Dentine hypersensitivity and dentine exposure in Arab patient populations

Background: Dentine hypersensitivity is a frequent oral complaint that is usually associated with several factors including diet and oral hygiene practices. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, severity and correlates of dentine hypersensitivity and dentine exposure-related risk indicators in a sample from six Arab countries. Methods: A multinational cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 2924 participants, attending dental practices, aged 18-35 years from six Arab countries. Trained examiners assessed dentine hypersensitivity using the Schiff scale and scored the tooth with the highest value in each sextant. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed the frequency of drinking and eating acidic foods and their oral health habits. Results: Overall, the Schiff score 1 was found in 938 (32.6%), score 2 in 613 (21%) and score 3 in 274 (9%) of the participants. There was variation between countries with Saudi Arabia (13.9%) and Oman (15%) having the highest prevalence of hypersensitivity and Kuwait (2.2) and Jordan the lowest (4.8%). Participants who experienced toothache and difficulty eating once a day were significantly more likely to have Schiff score 2 or 3 (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.54-2.87; OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04-1.73, respectively). Furthermore, drinking soft drinks once a day was also significantly associated with dentine exposure (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.65). Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, dentine sensitivity and exposure were common in Arab patient populations.