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Objectives:
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a sample of
patients visiting a general dental practice.
Study design:
The study population consisted of 1,450 patients, 690 males and 760 females, aged 18-69 years.
All individuals were clinically examined and answered questions regarding variables such as gender, age, educational level, occupation status, teeth affected and any factor that initiated the sensitivity. The clinical examination
involved assessment of sensitive teeth per patient, while the amount of buccal gingival recession associated with the sensitive teeth was also recorded. Statistical analysis performed by using methods of descriptive
statistics and chi square-test.
Results:
Two hundred and sixty four patients were diagnose as having dentine hypersensitivity, giving a prevalence
rate 18.2% . Prevalence rate for hypersensitivity in females (19.34%) was significantly higher (p=0.0015) than
males (16.95%). The mean number of sensitive teeth per patient showed a peak in the 40-49 year age group in
males and in 60-69 year age group in females. The commonest teeth affected by dentine hypersensitivity were
the first and second premolars, the canines and the first molars of maxilla and mandible. The majority (85.9%) of
sensitive teeth had at least 1-3 mm of gingival recession while the most commonest pain-initiating stimuli was
the consumption of cold drinks (56.1%). A statistically significant difference recorded between dentine hypersensitivity and educational level (p=0.00094).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in the adult sample of the present study was 18.5%.
There was also a tendency for the patients with sensitive teeth to come from higher social classes
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