Dentine hypersensitivity in Jordanian dental attenders. A case control study

Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is a common painful condition which affects a significant proportion of the adult population.

To investigate the relationship between DH and factors such as gingival recession, oral hygiene practices and smoking in Jordanian adults.

A case control study was performed on dental attenders in the Irbid region of Jordan. A DH group was composed of 126 subjects with a history of sensitivity who also reported discomfort of least two non-carious teeth after an air blast. Each case quantified their personal perception of the severity of pain associated with sensitivity by making a mark on a visual analogue scale The presence and extent of gingival recession was measured on plaster models. An age- and sex-matched control group of 134 subjects who complained of no discomfort was recruited.

Independent predictors of DH in multivariate analysis were whether an individual had noticed their teeth getting longer (P = 0.01), infrequent (less than once per day) toothbrushing (P = 0.001), smoking (P = 0.0006) and the presence of recession >or= 3 mm (P = 0.0005). Within the multivariate analysis, the odds ratio for recession of >or= 3 mm to be associated with sensitivity was 2.80 (confidence interval 1.57-4.99). The number of teeth which responded to an airblast was significantly higher in males (P = 0.0004), smokers (P < 0.0001) and those with recession of >or= 3 mm (P < 0.0001).

It is concluded that DH is associated with gingival recession in Jordanian dental attenders. However, the relationship is complex. Infrequent toothbrushing and smoking, which was almost exclusively a male habit, were also factors associated with DH.