The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a hospital clinic population in Hong Kong

Objectives. Dentine hypersensitivity is a common clinical finding with a wide variation in prevalence values. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and to examine some associated aetiological factors in a cross-sectional study of patients visiting the Periodontology and Oral Hygiene Clinic at Prince Phillip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong over a three-week period. Methods. 226 patients were examined over a three-week period using a triple syringe to administer a blast of cold air to confirm the diagnosis of dentine hypersensitivity. Additional factors such as smoking habits, initiating stimuli, gingival recession and cervical tooth surface loss were noted. Results. 153 patients were diagnosed as having dentine hypersensitivity, giving a prevalence figure of 67.7%. The commonest teeth affected were the lower incisors and the commonest initiating factor was cold drinks. Conclusion. The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a hospital periodontology clinic population in Hong Kong was 67.7%.