Dentinal sensitivity, self-reported gingivodental conditions, concerns and practices among staffs of an organized private motor park

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dentinal sensitivity among staffs of an organized private motor park and to assess it's relationship with self-reported gingivodental conditions, concerns and practices. Methods: All categories of staffs in an organized private motor park in Benin-City were studied using interviewer-administered questionnaire to elicit information on demography, oral health attitudes, practices and problems, and perceived gingivodental health. Results: The prevalence of dentinal sensitivity was 41% (25/61). The self-reported gingivodental conditions among the participants were food packing (67.2%), dental caries (32.8%), tooth mobility (13.1%), gingival bleeding (8.2%) and halitosis (4.9%). Worry about halitosis, tooth and gingival colour were expressed by 14.8%, 16.4% and 8.2% of the participants respectively. Majority of the participants rated their perceived gingival (86.9%) and dental (85.2%) health as Excellent/good. Amongst the participants, 26.2% reported receipt of professional instruction tooth brushing, 47.5% reported twice-daily brushing, 16.4% reported visiting the dentist, 11.5% smoke cigarette, 8.2% use smokeless tobacco and 70.5% have ever used their teeth to open bottled drink. Dental appearance satisfaction was expressed by 77.0% of the participants while 8.2% use or believe that they will use artificial teeth with ageing. Dentinal sensitivity was significantly associated with texture of toothbrush, receipt of professional instruction on tooth brushing, dental appearance satisfaction and food packing Conclusion: Dentinal sensitivity coexisted with some deficient oral health practices, periodontal problems and unsatisfactory dental appearance in the studied population. Extension of mobile dental care and information to this group of population will help to prevent and ameliorate the reported dental problems.