Abstracto

Prevalence of Dentinal Hypersensitivity in Southwest Coastal Population of India

Bessy Babu, Mithra N. Hegde, Aditya Shetty, Mahalaxmi Yelapure

Aim and Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence, common causative and aggravating factors and patients awareness to dentin hypersensitivity in the urban and rural patients of southwest coastal population of India.

Materials and Methods: The data was obtained from 2000 patients after obtaining the written consent. Of which 1200 patients were from the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics and 800 were examined in rural satellite centers of A B Shetty Dental College, Mangaluru.

Results: Out of 2000 patients 667 patients elicited a positive response to dentin hypersensitivity (33.3%). The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity was more in 35-45 age group (P<0.001). Males were affected more than females (P<0.001).There was a greater prevalence of dentinal hypersensitivity in rural patients (61.9%) than in urban (38.1%) ( P<0.001). The prevalence of Non vegetarians and vegetarians were (81.5%) & (18.5%) respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in southwest coastal population is (33.3%). Males were more commonly affected than females. The individuals of 35-45 age groups were the commonly affected ones and cold intake was the most common aggravating factor with tooth brush abrasion being the commonest cause.