SLDA, GSK embarks on Dentine Hypersensitivity research
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 recognized in Sri Lanka due
to the lack of awareness on tooth sensitivity in the country.
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Dean of the
Faculty of Dental Sciences, Peradeniya Professor Upul B.
Dissanayake, GS K Consumer Healthcare Managing Director, T.S.
Dayanand, Deputy Director General of Dental Services Dr.
J.M.W. Jayasundara Bandara, President Sri Lanka Dental
Association, Dr. Suresh Shanmuganathan, Senior Registrar of
the Institute of Oral
Health in Maharagama, Dr. Sonali Ranatunga, and General
Secretary, Sri Lanka Dental Association, Dr. Vipula
Wickramasinghe. |
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 Islandwide research study on Dentine
Hypersensitivity in consultation with the SLDA, the national body of the
dental profession in Sri Lanka.
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
commenting 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.
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