Prevalence and Distribution of Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity in a Greek Population

Background and aims. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in an adult population in Greece. Materials and methods. Eight hundred patients participated in the present study, including 380 males and 420 females with an age range of 18 64 years. All the subjects answered questions regarding gender, age, educational level, teeth affected and any factor that initiated dentin hypersensitivity. This was followed by a clinical examination involving assessment of sensitive teeth per patient and any buccal gingival recession associated with sensitive teeth. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results. Our findings showed that 13.5% of the patients had dentine hypersensitivity. Prevalence of hypersensitivity in females (15%) was not significantly higher (p=0.465) than males (11.8%). The mean number of sensitive teeth per patient showed a peak in the 35 44 age group and then reduced slowly in the older and younger cohorts. The teeth most commonly affected by dentin hypersensitivity were the first and second premolars of both jaws followed by the canines of both jaws. The majority (82.5%) of sensitive teeth had at least 1-3 mm of gingival recession. Pain-initiating stimuli frequently observed were the consumption of cold drinks followed by consumption of hot drinks and tooth-brushing. A statistically significant difference was recorded between dentin hypersensitivity and educational level (p=0.045). Conclusions. The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in an adult population sample in Greece was 13.5% and the mean number of sensitive teeth per patient was observed to increase with age.