Oral health-related quality of life in patients presenting with dentine hypersensitivity: A randomized controlled study of treatment effect

Abstract Objective: Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) remains a common chronic dental pain affecting the daily life of sufferers. Patients’ perception of the impact of oral conditions on their quality of life as well as treatment outcome has become popular. Little is however known about the impact of DH on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among these patients. The aim of this study was therefore to assess and compare the OHRQoL before and after treatment among patients presenting with DH. Materials and Methods: Conducted as a randomized, controlled study, the patients were randomized into experimental ( n = 51) and control groups ( n = 17) for the application of three in-office desensitizing agents: copal fluoride; 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and glutaraldehyde (Gluma desensitizer); arginine-calcium carbonate (Pro-Argin); and distilled water. The English version of the Oral Health Impact Profile with 14 items (OHIP-14) was administered to all patients before treatment and afterward at 1, 2, and 4 weeks to assess the OHRQoL. Results: Prevalence of impact (24.7%), extent of impact (12.9 ± 4.1), and severity of impact (10.56 ± 5.55) all revealed impact on the OHRQoL. The OHIP-14 scores reduced significantly among the patients treated with the desensitizing agents ( P = 0.000), with no significant reduction in patients treated with the placebo ( P = 0.901). There were no gender differences in the overall OHIP-14 scores. Regression analysis revealed age and number of hypersensitive teeth as predictors of pretreatment impact of DH on OHRQoL. Conclusions: DH had a significant impact on the OHRQoL of patients suffering from the condition. Treatment resulted in significant improvement in OHRQoL.