Perceived versus Measured Hypersensitivity Relief with Two Different Interventions

Objectives: This research evaluated relationships between first-person (self) and second-person (clinical) evaluation of sensitivity treatment response.
Methods: Institutional review and informed consent were obtained from adults with dentinal hypersensitivity, after which, subjects were assigned either 1.5% oxalate gel strips (Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips, The Procter & Gamble Co.) for use 3 times over 1-week or 5% potassium nitrate dentifrice (Sensodyne® Original Flavor, GlaxoSmithKline) for daily use. Clinical response was evaluated by a treatment-blinded examiner using a 1-sec application of cool air and standard 4-point scale (Schiff) for air discomfort, and increasing force probing for tactile discomfort at test sites. After clinical examinations, subjects were separately interviewed to ascertain perceived overall sensitivity relief after 1-month. The interview assessed overall relief (daily living), and was conducted blind to treatment without access to the clinical scores. Individual responses were categorized on a 3-point subjective scale ranging from none-to-noticeable relief, and Spearman correlations were used to compare perceived overall relief to the measured changes from baseline in clinical examinations.
Results: A total of 28 subjects (18-69 years of age) had clinical examinations and interviews, of whom, 17 and 11 were assigned to Strip and Paste groups, respectively. Overall, subjects had significantly (p<0.05) reduced sensitivity after treatment. There were considerable variations within and between treatments on clinical response to air/tactile stimulation, and on self-assessed sensitivity relief. Complete air sensitivity relief was clinically measured in 36% of subjects, while 54% reported noticeable overall relief. Comparing the two clinical measures, air response was more highly correlated (r= +0.69) with perceived relief than probing force (r= –0.49).
Conclusions: Clinical sensitivity evaluations using air and tactile stimuli are correlated with self-assessment of overall hypersensitivity relief, but these direct stimulus-response approaches may underreport perceived benefits of sensitivity treatment.