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Perceptions of dentine hypersensitivity in a general practice population.
D G Gillam1, H S Seo, J S Bulman
1Transcultural Oral Health, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral HealthcareSciences, University of London, UK. david.g.gillam@sb.com
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|October 16, 1999
Summary
Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) affects over half of adults in their thirties, with women more frequently affected. Most patients do not perceive DH as severe and do not seek treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Public Health Dentistry
Background:
- Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) prevalence varies between hospital and general dental practices.
- Understanding DH perception in general practice is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the perception and prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) in a general dental practice setting.
- To compare self-reported DH prevalence with findings from hospital-based studies.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 277 patients in a general dental practice.
- Data collected included self-reported DH prevalence, triggers, and treatment-seeking behavior.
Main Results:
- Self-reported DH prevalence was 52%, peaking in the third decade, with significantly more females affected than males.
- Cold stimuli were the most common trigger for DH. Most patients (75.1%) did not seek treatment, perceiving DH as non-severe.
- Only 23.3% used desensitizing toothpaste; DH following hygiene therapy was infrequent and short-lived.
Conclusions:
- DH prevalence in general practice is substantial, though lower than in specialist settings.
- Patients often underestimate DH severity and do not seek professional dental care.
- Targeted patient education and accessible treatment options are needed for DH management in primary dental care.