Prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity and Associated Factors among Adult Patients Attending Dental Surgery Clinic, Federal Medical Centre Gusau

Mohammad Kaura Abubakar; Rufai Jaafaru; Mujtaba Bala; Bamgbose Babatunde Olamide; Anas Tsafe Bawa; Sambo Sulaiman

doi:10.5455/EJDR.20241001125303

Abstract
Background: There is a paucity of data on prevalence of DH in Northwestern part of Nigeria. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and to examine some factors associated with the condition among adult patients attending dental clinic of Federal Medical Centre Gusau, Zamfara State, in Northern Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of the dentine hypersensitivity and associated factors was conducted among adult patients aged 18 years and above attending dental clinic of Federal Medical Centre Gusau, Nigeria. A combined self and examiner administered questionnaire was used to record the socio-demographic data, self-reported and clinically diagnosed DH as well as other vital clinical information.
Results: The prevalence of self-reported and clinically diagnosed DH was 91.4% and 31% respectively. Cold water was the predominant trigger to DH, 245 (53.6%), this was followed by sweet food, other stimuli, and air entrance to the mouth in descending order. Molar teeth were mostly affected by dentine hypersensitivity, 192 (42%). There was a statistically significant association between DH and gingival recession (p = 0.004), frequency of tooth brushing, tooth brushing method, and bristle texture (p = <0.001).
Conclusion: The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity is higher in the North-western region of Nigeria compared to the Southern region. The upper and lower molars were the most commonly affected teeth and the highest number of cases were recorded among the 18-30 years age group. There is strong association between DH and gingival recession, frequency & technique of tooth brushing, as well as bristle texture.

Key words: Key words: Dentine hypersensitivity, Prevalence, Adult patients