A Study of Dentists about Their Knowledge and Practice of Dentine Hypersensitivity

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practice about dentine hypersensitivity (DH) among dental practitioners. Materials and Methods A pilot-tested questionnaire was sent to practicing dentists (n = 588) working in private and public sectors in Lahore, Pakistan. The questions assessed dentists' knowledge about type of pain and predisposing factors of DH. The dentists were asked about their preferred methods of diagnosing and managing the condition. Statistical Analysis Basic statistics, chi-squared test, and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Results Most dentists (64.3%) reported examining one to five patients with DH per week in their dental clinics. A large majority (85.4%) indicated DH as a stimulated short pain from a tooth. Recession of gums (96.6%), aggressive brushing (88.2%), and frequent use of teeth whitening procedures (83.1%) were most frequently reported predisposing factors of DH. Among most commonly used methods of diagnosis, spontaneous pain after the application of air blast was reported by 74.8% of the participants and followed by spontaneous patient report confirmed by dental examination (57.7%). Most widely used management approaches of DH included the use of fluoride products (96.2%), use of desensitizing potassium nitrate toothpastes (75%), and application of bonding agents (56.2%). Female versus male dentists (odds ratio [OR]: 7.79, p < 0.001) and private practitioners versus public dentists (OR: 7.34, p < 0.001) were more likely to examine greater number of patients with DH. Conclusion Dentists used various methods for diagnosing and managing patients with DH. Application of air blast to evaluate spontaneous pain and use of fluoride products were most widely used diagnostic and management preferences, respectively. AbstractKeywords ► dentine hypersensitivity ► dentists ► knowledge ► diagnosis ► management

Effects of 1450-ppm Fluoride-containing Toothpastes Associated with Boosters on the Enamel Remineralization and Surface Roughness after Cariogenic Challenge

“…5 Given that most of the standard fluoride toothpastes are considered ineffective for some individuals, 6 oral care companies have recently launched toothpastes with multiple actions associated with specific clinical indications such as desensitizing and anti-erosive properties. 7,8 In addition, biomimetic approaches, an alternative mechanism that reproduces the natural process of mineralization, 9 have been developed to boost enamel remineralization. 10 These approaches are facilitated by the addition of different boosters or supplements in combination with fluoride application.…”

Knowledge of Brazilian dentists and students in treating dentine hypersensitivity

“…The responses analysed in this study were in general agreement with previous questionnaires although there were some discrepancies in relation to the aetiology, diagnosis and management of DH. It is clear that there is no overall consensus in the management of DH particularly with respect to the products recommended for treating it (Canadian Advisory Board on Dentin Hypersensitivity, 2003;Cunha-Cruz, et al, 2010;Exarchou, et al, 2019;Gillam, et al, 2002;Gillam, et al, 2019;Hatton, et al, 2012;Hatton, et al, 2020;Izhar, et al, 2019;Kopycka-Kedzierawski, et al, 2017;Pereira, et al, 2018;Schuurs, et al, 1995;Zeola, et al, 2020).…”

“…For example, in the various published studies numerous aetiological factors were suggested such as attrition, abrasion, gingival recession, erosion etc. (Canadian Advisory Board on Dentin Hypersensitivity, 2003;Gillam, et al, 1999;Cunha-Cruz, et al, 2010;Gillam, et al, 2002;Izhar, et al, 2019;Kopycka-Kedzierawski, et al, 2017;Schuurs, et al, 1995;Zeola, et al, 2020), however some of these suggestions are not supported by the evidence (Canadian Advisory Board on Dentin Hypersensitivity, 2003). For example, attrition, abrasion and gingival recession together with over-zealous toothbrushing, periodontal procedures etc., have been suggested as primary aetiological causes for the development of DH, however, it is accepted that "erosion" is the primary cause of DH (Canadian Advisory Board on Dentin Hypersensitivity, 2003).…”

“…As with most published questionnaire studies on DH clinicians provide a wide range of diagnostic steps when determining DH from other clinical conditions, in the present study the main clinical steps included a history of DH, clinical examination, clinical testing (cold and evaporative) and probing (Cunha-Cruz, et al, 2010;Gillam, et al, 2002;Izhar, et al, 2019;Kopycka-Kedzierawski, et al, 2017;Schuurs, et al, 1995;Zeola, et al, 2020). There was also a wide range of clinical assessments used to evaluate pain from DH including self-assessment, dental examination, dietary analysis, and thermal assessment etc.…”

Knowledge of UK Dental Undergraduates and Dentists in Treating Dentine Hypersensitivity

“…The current study together with a similar study by Pereira et al in Brazil was unique in that it compared young dental students with their more experienced colleagues unlike the majority of other similar studies that evaluated the awareness and understanding of dentists with a wide range of clinical expertise [10,11,[14][15][16][18][19][20][21][22][23]. Interestingly in the present study the overall responses were comparable although in the assessment and subsequent management of DH the results indicated that dentists were more confident than the students.…”