Abstract

IDON, PI; ESAN, TA  and  BAMISE, CT. Etiological factors for dentine hypersensitivity in a Nigerian population. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2018, vol.73, n.5, pp.362-366. ISSN 0375-1562.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2018/v73no5a7.

INTRODUCTION: There are various etiological and predisposing factors for dentine hypersensitivity (DH). Management of the problem requires modification of these factors for successful and long-lasting resolution. There will be value in identifying these factors. AIM: To identify the predisposing and etiological factors for DH in a population of patients at a teaching hospital. DESIGN: A cross sectional descriptive study involving adult patients diagnosed with DH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients that presented with symptoms suggestive of DH over a period of twelve months were screened to confirm the diagnosis. Presence and frequency of predisposing factors as well as clinical findings of tooth wear lesions, gingival recession and fluorosis were documented on a questionnaire. RESULTS: The frequency of hypersensitive teeth (mean 11.5 ±3.8) was significantly (p<0.05) higher for hard compared with soft bristled toothbrush users. The majority of the subjects consumed orange (80.9%) and carbonated drinks (83.3%) frequently, but without significant effect on the mean number of hypersensitive teeth. Gingival recession was observed in 37.4% of the hypersensitive teeth, while abfraction was seen in 2.4%. CONCLUSION: The use of a hard bristled toothbrush is a risk factor while attrition and gingival recession are the predominant etiological factors for DH in this environment.

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