DENTAL SENSITIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMPTION OF FIZZY DRINKS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background:

Sugary carbonated drinks might be the risk factor in patients with complaint of sensitivity. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate consumption of fizzy drinks with sensitivity as consumption of fizzy drinks is being considered as a must societal habit.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out at private tertiary medical university among n=149 study subjects between nineteen to twenty-five years of age. A self-designed close ended structured questionnaire was used to assessed sample’s intake and effects of fizzy drinks on oral cavity. Percentages and frequencies were recorded for qualitative variables. However, means and standard deviation were recorded for quantitative variables. Furthermore, spearman rank correlation test was used to find out the association among intake of fizzy drinks with dental caries and sensitivity. Level of significance was considered as p<0.05.

Results:

Among n=149 study participants, 91.9% (n=137) were consuming fizzy drinks. Tooth ache and sensitivity (of mild degree) was reported in 73.7% of the students. Among those who were consuming fizzy drinks (n=137), 65.7% did not have a history of dental caries in recent past. However, 73.7% (n=101) were experiencing mild degree of sensitivity since the intake of soft drinks. Also, tooth ache was reported in 49.6% of those who were drinking carbonated (fizzy) drinks. A significant correlation was observed between the sensitivity and the duration of intake with a strong positive association r=.830 and a p value of 0.045.

Conclusion:

The dentine hypersensitivity is strongly associated with consumption and time to exposure of carbonated drinks.