The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a hospital clinic population in Hong Kong

J Dent. 2003 Sep;31(7):453-61. doi: 10.1016/s0300-5712(03)00092-7.

Abstract

Objectives: Dentine hypersensitivity is a common clinical finding with a wide variation in prevalence values. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and to examine some associated aetiological factors in a cross-sectional study of patients visiting the Periodontology and Oral Hygiene Clinic at Prince Phillip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong over a three-week period.

Methods: 226 patients were examined over a three-week period using a triple syringe to administer a blast of cold air to confirm the diagnosis of dentine hypersensitivity. Additional factors such as smoking habits, initiating stimuli, gingival recession and cervical tooth surface loss were noted.

Results: 153 patients were diagnosed as having dentine hypersensitivity, giving a prevalence figure of 67.7%. The commonest teeth affected were the lower incisors and the commonest initiating factor was cold drinks.

Conclusions: The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a hospital periodontology clinic population in Hong Kong was 67.7%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Beverages / adverse effects
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dental Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Dentin Sensitivity / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Gingival Recession / epidemiology
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incisor / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Tooth Abrasion / epidemiology
  • Tooth Cervix / pathology