Prevalence of periodontal disease, erosion and sensitivity, v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Periodontal disease and associated risk factors of recession, dentine hypersensitivity and toothwear: An observational, cross-sectional multi-centre epidemiological study v1.
IRAS ID
218303
Contact name
Nicola West
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by oral bacteria that affects the gums and jaw bone around the teeth. As the disease progresses, patients complain of bleeding gums, dentine hypersensitivity, awareness of a bad taste in their mouth and, in later stages, become aware of loose teeth. If periodontitis is not treated, it can result in both loss of teeth and function, which can negatively impact a patients’ quality of life. Prevalence data from 2009 showed that 37% of adults suffer from moderate levels of chronic periodontitis, while 8% suffer from severe periodontitis. The main risk factor for periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene but there is also evidence that smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and stress are involved. Periodontal disease causes gum recession, resulting in exposure of the surface of the root of the tooth. However, gum recession is also seen in patients with a good oral hygiene suggesting the cause is complex. Exposed roots are more vulnerable to toothwear with the majority of toothwear tending to appear where the gum has receded. Exposed dentine often becomes hypersensitive, a painful condition which has been shown to affect quality of life. The relationship between periodontal disease, dentine hypersensitivity and erosive tooth wear is not fully understood. This study aims to collect data about prevalence and risk factors for periodontal disease, gum recession, erosive toothwear and dentine hypersensitivity from healthy adult volunteers attending dental practices in the UK. The study will be undertaken in the UK (South West region) by newly qualified dentists undertaking their foundation training year and will also provide further training and education for these young dentists with respect to these conditions. In addition to the main research we are also including the training package that will inform the main study in this IRAS application.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0850
Date of REC Opinion
18 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion