Evaluation of the Prevalence of Dentin Hypersensitivity and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is one of the most common problems in dentistry. Several factors affect DH. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of this problem and identify the associated factors.

In this cross-sectional study, 300 patients who referred to the operative dentistry department of Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, were examined. Demographic information and other related factors were recorded using a questionnaire. One examiner then examined the subjects regarding the potential related clinical factors. DH was evaluated using evaporative and tactile tests and was categorized using the visual analog scale (VAS). Descriptive data were presented as frequency and mean. Chi-Square test was used to examine the related factors at the significance level of 0.05.

The overall prevalence of DH was 21%. The correlation of horizontal brushing technique (P<0.005), hard toothbrushes (P<0.0001), gingival recession (P<0.0001), history of gingival surgery (P<0.001), tooth wear (P<0.001), traumatic occlusion (P<0.005), and bleaching toothpastes (P<0.005) with DH prevalence was significant.

According to the results, high awareness about DH and its associated factors is mandatory.