Prevalence and impact of dentine hypersensitivity in Hong Kong

Abstract

Aims: To determine the prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH) and its impact on oral health related quality of life in Hong Kong SAR, and to identify variations in its prevalence and its impact. Methods: A web-based oral health survey was conducted among a convenience sample of Hong Kong SAR residents. Participants reported on their experience of DH, impacts of DH on their quality of life, potential risk factors and management strategies for DH, and provided details of their socio-demographic profile. Variations in the prevalence of DH and the impact of DH were determined in bivariate and regression analyses. Results: Most (79.8%, 386) reported to have experienced DH. Experience of DH was associated with demographic factors: age group (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.01,2.59, P<0.05), educational level (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30, 0.92, P<0.05) and with risk factors: gum recession (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.18, 3.30, P<0.01), parafunctional habits (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.26, 5.54, P<0.01). Among those who experienced DH, most (96.9%, 376/386) encountered impacts/experiences in daily life. DHEQ scores was associated with demographic factors: age group (β 0.16, P<0.001) and educational level (β - 0.20, P<0.001), and with DH characteristics: frequency (β 0.10, P<0.05), duration (β -0.16, P<0.001) and pain intensity (β 0.21, P<0.001). Conclusions: Among participants of our Community Health Project, reported DH was very common and it also frequently impacted on their daily lives. Experience of DH and its impact was associated with age group and educational attainment. Risk factors were associated with experience of DH (gum recession, parafunctional habits). DH experience was associated with the impact on daily lives (frequency, duration and intensity of pain). These findings have implications in highlighting the importance of DH and the need for effective and efficient management approaches.