DENTINE HYPERSENSITIVITY;

FREQUENCY OF DENTINE HYPERSENSITIVITY AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH IT AMONG PATIENTS VISITING ALLIED HOSPITAL FAISALABAD

Abstract

Introduction: Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH) is a common oral health issue of interlinking causes. It can affect one or more teeth and followers of any age group. It is a painful consequence of exposed dentinal tubules of a vital tooth. There is an increased cognizance that DH has become an important condition that requires investigation from the diagnostic and problem management paradigm. The objectives of this study are to estimate the frequency of dentine hypersensitivity, to investigate various factors associated with this health problem and to determine which teeth are commonly affected amongst patients visiting Allied Hospital Faisalabad (AHF). Study Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study. Setting: Diagnostic Department of Allied hospital Faisalabad. Period:1^st December 2016 to 31^th December 2016. Material and Methods: After taking permission from Head of Department and Medical Superintendent of Allied Hospital Faisalabad. Two hundred patients were examined after taking verbal consent. Clinical examination form/ questionnaire was used to investigate and diagnose dentine hypersensitivity. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and variables were determined using Chi-square tests (p < 0.05 considered significant). Results: Out of two hundred patients, forty-seven were found be having dentine hypersensitivity, resulting frequency of dentine hypersensitivity in this sample was 23.5% and there was significant association between dentine hypersensitivity and factors i.e. erosion, attrition and gingival recession but near significant association for gastric reflux and no association for abrasion. It was more common in females and in age group of 18-30 years. Lower incisors were commonly affected teeth and predominantly affected site was buccal surface. Cold was the most common stimulus. Gingival recession was the most common factor. Conclusion: There was association between dentine hypersensitivity and its associated risk factors like gingival recession, attrition and erosion. Patients with hypersensitivity are more likely to be younger, to be female, to have a high prevalence of gingival recession and using horizontal tooth brushing technique.