Sri Lanka Dental Association and GlaxoSmithKline to fight against tooth sensitivity

Sensitivity in teeth, also referred to as dentine hypersensitivity, is a short sharp pain in teeth when consuming hot, cold, sweet or sour substances. This condition is not commonly recognised in Sri Lanka due to the lack of awareness on tooth sensitivity in the country.

Under the guidance of the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA), GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSK) embarked on a ground-breaking initiative to commission a research on dentine hypersensitivity in Sri Lanka.  

Through Lanka Market Research Bureau Private Limited (LMRB), the first international, independent market research consultancy in Sri Lanka GSK, conducted an Island wide research study on Dentine Hypersensitivity in consultation with the SLDA, the national body of the dental profession in Sri Lanka.

Most people ignore tooth sensitivity or have developed lifestyle changes to avoid the pain, by changing the way certain food and drinks are consumed or by avoiding them altogether. Victims of the condition rarely understand that tooth sensitivity could become worse, if not treated early.

This island-wide study was conducted among males and females in the age group of 20-64 years and its findings indicated that 28% have experienced sensitivity in teeth in the past 1 year, translating to an estimated 3.4 million people suffering from sensitive teeth in the country. An astounding 62% of sufferers do not take any action to treat the problem.  

President Sri Lanka Dental Association Dr. Suresh Shanmuganathan said; “Today we take an important step to fight against tooth sensitivity. Sri Lanka Dental Association and GlaxoSmithKline collaborate towards a common vision to raise public awareness of dentine hyper sensitivity and how it can lead to poor oral health and patients suffering in silence. Sri Lanka Dental Association would take the initiative to educate the public on this important issue which can affect quality of life. The best defence for tooth sensitivity is not to ignore it but getting screened by a dentist. Patients need to be actively screened to detect those who suffer from it and directing them for treatment. We are pleased to join hands with GlaxoSmithKline to fight against tooth sensitivity and raise awareness about the condition.”

Commenting on the Initiative, Managing Director of GSK consumer Healthcare T.S. Dayanand said: “GlaxoSmithKline is pleased to join hands with Sri Lanka Dental Association in this fight against tooth sensitivity in Sri Lanka. GSK with its portfolio of offerings under the brand Sensodyne is a global expert in the area of sensitivity management.”

GSK has conducted similar sensitivity prevalence studies across the world. The findings in Sri Lanka reflect that tooth sensitivity is on the rise and needs to be tackled. Patients should not suffer in silence. This campaign against tooth sensitivity is in line with GSK’s on-going effort to educate consumers about the condition and its management.”