Prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity in a General Dental Practice in Greece

Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a sample of patients visiting a general dental practice. Study design: The study population consisted of 1,450 patients, 690 males and 760 females, aged 18-69 years. All individuals were clinically examined and answered questions regarding variables such as gender, age, educational level, occupation status, teeth affected and any factor that initiated the sensitivity. The clinical examination involved assessment of sensitive teeth per patient, while the amount of buccal gingival recession associated with the sensitive teeth was also recorded. Statistical analysis performed by using methods of descriptive statistics and chi square-test. Results: Two hundred and sixty four patients were diagnose as having dentine hypersensitivity, giving a prevalence rate 18.2% . Prevalence rate for hypersensitivity in females (19.34%) was significantly higher (p=0.0015) than males (16.95%). The mean number of sensitive teeth per patient showed a peak in the 40-49 year age group in males and in 60-69 year age group in females. The commonest teeth affected by dentine hypersensitivity were the first and second premolars, the canines and the first molars of maxilla and mandible. The majority (85.9%) of sensitive teeth had at least 1-3 mm of gingival recession while the most commonest pain-initiating stimuli was the consumption of cold drinks (56.1%). A statistically significant difference recorded between dentine hypersensitivity and educational level (p=0.00094). Conclusions: The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in the adult sample of the present study was 18.5%. There was also a tendency for the patients with sensitive teeth to come from higher social classes.