Dentine Hypersensitivity: Expert Perspectives

Graphic image of a tooth and map of Europe

NEW study uncovers prevalence and risk factors for dentine hypersensitivity and erosive tooth wear across 7 European countries

The ‘Meribel’ study is an epidemiological study conducted in 7 European countries, with 3,500 subjects, which assessed dentine hypersensitivity (tooth sensitivity), tooth wear, recession and periodontal health. The study was led by Professor Nicola West in the UK along with a team of 6 academics in the other countries:

  • Professor David Herrera – Spain
  • Professor Anton Sculean – Switzerland
  • Professor Søren Jepsen – Germany
  • Professor Filippo Graziani – Italy
  • Professor Ricardo Faria Almeida – Portugal
  • Professor Mairead Harding - Ireland

The page below highlights key resources for your review to learn more about the study and the outcomes for dental professionals and their patients.

  • Study details

    Supported by Haleon, this large-scale study aims to build a world leading understanding of these condition areas.

    Subjects were recruited through the hospital clinics where the 7 academics were based and they were examined for recession, dentine hypersensitivity (tooth sensitivity), tooth wear and periodontal health.

    Read on to learn more from the results for tooth sensitivity and erosive tooth wear.

    The Meribel study aims to build on the results of the ‘ESCARCEL’ study which was completed 10 years ago and focused specifically on 18–35-year-old adults. The new study incorporates a broader age range which has allowed further investigation of the relationship between patient age and progression of conditions.

  • Key learnings

    Summary of key learnings:

    • We see a solid relationship between age and progression with the measure of BEWE score for erosive tooth wear. Nearly everyone has some evidence of tooth wear, and the data is split by buccal and lingual surfaces.
    • ETW links to lifestyle factors and there is a clear link to DH. Lifestyle factors include snoring, vomiting and heartburn as well as consuming food or drink 6+ times a day. High ETW is also associated with dry mouth symptoms.
    • Dentine hypersensitivity – sensitive teeth – is strongly linked to erosive tooth wear because of exposed dentine. The peak is later in this study – 40-50 rather than 35-40. There is a strong association between Schiff score and BEWE.
    • Lifestyle factors are very similar to erosive tooth wear; heartburn, vomiting, high stress levels, increased frequency of acidic food and drink consumption and swishing fizzy drinks.
Photograph of Professor Nicola West, who led the Meribel study on tooth sensitivity and erosive tooth wear

New prevalence data for dentine hypersensitivity in Europe

Nicola West outlines the increased prevalence figure for dentine hypersensitivity (sensitive teeth) uncovered as part of the ‘Meribel’ research.

Watch now

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Scientific presentations on tooth sensitivity and erosive tooth wear at IADR General Session 2023

Learn more about the Meribel study on sensitive teeth and tooth wear from the academic team including Professor Nicola West. Visit this page to view the scientific presentation videos where the data was first presented.

Learn more

Images of speakers from industry symposium for dentine hypersensitivity, brought to you by Sensodyne – Prof Nicola West, Prof Wensheng Rong, and Dr Charlie Parkinson

Industry symposium at FDI World Dental Congress 2023

The Meribel data, and the results from an epidemiological study in China led by Professor Wensheng Rong, formed the base for an industry sponsored symposium on dentine hypersensitivity delivered as part of the FDI Annual World Dental Congress in 2023. Learn more about the condition prevalence and how behaviour change can drive a more proactive diagnosis. The session also considers the impact on quality of life and how NovaMin can help improve this through effective daily management.

Learn more

Image for a webinar titled “Spotlight on tooth sensitivity” featuring speakers sat on stage as well as others dialed in remotely via webcam

Spotlight on tooth sensitivity: Breaking down barriers

Click the link below to view our global webinar with an expert panel discussing the prevalence and patient impact of dentine hypersensitivity and the barriers to diagnosis for the condition alongside erosive tooth wear. The panel was led by Dr Rupert Austin who is joined by experts from multiple countries to explore the importance of proactive diagnosis of both conditions.

Watch now

  • Presentation outlines

    Opening presentations introduced by Dr Charlie Parkinson, Director Medical Affairs, Haleon:

    New evidence on the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and erosive tooth wear – presented by Professor Nicola West

    The impact of dentine hypersensitivity on oral health related quality of life – presented by Professor Sarah Baker and Professor Barry Gibson. Click here to learn more about the tooth sensitivity experience questionnaire as outlined in this presentation.

    Why is dentine hypersensitivity underdiagnosed? – presented by Professor Koula Asimakopoulou

  • Round table discussion

    Participants

    The presentations were followed by a roundtable discussion featuring:

    Dr Rupert Austin, King’s College London

    Professor Nicola West, School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol

    Professor Sarah Baker, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield

    Professor Koula Asimakopoulou, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University

    Professor Barry Gibson, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield

    Professor Manal Awad, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah

    Professor Marion Manski, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Dentistry

    Professor Dr Katrin Bekes, Medical University of Vienna

  • Round table discussion

    Participants

    The presentations were followed by a roundtable discussion featuring:

    Dr Rupert Austin, King’s College London

    Professor Nicola West, School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol

    Professor Sarah Baker, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield

    Professor Koula Asimakopoulou, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University

    Professor Barry Gibson, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield

    Professor Manal Awad, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah

    Professor Wensheng Rong, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology

    Dr Ajay Kakar, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai

Introductory banner for the Spotlight on Tooth Sensitivity webinar, brought to you by Haleon HealthPartner

Spotlight on tooth sensitivity: breaking down barriers

Access a range of video content from global experts on the topic of dentine hypersensitivity and the patient impacts.

Speakers include:

  • Professor Nicola West
  • Professor Sarah Baker
  • Professor Barry Gibson
  • Professor Koula Asimakopoulou

Watch now

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Psychology of tooth sensitivity

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