Dentine sensitivity risk factors: A case-control study

Knowledge and Attitudes on Preventing and Treating Dentin Hypersensitivity and Its Predicting Factors: A Cross-sectional Study with Brazilian Citizens

OBJECTIVES

 Most dental schools have included dentin hypersensitivity (DH) as part of their taught curriculum to educate undergraduates; however, it is possible that the public still does not recognize its symptoms and the factors that predispose to the onset of this condition. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of a Brazilian population regarding the prevention and treatment of DH and to identify what self-reported factors can serve as predictors of the frequency of DH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 An online questionnaire investigated the demographic characteristics, oral health self-perception and attitudes, and DH prevention and treatment measures of 226 participants.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

 Data were analyzed descriptively and by a multiple linear regression with DH frequency score as the dependent variable (α < 0.05).

RESULTS

 Total 61.1% of females (n = 138) and 38.9% of males (n = 88) (mean age: 35.1 ± 12.2 years) completed the questionnaire. The sample's mean DH frequency score (minimum 0; maximum 20) was 4.2 and classified as low, with 19.1% using desensitizing products and 22.1% reporting having noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). When experiencing DH episodes, 21.2% never and 30.1% rarely scheduled dental appointments. Regression analysis retrieved a significant final model (F [5,220] = 12.047; p < 0.001; R 2 = 0.215).

CONCLUSION

 This study identified that 36.7% and 18.6% of the sample were unaware that DH can be both prevented and treated, respectively. Moreover, the presence of NCCLs, frequency of daily toothbrushing, use of desensitizing products, presence of DH modulating factors, and the presence of parafunctional habits symptoms served as predictors of DH frequency.

Effect of milk as a mouthwash on dentin hypersensitivity after non-surgical periodontal treatment

Background. Limited evidence is available on the effect of milk as a mouthwash on treating dentin hypersensitivity. The present study aimed to compare the effect of milk as a mouthwash with one anti-hypersensitivity mouthwash in decreasing dentin hypersensitivity after non-surgical periodontal treatment. Methods. Patients with generalized moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis were selected randomly in the present study and underwent scaling and root planing (SRP). Seventy patients with severe dentin hypersensitivity after two days were assigned to two groups. In group A, the patients were asked to use milk as a mouthwash, and in group B, the patients were asked to use anti-hypersensitiv-ity Misswake mouthwash. The patients' hypersensitivity was measured during follow-up visits. The independent t-test was used to compare denim hypersensitivity between the two groups. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results. The results showed a significant decrease in dentin hypersensitivity in both groups on days 15 and 30. In the milk group, 11 and 29 patients fully recovered from dentin hypersensitivity on days 15 and 30, respectively. However, in the anti-hypersensitivity mouthwash group, 8 and 27 patients fully recovered from dentin hypersensitivity on days 15 and 30, respectively. Therefore, more patients benefited from the anti-hypersensitivity effects of milk as a mouthwash. However, the differences were not significant during the whole treatment sessions. Conclusion. Using milk as an inexpensive and available mouthwash can decrease dentin hypersensi-tivity after SRP.

Effect of bioactive glasses and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser on dentin permeability

Context:

Dental hypersensitivity and loss of dental tissues are commonly observed in patients, and most of the problems are caused due to total or partial exposure of dentinal tubules.

Aims:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of 45S5 bioactive glass and niobophosphate (NbG) associated with neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for the reduction of dentin permeability.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty bovine dentin discs were made and distributed randomly into five groups (n = 10). The Nd:YAG laser was applied with the bioactive glasses using the energy parameters (60 and 80 mJ), forming the groups; NbG_60: NbG + Nd:YAG (60 mJ); NbG_80: NbG + Nd:YAG (80 mJ), 45S5_60: 45S5 + Nd:YAG (60 mJ); 45S5_80: 45S5 + Nd:YAG (80 mJ) and C: control (untreated dentin). The permeability was measured with a split chamber device. The samples were subjected to the erosive challenge and a new permeability measurement was done. Furthermore, the dentin was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS).

Statistical Analysis Used:

The data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests (α = 0.05).

Results:

Greater reduction in dentinal permeability was observed for 45S5 bioactive glasses (45S5_60 and 45S5_80) followed by NbG_80 and NbG_60 (P < 0.05). The SEM/EDS analysis showed the formation of a barrier after the dentin treatment.

Conclusions:

Bioactive glasses with Nd:YAG laser on the dentin surface may be a promising alternative for the reduction of dentin permeability.

Factors Associated with Noncarious Cervical Lesions in Different Age Ranges: A Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

 Understanding the possible risk factors of noncarious cervical lesion (NCCL) is important for prevention and clinical management of the condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the prevalence of NCCL among adolescents, adults, and elderly people.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A cross-sectional study involving 501 participants aged 15 years or older was conducted. Participants were examined to assess the number of natural teeth and the prevalence and severity of NCCL by calibrated examiners. Data on age, gender, harmful toothbrushing habits, and acidogenic diet were collected through individual interviews. Multivariate Poisson's regression models were used to evaluate the association between the independent variables and the prevalence of NCCL according to the three age groups: 15 to 39, 40 to 64, and 65 years or older. RESULTS : The prevalence of NCCL among participants was 62.5% (95% confidence interval: 58.2-66.7). Among 15- to 39-year-old participants, the mean of NCCL was higher in males, those with lower number of teeth and acidogenic diet intake. Males aged 40 to 64 years and those with harmful brushing habits were more likely to present higher mean of NCCL. Elderly people with harmful toothbrushing habits had a greater mean of NCCL.

CONCLUSION

 Demographic (age and gender), clinical (number of teeth), and behavioral characteristics (harmful brushing habits and acidogenic diet) were meaningful factors associated with NCCL severity. The above-mentioned relationships varied between age groups.

Evaluation of the Occluding Characteristics of Nanosized Eggshell/Titanium Dioxide with or without Saliva

OBJECTIVES

 The study reports on the effectiveness of a ball-milled nanosized titanium dioxide composite (EB@TiO₂) for DH management in comparison with commercial desensitizing paste with and without saliva.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

  Forty-nine dentine specimens were prepared from extracted bovine anterior teeth. Twenty-one of the specimens were brushed with three desensitizing toothpaste for 7 days, namely: Group 1; EB@TiO₂, Group 2; Colgate Pro-relief; and Group 3; Sensodyne repair (n = 7). Twenty-four specimens were brushed with the toothpaste for 7 days and stored in artificial saliva (control) after brushing. Each specimen was subsequently posttreated in citric acid solution to test its stability in acidic condition. Field scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the dentine tubules occlusion. The biocompatibility of the composite was tested using BHK21 cell line.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

 One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the percentage occluded area ratio values for all specimens (α = 0.05). Independent t-test was further used to evaluate the occlusion differences with saliva and without saliva.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

 The number of dentine tubules decreased significantly after 7 days of brushing. Overall, the occlusion observe for EB@TiO₂ were significantly better than for Colgate Pro-relief and Sensodyne repair (p < 0.05). BHK21 assay suggested that composite had no significant effect on the BHK21 cell line. This study demonstrated that the composite effectively occluded open dentine tubules within 7 days of brushing.

Cariogenicity induced by commercial carbonated beverages in an experimental biofilm-caries model

Objectives

Frequent consumption of sugars-containing carbonated beverages has been associated with caries, but the consequences on the dental biofilm remain unclear. The aim was to evaluate the effect of commercial carbonated beverages and their sugar-free version on enamel and dentine demineralization and on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Materials and Methods

Biofilms of S. mutans UA159 were grown on enamel and dentin slabs and exposed 3 times/day for 5 min, to a commercial cola or orange-flavored carbonated beverage or to their sugar-free version. Biofilms/slabs were recovered to assess biomass, viable microorganisms, protein content and polysaccharides. Demineralization was estimated by the variation of Knoop surface microhardness.

Results

Exposures to the biofilm with sugars-containing carbonated beverages resulted in similar biomass, viable microorganisms, proteins, and polysaccharides than sucrose (P < 0.05). The sugar-free cola and orange-flavored drink showed lower effect on the biofilm, as compared with sucrose or their sugared version (P < 0.05). All of the products tested, included the sugar-free, showed higher demineralization than the negative control (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Sugars-containing carbonated beverages enhance cariogenic activity of S. mutans biofilms, comparable with sucrose. Sugar-free carbonated beverages also have a high demineralizing potential, without affecting biofilm properties.