Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of pain scales used to assess dentin hypersensitivity (DH). The preferred scale, and toothbrushing habits of participants were also investigated. This cross-sectional study was conducted with students and employees of a Brazilian Federal University who presented DH. The participants answered a questionnaire about their toothbrushing and drinking habits. Hypersensitive and non-sensitive teeth were submitted to tactile and ice stick stimuli. Then, the subjects marked their pain level in the visual analogue (VAS), numeric scale (NS), faces pain scale (FPS) and verbal evaluation scale (VES). DH was also assessed by Schiff scale (SS). The data were analyzed by Wilcoxon and Chi-Square tests, as well as by ROC curve. The mean age of the sample (56 women, 16 men) was 27.8 years. The most prevalent acidic beverage was coffee (36.0%) and the most preferred scale was the NS (47.2%). The pain level was statistically higher in teeth with DH compared to teeth without DH (p < 0.05). The accuracy ranged from 0.729 (SS) to 0.750 (NS). The highest sensitivity value was 81.9% for NS. The SS presented the highest specificity (91%). The visual analog, numerical, verbal evaluation, faces pain, and Schiff scales were accurate for DH diagnosis. The Schiff scale was the preferred scale for DH assessment.
Highlights
Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a painful sensation commonly reported in daily practice.[1]
The pain level was statistically higher in teeth with DH compared to teeth with no DH, based on the assessment with numeric scale (NS) (p < 0.001) and visual analogue scale (VAS) (p < 0.001) scales
The present study seems to be pioneer, since there is no previous study with the specific aim of measuring sensibility and specificity of pain scales for DH assessment
Summary
Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a painful sensation commonly reported in daily practice.[1] DH can impair the patient’s quality of life, as it arises in response to simple day-to-day activities, such as eating and tooth brushing.[2]. DH pain is acute and has short duration. It occurs when physical, chemical and/or tactile stimuli reach exposed dentin tissue.[3] Dentin exposure is usually caused by gingival recession, abfraction, abrasion, or erosion, and may not be associated with carious lesions or pulp pathologies.[4]. Pain is a subjective sense and depends on both the physiological process of nerve fibers stimulation, and the psychosocial environment
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