New study reveals now 1 in 2 adults are suffering the pain of tooth sensitivity, that significantly impacts their quality of life

A new study across seven European countries revealed that dentine hypersensitivity is far more widespread than previously thought^[2]. The new observational, multi-centre epidemiological study assessed over 3,500 adults. It found over half of the study participants suffered from dentine hypersensitivity^[3].

The study, which was carried out by seven European universities^[4] and was funded by Haleon, aimed to determine the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and the risk factors associated with these conditions in adults aged 18 and over in the UK, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Ireland.

Along with the surprisingly high level of incidence, dentine hypersensitivity was revealed to be highly prevalent across all countries in the study and 98% of people showed signs of dental erosion, meaning this will only be an increasing trend in the years to come, unless we act now.

Due to the prevalence findings and lack of progress to both reduce and help prevent these conditions,  Haleon continue to be committed to support dental health professionals via training and education, providing tools and techniques, via Haleon Health Partner, that facilitate better patient management and understanding between patients and dentists. Now is the time to close the gap to ultimately improve oral health outcomes and reduce the number of people suffering from dentine hypersensitivity.

The study also revealed that sensitivity was seen across all age groups but peaked between the ages of 38 to 47 and more commonly affected females, with 56% experiencing it compared to 50% of men. Most sufferers had been experiencing sensitivity for over 2 years, most triggered by cold food or drink, but the study found that only approximately 50% of adults may be treating the condition^[5].

Study author Professor Nicola West from University of Bristol, commented: “This 10-year follow on study has surprisingly shown that sensitivity is increasing. Dentine hypersensitivity is a major issue across all the countries who participated, with the associated pain negatively impacting quality of life. Sensitivity was also associated with other clinical conditions including gingival recession and erosive tooth wear of the tooth enamel. Despite advances in understanding over the last ten years, it is clear from the study that oral health outcomes for dentine hypersensitivity and toothwear are not improving and this is concerning. People need to know about the condition and its impact.”

Dr Stephen Mason, Category Medical Lead, Oral Health, Haleon commented: “One of our key objectives is to expand understanding of the impact of oral health conditions. Studies like this help to fill knowledge gaps and champion additional oral health interventions that can be incorporated into wider prevention programmes.  

Dentine hypersensitivity is an important area to explore as the condition can have a significant impact on quality of life. Once the dentine is exposed, the tubules may encounter stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, and citric foods and drinks, causing an immediate sharp and uncomfortable pain to arise. Many of those who experience this pain often adopt different coping habits from avoiding trigger foods to compromising on their eating habits and social life, limiting their enjoyment and diminishing their quality of life. Despite the significant impact on quality of life, it’s surprising to see that the prevalence of the condition has increased, indicating more needs to be done to help treat patients.”

To find out more about CPD support, webinars, and educational materials on oral health visit www.haleonhealthpartner.com.

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Haleon Contacts

Nidaa Lone: [email protected]

Media Contacts

Vruti Patel: [email protected]

About Haleon

Haleon (LSE/NYSE:HLN) is a global leader in consumer health, with a purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity. Haleon’s product portfolio spans five major categories - Oral Health, Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health and Other, and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS). Its long-standing brands - such as Advil, Sensodyne, Panadol, Voltaren, Theraflu, Otrivin, Polident, parodontax and Centrum - are built on trusted science, innovation and deep human understanding.

As one of the world’s largest providers of specialist oral health products including Sensodyne and Polident, Haleon is concerned with the findings of this study and the wider challenges facing oral healthcare across the world. These include lack of access to resources and oral health products and general low awareness on the impact of oral health and overall health. Oral health is a fundamental part of an individual’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life, and that is why Haleon is committed to making oral health more inclusive for all.

For more information, please visit www.haleon.com

About Dentine hypersensitivity

Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is a common oral pain condition characterised as an intense, transient pain resulting from stimulation of exposed dentine, typically in response to chemical, thermal, tactile, or osmotic stimuli. The study recorded sensitivity through patient self-reporting and via clinicians scoring of patients’ response.

About Oral Health

People of all ages across the world continue to be burdened excessively by oral diseases. An estimated 3.5 billion people globally experience oral disease^[6]; from cavities and erosion to gum disease, oral conditions are pervasive and common. The World Health Organisation is shining a spotlight on the importance of oral health recommending a shift from the traditional curative approach of dental conditions towards a preventive approach.