Dentin hypersensitivity and quality of life in patients with chronic systemic disease

Objectives: To assess the potential impact of dentin hypersensitivity on the quality of life in people with chronic systemic diseases.

Methods: We included 252 volunteers, 18 years or older, with ≥ 6 teeth, and under outpatient medical follow-up for systemic chronic diseases. Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life (QoL); Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ-15) were used for oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Dentin hypersensitivity pain was assessed using an evaporative and tactile test, and pain assessment was performed using a numerical rating scale and a verbal rating scale. Medical information was obtained from anamnesis forms and the hospital digital medical records.

Results: Of 252 participants, 60% had dentin hypersensitivity. There was a negative impact on the QoL/OHRQoL of individuals with dentin hypersensitivity regarding the vitality, mental health, physical functioning, and bodily pain dimensions of SF-36, and the functional limitation, physical pain, physical disability, and psychological disability dimensions of OHIP-14. Dentin hypersensitivity appeared to exert an indirect influence on QoL.

Conclusion: Dentin hypersensitivity negatively impacts the quality of life in patients with chronic systemic diseases.