Dentine Hypersensitivity and Its Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted on Patients Visiting Dental Hospital of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and to analyze different factors associated with dentine hypersensitivity among the patients visiting the dental outpatient department of Bahria University medical and dental college Karachi. METHODOLOGY:A Cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted over a period of seven months among 366 patients visiting the dental OPD of Bahria University Medical and Dental College. Survey utilized for this study was adopted from the study conducted by Braimoh and Ilochonwu. All participants answered questions related to knowledge regarding dentine hypersensitivity, factors hurting the teeth, measures taken to reduce the pain and teeth commonly affected. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The frequency of DH was 36% among the surveyed respondents. DH was considerably higher in females as compared to males. A total of 36.6% males and 50.8% females had awareness regarding DH. While 19% male and 17% female patients chewed from one side of mouth. Vigorous brushing of teeth was noted in 16% males whereas brushing for longer duration was identified in 15.3% of females. Maxillary posteriors were most sensitive teeth. CONCLUSION: The frequency of DH among the patients was 36.3% with a predilection for females gender. Cold foods were commonly identified factors for causing sensitivity in teeth. KEY WORDS: Dentine hypersensitivity, Dental patients, Frequency, Cross sectional study. HOW TO CITE: Alam BF, Khan U, Abbasi N, Nayab T. Dentine hypersensitivity and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study conducted on patients visiting dental hospital of karachi, pakistan.

Frequency of Dentine Hypersensitivity and their Associated Risk Factors Amongst the Patients Visiting the Dental Outpatient Department

“…The overall frequency of dentine hypersensitivity was observed in 98 (35%) patients in our study. This frequency of dentine hypersensitivity is almost similar to a previous study carried out in China 14 . A previous study carried out in India reported 52.5% frequency of dentine hypersensitivity which is higher than our findings 18 .…”

“…UAE and Hong Kong both had much higher rates, at 27% and 68%, correspondingly 11,12 . Additionally, locally performed research in Karachi found a much higher frequency of 36.4%, whereas research in Lahore showed that 22% of patients have dentine .hypersensitivity 13,14 . There is little information available in Pakistan on how much the general public is familiar of dentine hypersensitivity.…”