Dental hot cold sensitivity and traumatic dental injuries

ABSTRACT

AIM: Although several studies have indicated negative impacts of traumatic dental injuries on children’s quality of life, virtually none of them have explored the possible association between them and the occurrence and dental hot cold sensitivity. The aim of this study was to study the possible association of hot cold dental sensitivity and history of traumatic dental injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross sectional study involving a representative sample of 11 to 14 year old schoolchildren from 13 Brazilian municipalities was carried out. Data on traumatic dental injuries were collected through oral exanimations. Non clinical data were obtained through structured interviews on socio demographic profile and prevalence of dental hot cold sensitivity. Non conditional logistic regression analysis was performed for the presence of dental hot cold sensitivity controlled for gender, maternal schooling and history of dental caries. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental hot cold sensitivity was 30.3% and the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries was 16.6%. School children presenting traumatic dental injuries had 22% higher prevalence of dental hot cold sensitivity compared to those without it regardless other studied variables. CONCLUSIONS: A significant and independent association between dental hot cold sensitivity and history of traumatic dental injuries was observed.