Objectives: The aim of this study is to expand on an ongoing analysis of data on the psychosocial aspects of dentine sensitivity.
Method: Data were collected in 23 semi-structured interviews with 23 adults who identified themselves as suffering from 'sensitivity', 'discomfort' or 'twinges' during various everyday activities. Interviews were recorded and transcribed in full. Data were analysed for the degree to which they reflected collectively shared beliefs (public accounts) and individual experiences (private accounts) of dentine sensitivity.
Results: Dentine Sensitivity entailed being sensitive to a battery of stimuli that appear in an unpredictable fashion. The imperative of sensitivity was that it was a problem to be suffered privately. Sensitivity was therefore about being sensitive to various stimuli and sensitive to others, but somewhat paradoxically, insensitive to one's self. ‘Public accounts' of dentine sensitivity turned on the subtle nature of this distinction. In addition, ‘private accounts' of dentine sensitivity indicated that individuals would adopt various ‘subject' and ‘object' positions in relation to their teeth as a consequence of their experience of oral pain. Subject positions indicated that some individuals clearly identified ‘their teeth' as ‘their' teeth or ‘my teeth' whereas an ‘object' position talked about the teeth as ‘the teeth'. It is suggested that a more objective, ‘alienated' view of ‘the teeth' could therefore be related to a more intense experience of pain but also the length of time one has experienced the condition.
Conclusions: This analysis reveals the importance of understanding the difference between public and private accounts of dentine sensitivity. It also opens up a path for an exploration of the social determinants of the experience of sensitivity.
*Supported by GlaxoSmithKline Health Futures Group.