The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a hospital clinic population in Hong Kong.

Objectives: Dentine hypersensitivity is a common clinical finding with a wide variation in prevalence values. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and to examine some associated aetiological factors in a cross-sectional study of patients visiting the Periodontology and Oral Hygiene Clinic at Prince Phillip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong over a three-week period.

Methods: 226 patients were examined over a three-week period using a triple syringe to administer a blast of cold air to confirm the diagnosis of dentine hypersensitivity. Additional factors such as smoking habits, initiating stimuli, gingival recession and cervical tooth surface loss were noted.

Results: 153 patients were diagnosed as having dentine hypersensitivity, giving a prevalence figure of 67.7%. The commonest teeth affected were the lower incisors and the commonest initiating factor was cold drinks.

Conclusions: The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a hospital periodontology clinic population in Hong Kong was 67.7%.