Dentine hypersensitivity: Impact of Sensitive Teeth Pain on Patients
Uncovering the impact of sensitive teeth on daily life
Dentine hypersensitivity is a common dental problem. Many of those who experience the short, sharp pain associated with the condition may, knowingly or not, adapt their lifestyle to avoid the triggers. Here we look at the effect dentine hypersensitivity can have on daily life and the coping-mechanisms people adopt.
The Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire
To understand the impact of dentine hypersensitivity on quality of life, a team from the School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, UK, in collaboration with Haleon, developed the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ).1,2
Both qualitative and quantitative development and validation in a general population have shown that the DHEQ exhibits good psychometric properties. Its use can further the understanding of subjective impacts of dentine hypersensitivity on quality of life.1,2
The DHEQ explores how quality of life is affected by dentine hypersensitivity, such as its impact on patients’ daily activities or emotional wellbeing.1
DHEQ results from up to seven clinical trials in over 900 dentine hypersensitivity sufferers show the wide-ranging impact of tooth sensitivity on everyday life2,3
70% felt it took the pleasure out of eating and drinking
26% felt compelled to hide their way of eating
36% tried to cope with dentine hypersensitivity by covering their mouth with a scarf
33% felt that having sensitive teeth made them feel old
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Causes and mechanisms
Find out about the causes and mechanisms behind dentine hypersensitivity.
