Dentine hypersensitivity and associations with self-reported oral health and quality of life data in seven European countries

Objectives: To examine clinically-assessed dentine hypersensitivity and its associations with self-reported oral health and quality of life data. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, epidemiological study in healthy adults in seven European countries was undertaken. Participants underwent a clinical oral examination which assessed dentine hypersensitivity (DH) using an evaporative air stimulus with clinician reported Schiff scale and participant reported binary (yes/no) scores, gingival recession (GR), erosive tooth wear (ETW). Participants also completed a questionnaire on oral health, DH and lived experience. Results: A total of 3551 participants completed the study, the mean age was 44.0 years (standard deviation 17.4), 56.4 % were females, and 29.1 % had ≥1 site with Schiff 2/3. DH was more common buccally than lingually (p < 0.001). Binary DH ‘no’ corresponded closely to Schiff 0 and ‘yes’ to 2/3. Schiff 2/3 was associated (p < 0.001) with ETW, and with GR buccally. GR and the coronal and root ETW cervical location code was most commonly associated with Schiff 2/3 (p < 0.001). DH was most common in lower incisors (participant self-reported and clinician reported Schiff 2/3). DH toothpaste use was significantly higher in participants with a clinical DH Schiff 2/3 and binary DH positive (p < 0.001). DH participant pain intensity was rated as important by 37.5 % and as very important by 14.9 %. Conclusions: DH is a common dental pain condition, with DH, GR and ETW particularly associated with the cervical buccal tooth aspect. For over half the participants, pain was very important/important to their lived experience. Clinical significance: DH is not a legitimised dental pain condition. This perception needs to change from both oral healthcare and public perspectives. Data demonstrated high DH prevalence at different tooth sites with good correlation between examiner, participant reporting and quality of life measures, with a strong DH impact on lived experience.