title: Validation of a Cumulative Hypersensitivity Index (CHI) for dentine hypersensitivity severity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study developed the Schiff Index into a Cumulative Hypersensitivity Index (CHI) to measure dentine hypersensitivity (DH) severity per subject. It validates this score by investigating if it compares to one comprising a percentage score from all tooth surfaces and as a highest score per subject.
  
  
  METHODS
  Overall, 350 subjects were recruited from hospital and general practice in south-east England. Buccal, occlusal and oral Schiff Index scores were collected and percentages calculated based on scores 1, 1 and above, 2 and above and 3. CHI scores and highest Schiff Index scores were also recorded per subject. Spearman correlation coefficients (p-values) assessed the relationship between CHI scores, Schiff Index percentages and Schiff Index highest per subject.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In subjects with a Schiff Index score of 1 or more on at least one tooth surface (indicating DH was present), correlation of the CHI score to the Schiff Index percentage score was 0.982 (p < 0.001). Correlation of the sextant score to the highest Schiff Index score per subject was 0.963, (p < 0.001). DH was more likely on tooth surfaces with gingival recession (p < 0.001) and without bleeding on probing (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has validated a novel CHI score to indicate DH severity per subject and may help guide clinical management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Kings College London Dental Institute, London, UK.
authors.forename: Ryan C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Olley
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moazzez
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bartlett
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000175:diagnosis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012423:Rural Health; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018881:Suburban Health; D014504:Urban Health; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: clinical indices; dentine hypersensitivity; disease severity