The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in general dental practice in the UK

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a cross-sectional study of patients visiting general dental practitioners in the South West region of the UK over a period of 1 calendar month.

Method: Twelve dental practitioners examined 3593 patients over a period of 1 calendar month and 137 patients were diagnosed as having dentine hypersensitivity, giving a prevalence figure of 3.8%.

Results: The commonest teeth affected were the upper premolar and molar teeth and the commonest initiating factor was cold drinks.

Conclusions: The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in general dental practice in the UK was 3.8%.