Pattern and distribution of cervical dentine hypersensitivity in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of Cervical Dentine Hypersensitivity in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital and to highlight its pattern of distribution intraorally. Two hundred and twenty subjects, aged 18 to 60 years, attending the Restorative Clinic of the hospital were assessed for dentine hypersensitivity gingival recession and oral hygiene status over a 3 month period. Whereas the sensitivity occurred in 16.3% of the study population, it was seen most frequently in the 31 to 40 year age range (48.5%). Furthermore, the incidence was higher in women (66.7%) than in men (33.3%). Also, it occurred most often in subjects with good oral hygiene (63.6%) and in right handed (81.8%) subjects. It was commonest on the buccal surfaces of teeth (60.6%) canines (39.4%) and mandibular arch (63.6%). Within the limitations of the current study, cervical dentine hypersensitivity was fairly common and it also occurs mostly on the buccal surfaces of teeth, canines and in the mandibular arch.