A cross-sectional study of dentine hypersensitivity and predisposing factors at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand: A pilot study

Abstract

Background : The study of dentine hypersensitivity and predisposing factors may help decrease dentine hypersensitivity and support treatments in patients.

Objectives : To investigate possible factors of dentine hypersensitivity among Thai patients visiting King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Design : A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Setting : King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

Materials and Methods : Sixty-eight patients were recruited and evaluated to confirm that they were suffering from dentine hypersensitivity due to gingival recession or cervical erosion. Patients with hypersensitivity from other factors were excluded. Hypersensitivity was measured by using cold water and tactile stimuli and a visual analog scale (VAS). Accepted VAS score was 3 to 10. Details of each patient were collected via a questionnaire. Patients were also measured any buccal gingival recession. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.

Results : Subjects’ ages ranged from 26 to 70 years (mean ± SD = 45.9 ± 9.5). The highest number of patients with dentine hypersensitivity belonged to the group of 41 - 50 years. Females elicited a higher prevalence of dentine hypersensitive teeth. Most sensitive teeth were the premolars and first molars. Overall mean of sensitive teeth per patient was 4.1. Mode of duration belonged to the 0 - 0.5 year group. Mean amount of gingival recession was 1.3 mm. Major stimuli causing hypersensitivity were cold drinks, sour food, and improper tooth brushing. The least cause was hot drinks. High fiber food, sour food, and sour fruit were most associated with sensitive teeth, and to a lesser extent were hard food and sticky food. Improper tooth brushing methods (scrubbing, up and down brushing) were also related to dentine hypersensitivity. We found statistically significant relationship between VAS score and the sour food. No statistically significant relationship between VAS score and food type or brushing method were found.

Conclusion : Most patients with dentine hypersensitivity were 41 - 50 years old. The premolars and molars are the most sensitive teeth to stimuli. The presence and history of dentine hypersensitivity are associated with patients’ diet and tooth brushing method.