Dentine hypersensitivity in the Australian adult population: prevalence, determinants, impacts, and management

OBJECTIVE: To describe the burden of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) among Australian adults, including its prevalence, distribution, impacts on quality of life, and management patterns. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Australian adults recruited from two established population-based cohorts: the Tooth for Health (TfH) Study and the Study of Mothers' and Infants' Life Events Affecting Oral Health (SMILE). Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviours and indicators, DH symptoms and management, and general and oral health-related quality of life. Quality of life was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ), and the EQ-5D-5L and EQ visual analogue scale. Associations were examined using descriptive analyses and regression models. RESULTS: Among 815 participants, 67.2% reported symptoms consistent with DH. DH prevalence was higher among women than men (71.6% vs 51.1%, p<0.001) and among participants reporting fair/poor oral health compared with excellent/very good oral health (81.0% vs 54.2%, p<0.001). Prevalence was higher among women and those reporting poorer general and oral health. DH was associated with indicators of periodontal disease and problem-driven dental attendance. Participants with DH reported worse oral and general health-related quality of life across measures. Coping scores on the DHEQ were worse among those with DH (mean difference -11.93; 95% CI -14.13 to -9.73), representing almost 17% of the scale range. Despite this burden, 74.3% had not sought professional care, and 26.3% reported never having used any treatment; many relied on self-directed strategies, including analgesics and dietary modifications. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based sample of Australian adults, DH was highly prevalent and was associated with poorer oral and general health-related quality of life. Most participants reporting DH had not sought professional care, and many had never used treatment, indicating a gap between symptom experience and management. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: DH is common yet frequently unmanaged, highlighting the need for greater recognition, education, and evidence-based management in clinical practice.