Are there associations between the occurrence of dental fluorosis and the experience of dentine hypersensitivity? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Associations between the occurrence of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) and dental fluorosis (DF) have been suggested. Testing this association requires studies among populations with both conditions. This study aimed to determine the association between DF and the experience of DH among a population endemic for DF. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 over 6 months among 428 adult patients. Participants' demographics were collected, followed by verbal screening for DH and oral examinations. Clinical assessment for DH was carried out by tactile and evaporative methods. The presence and severity of DF were also assessed using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index. Data analysis included Chi-square and correlation statistics to assess the presence and strength of associations. The overall prevalence of DH was 31.1%. A higher proportion (41.1%, P < 0.001) of participants with DF had DH than those without DF. The association between DH and DF was minimal but statistically significant (r = 0.174, P < 0.001). Among those with DF, the prevalence of DH was highest in participants with severe fluorosis (50%, P = 0.740). The proportion of sensitive teeth to the teeth examined was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) for participants with DF (289/4167, 6.9%) than participants without DF (267/6758, 4%). This proportion was also highest for severe DF (20/254, 7.9%, P = 0.572) than the mild and moderate forms. DH was more prevalent among individuals with DF. The prevalence of DH was not dependent on the severity of DF.