Dentine hypersensitivity - Australian dentists' perspective.
BACKGROUND
Dentine hypersensitivity is a frequent clinical presentation though inadequately comprehended by dentists. The objective of this study was to describe Australian dentists' perception on the occurrence, predisposing factors, triggers, diagnosis and management of dentine hypersensitivity.


METHODS
Eight hundred dentists were randomly selected using the Australian Dental Association membership list and invited to participate in a questionnaire-based survey.


RESULTS
Out of 295 responding dentists, 284 private practitioners were included in the final analysis. Most dentists perceived that the occurrence of dentine hypersensitivity was <20% and commonest among 30-49 year olds. According to them, abrasion and gingival recession were the main predisposing factors whilst cold stimuli were the commonest trigger. A differential diagnosis-based approach was adopted by a majority to diagnose dentine hypersensitivity although routine screening was resorted to by a few. Most dentists were aware of the current mechanisms underlying dentine hypersensitivity whereas the majority perceived that ongoing predisposing factors was the main reason for dentine tubules to remain exposed. The commonest management strategy employed by most dentists was to prescribe desensitizing agents for home use.


CONCLUSIONS
Australian dentists' perception of dentine hypersensitivity is generally consistent with the current scientific consensus on this subject.
Amarasena
N
N
Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, School of Dentistry, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. najith.amarasena@adelaide.edu.au
Spencer
J
J
Ou
Y
Y
Brennan
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D057133:Dentin Desensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D003815:Dentists; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011331:Private Practice; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000150:complications; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
D057133:Dentin Desensitizing Agents; D014100:Toothpastes