title: Prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and study of associated factors: a European population-based cross-sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) manifests as a transient but arresting oral pain. The incidence is thought to be rising, particularly in young adults, due to increases in consumption of healthy, yet erosive, diets. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of DH and relative importance of risk factors, in 18-35 year old Europeans.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2011, 3187 adults were enrolled from general dental practices in France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Finland, Latvia and Estonia. DH was clinically evaluated by cold air tooth stimulation, patient pain rating (yes/no), accompanied by investigator pain rating (Schiff 0-3). Erosive toothwear (BEWE index 0-3) and gingival recession (mm) were recorded. Patients completed a questionnaire regarding the nature of their DH, erosive dietary intake and toothbrushing habits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  41.9% of patients reported pain on tooth stimulation and 56.8% scored ≥1 on Schiff scale for at least one tooth. Clinical elicited sensitivity was closely related to Schiff score and to a lesser degree, questionnaire reported sensitivity (26.8%), possibly reflecting the transient nature of the pain, alongside good coping mechanisms. Significant associations were found between clinically elicited DH and erosive toothwear and gingival recession. The questionnaire showed marked associations between DH and risk factors including heartburn/acid reflux, vomiting, sleeping medications, energy drinks, smoking and acid dietary intake.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the prevalence of DH was high compared to many published findings, with a strong, progressive relationship between DH and erosive toothwear, which is important to recognise for patient preventive therapies and clinical management of DH pain.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, UK. Electronic address: N.X.West@bristol.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Nicola Xania
authors.initials: NX
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: Mariano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sanz
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lussi
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bartlett
authors.forename: Phillipe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bouchard
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bourgeois
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D061215:Energy Drinks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000453:epidemiology; D006356:Heartburn / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000453:epidemiology; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014839:Vomiting / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents
keywords: Dentine hypersensitivity; Erosion; Oral pain; Toothwear