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.

Prevalence of Moderate to Severe Periodontitis in an 18-19th Century Sample-St. Bride's Lower Churchyard (London, UK).

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of moderate to severe periodontitis in 18-19th century skulls in the St Bride's Lower Churchyard in London, UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 105 adult skulls (66 M: F 39) from the Museum of London collection were examined for evidence of dental disease. The primary method was to measure the presence of moderate to severe periodontitis. Other dental pathologies were recorded such as tooth wear, calculus, and caries. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of moderate to severe periodontitis in the sample was 21-24%. Males were observed to be more susceptible to periodontal disease than females. The severity of bone loss in the skull collection also increased with age. There was no significant difference in the amount of calculus deposition when comparing either age or sex. A total of 14% of the individuals in the sample showed signs of smoking. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicated that the prevalence of moderate to severe periodontitis in an 18-19th century skull sample was 21-24%, which was higher than in previous studies. This may be due to the lack of basic personal mouth care and professional dental treatment as well as known risk factors such as smoking, stress, low socioeconomic status, and malnutrition.