A cross-sectional study of dentine hypersensitivity in China.

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a cross-sectional study of the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and related risk factors in Chengdu City, China.

METHODS

A total of 1,320 subjects were distributed equally in six communities in Chengdu City and of all age groups (10 years for an age group) including the same number of male and female subjects in each community. Each subject completed a structured interview and the subjects who reported hypersensitivity were examined further using a triple syringe to administer a blast of cold air to confirm the diagnosis of dentine hypersensitivity. Periodontal attachment loss and gingival recession of all sensitive teeth were measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity was 25.5% in the oral test. Only 16.6% of subjects who reported hypersensitivity symptoms had received desensitising treatment. 50-59 year age group was the cohort with the greatest number of subjects with DH and the premolar was the most commonly affected tooth. Low education level, gingival recession, and attachment loss were related to dentine hypersensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in an urban adult population in Chengdu City was 25.5%.