Effect of dentin hypersensitivity treatment on oral health related quality of life — A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate if in patients with dentin hypersensitivity (DH), the DH treatments are able to improve individuals’ oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). Data and sourcesA systematic review was performed based on PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42016050864). Clinical trials reporting OHRQoL before and after DH treatment were included. The search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, EMBASE and Scielo databases until May 2017. Hand searches and grey literature were included. Three researches independently selected the studies, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality. The risk of bias was estimated based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Meta-analysis was performed by I2 test. The quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Study selectionSix clinical trials were included. DH was assessed by evaporative, cold, and tactile stimuli. OHRQoL was evaluated by OHIP-14 and DHEQ questionnaires. In-home and in-office desensitizing agents for DH treatment were used. The revised studies reported statistically significant reduction of DH and significant improvement in quality of life after treatment (p<0.05). Two studies were judged as high risk of bias. The studies presented high heterogeneity (I2=0.8407). The evidence was very low to moderate. ConclusionsThe studies indicated decreasing of DH and improving of OHRQoL after DH treatment, although, they presented low to moderate methodological quality. Clinical significanceThe Oral Health Relate Quality of Life of whom complaint of DH can be improved after DH treatment.