A Real-World Study on the Quality of Life of Consumers with Dentine Hypersensitivity and the Benefits of Hypersensitivity Toothpaste Use

Fatimah Maria Tadjoedin, Yuniarti Soeroso, Adityo Widaryono, Natalina Haerani, Yun Yee Amber Lee, Charles R. Parkinson, Sheryl S. L. Tan, Aida Gadzhieva-Moore, Rachel Lee-Yin Tan and Vandana Garg ()
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Fatimah Maria Tadjoedin: Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Salemba Raya No 4, Jakarta Pusat 10430, Indonesia
Yuniarti Soeroso: Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Salemba Raya No 4, Jakarta Pusat 10430, Indonesia
Adityo Widaryono: Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Salemba Raya No 4, Jakarta Pusat 10430, Indonesia
Natalina Haerani: Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Salemba Raya No 4, Jakarta Pusat 10430, Indonesia
Yun Yee Amber Lee: Haleon, Lot 89, Jalan Enggang, Ampang/Hulu Kelang Industrial Estate, Ampang 68000, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Charles R. Parkinson: Haleon, St George’s Avenue, Weybridge KT13 0DE, UK
Sheryl S. L. Tan: Haleon, 23 Rochester Park, Singapore 139234, Singapore
Aida Gadzhieva-Moore: IQVIA Solutions Asia Pte Ltd., 79 Anson Road, Singapore 079906, Singapore
Rachel Lee-Yin Tan: IQVIA Solutions Asia Pte Ltd., 79 Anson Road, Singapore 079906, Singapore
Vandana Garg: Haleon, 23 Rochester Park, Singapore 139234, Singapore

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-23

Abstract: Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) causes pain from exposed dentine, triggered by external stimuli. Limited evidence exists on its impact on quality of life (QoL), the effectiveness of hypersensitivity toothpaste (HT) and the dental behaviors of DH sufferers. This study therefore aimed to generate evidence to address these evidence gaps and validate the existing science behind the effectiveness of HT. An observational retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted in Indonesia, which included the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire-15 (DHEQ-15), items related to the perceived effectiveness of HT and self-reported dental health behaviors. A total of 511 respondents completed the survey. The mean (standard deviation) DHEQ score of participants was 82.44 (14.41), showing the substantial impact of DH on QoL. Nearly all HT users (97.7%) reported relief from DH, with additional benefits like long-lasting fresh breath (96.4%) and cleaner teeth (97.1%), with regular HT users experiencing greater benefits such as improvements in DH (R-HT users [4.65 (0.55)] vs. E-HT users [4.46 (0.65)], p < 0.01). Compared to HT users, mainstream toothpaste (MT) users were significantly less likely to brush their teeth at least three times a day (HT users [41.9%], MT users [18.7%], p < 0.05) and to have had a dental check-up within the past year (HT users [82.5%], MT users [47.3%], p < 0.05). This study found that DH significantly impacts QoL, and that HT effectively relieves DH symptoms, particularly for regular users, who also show better dental health behaviors than users of mainstream toothpaste. The preliminary results indicate that educating users about dental products, like hypersensitivity toothpaste, can improve oral health behaviors and outcomes.

Keywords: quality of life; dentine hypersensitivity; hypersensitivity toothpaste; dental behavior; real-world evidence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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