males were examined compared to females although there were no differences in the prevalence of DH between the two groups. DH. The peak prevalence of DH was in the 30-39 years age group. Mandibular central incisors and first molars were significantly the most affected teeth. Cold (89.4%) was the most common cause of DH. Those subjects having moderate sensitivity for ≤ 6 months resorted to home remedies of brushing with a desensitizing paste to relieve the problem rather than visit their local dentist. However only 41 (8.8%) of the total participants claimed to have attended a dental practice.
Conclusion: The results from the study would suggest that DH is a common prevalent dental condition in India. Although the condition appears to cause a degree of noticeable discomfort, most patients choose to either ignore the condition or simply tolerate it. Therefore, it can be assumed that the condition does not cause a significant effect on the quality of life or life style of the individual complaining of the problem.