The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in general dental practice in the UK.

AIM: The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a cross-sectional study of patients visiting general dental practitioners in the South West region of the UK over a period of 1 calendar month.

METHOD: Twelve dental practitioners examined 3593 patients over a period of 1 calendar month and 137 patients were diagnosed as having dentine hypersensitivity, giving a prevalence figure of 3.8%.

RESULTS

The commonest teeth affected were the upper premolar and molar teeth and the commonest initiating factor was cold drinks.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in general dental practice in the UK was 3.8%.