Meribel oral health study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Recession, dentine hypersensitivity, tooth wear and associated risk factors: An observational, cross-sectional multi-centre epidemiological study
IRAS ID
244298
Contact name
Nicola West
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 6 days
Research summary
Dentine hypersensitivity is a common painful oral condition, which occurs when dentine is exposed to the oral environment and dentine tubules are open to the nerve. Several risk factors have been identified for dentine hypersensitivity including (i) gingival recession, (ii) periodontitis and its treatment and (iii) erosive toothwear of tooth enamel.
In 2011, a study was conducted across general dental practices and University teaching hospitals in Europe to investigate the relationship between dentine hypersensitivity, erosive tooth wear and periodontal disease in the aetiology of non-carious cervical lesions. The results from the study showed that dentine hypersensitivity was positively associated with erosive tooth wear and both were also significantly associated with exposure of teeth to extrinsic and intrinsic acids- in particular sports drinks and fruit. Several unexpected results also arose including dentine hypersensitivity inversely correlating with clinical loss of attachment and a positive association with snoring. The use of an electric toothbrush was significantly associated with erosive/abrasive tooth wear, although a similar correlation was not detected with dentine hypersensitivity. The differences in the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and erosive tooth wear observed between the participating countries may reflect variations in customs and practices, such as the frequency of use of an electric toothbrush.
The aim of this new study is to determine the prevalence of recession, tooth wear and dentine hypersensitivity and the risk factors associated with these conditions in healthy adults aged 18 and over, attending general dental practices and University teaching hospitals in 7 European countries. This study, modified to address logistical issues that arose in 2011, will supplement the data already collected and build on the 2011 findings. Furthermore, the study will aim to provide more comprehensive data from a larger number of participants per country so that country specific habits can be better correlated with prevalence figures, allowing for data to be analysed by country as well as across all countries represented in the study. The data collected will provide a better insight into risk factors for recession, tooth wear, dentine hypersensitivity and periodontal disease. It will also help to improve the understanding of how the risk factors interact and how the presence of single or multiple risk factors relate to prevalence of the conditions.REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0664
Date of REC Opinion
24 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion