Prevalence, etiology, and distribution of dentin hypersensitivity among ghanaian adults

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) has been known to adversely affect a person's daily activities, including a person's ability to eat, drink, and engage in the appropriate oral hygiene practices. Literature about DH in Africa as a continent and in Ghana is limited.

A cross-sectional study approach was used, and 500 participants were sampled using consecutive sampling. Respondents completed the questionnaire and oral examination. DH was clinically measured by cold air stimulation, and pain was rated using the Schiff cold air score.

Almost half (212 out of 500) participants experienced DH, with an equal male-to-female ratio (1:1). Respondents had DH significantly impact drinking (47.3%) (P < 0.0004), rather than eating and brushing (26.5 and 26.1%). Thus, a significant number of sufferers (67.7%) did something about their pain (P < 0.001), with the majority (38.3%) visiting their dentist, while 27.8% bought over-the-counter desensitizing agents and 23.9% opting for a warm saltwater rinse. Patients who responded to cold air stimulation were 71.8% and were found to have either a form of tooth wear or gingival recession. More than half of the respondents (71.8%) responded to cold air simulation, with the majority (46.2%) experiencing a Schiff pain score of 1.

The prevalence of DH out of 500 participants was 42.4%, with most patients in the age group of 30-50 (44%) years, followed by >50 (34%) years and the rest below 30 years. There should be renewed public education on DH to help in the prevention and treatment of this condition.