title: Investigation of the prevalence, clinical features, and risk factors of dentin hypersensitivity in a selected Brazilian population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the prevalence, clinical features, and risk factors of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in a Brazilian population.
  
  
  METHODS
  300 patients at the Dentistry Clinic of the University of São Paulo participated in this study. The subjects completed a questionnaire regarding their personal information, the presence of DH, and some of its risk factors. Following completion of the questionnaire, a clinical examination was undertaken. To confirm the presence of DH, the subjects were evaluated with the use of a probe and cold air from a triple syringe. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test and odds ratio, with the critical level p <0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of DH was 46%. Females presented a higher prevalence than males (p <0.05). The left posterior region was affected by DH the most (maxilla = 41% and mandible = 36%). Cold was reported as the most common pain-inducing stimulus (88%). The pain was described as "discomfort" by 51% of the subjects with DH. Toothbrushing four times a day (p <0.05), toothbrushing with excessive force (p <0.05), bruxism (p <0.05), and gastroesophageal reflux (p <0.05) were strongly correlated with DH.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of DH was particularly high. The risk factors for DH were gender (female), toothbrushing four times a day, toothbrushing with excessive force, bruxism, and gastroesophageal reflux.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DH was a common finding in this population suggesting that preventive measures considering its risk factors must be implemented in order to reduce or control the symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 2227, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, tais_sca@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Taís
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Scaramucci
authors.forename: Taciana Emília
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: de Almeida Anfe
authors.forename: Stella
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: da Silva Ferreira
authors.forename: Antônio Carlos
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Frias
authors.forename: Maria Angela Pita
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Sobral
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult