ABSTRACT
The presence of tooth hypersensitivity [Dentine hypersensitivity, DH] in adult population internationally indicates that 8-52% of subjects had DH depending on the population studied and the methodology used. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of DH, severity, stimulus, dietary and oral hygiene habits of population attending a teaching hospital in Riyadh for comprehensive dental care. A questionnaire was used to assess the above mentioned criteria, the response rate was 84 per cent from five hundred subjects. A total of 282 [67.1%] male and 138 [32.9%] female participated in the study. The mean age was 28.35 years with SD +/- 8.53 years. Eighty one per cent of the surveyed population had DH. The severity of DH was higher in female as compared to the male subjects. Cold appeared to be the most commonly reported DH stimulus. Tea/coffee was most common drink [46.9%]. Further research is needed in the area of dentinal hypersensitivity, with questionnaire substantiated with clinical examination in general population