Association Between Etiological Factors and Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study purposed to estimate the prevalence of DH and how effective the etiological factors are in the development of DH in Turkey. Methods: Demographic features, hygiene habits, bruxism, beverage habits, parafunctional habits, smoking, and other medical problems were asked. Air was blasted to the teeth via the air-water syringe for 3 seconds. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to measure DH sensitivity, and data were recorded in the 0-100 mm range, and 5 mm and higher were considered DH. The attrition, abrasion, erosion, abfraction per dental type (Incisal OR Canine OR Premolar OR Molar) were recorded. The same procedure was applied for abnormal tooth position and gingival recession. Results: A total of 4476 teeth and 236 individuals were evaluated. Significantly higher DH frequency was observed in females (p= .034), the 40- 55 age range (p= .009), and non-smokers (p= .016). Those who brushed their teeth three times a day or more (p< .001), preferred horizontal technique (p= .017), used toothbrushes with a hard bristle (p< .001) exhibited higher DH frequency. There was no significant difference in DH regarding bruxism, acidic beverage consumption, vomiting, and reflux (p> .05). Conclusion: DH is a multi-etiological symptom affected by demographic attributes, hygiene, and other habits. Clinicians should painstakingly distinguish the source of DH to gain the long-term success of DH treatment, which depends on many etiological factors.