One of 21st Century's Biggest Threats to Teeth

January 30, 2007, Dubai.  GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global leading oral care expert, revealed how teeth are under threat from a dental condition which is caused by the increased acidity of our modern diet. 

GSK has identified acid erosion - a condition that affects all ages - as a key issue for Twenty-First Century dental care. GSK believes that the condition could be as much of a threat to teeth in this Century, as cavities were in the Twentieth Century.

Acid erosion occurs when acidic food or drinks come into contact with teeth and the tooth enamel surface temporarily softens. Over time, this acidic softening can cause significant wear, resulting in reduced thickness of enamel which can lead teeth to change texture, shape and appearance, and become sensitive.

Acid erosion can be caused by the 21st Century lifestyle and can affect all age groups; both men and women. Today's modern diet may be considered healthy, with low sugar options but a wide range of foods associated with the modern diet are acidic.  Certain soft drinks and even foods such as fruits are often highly acidic.  Frequent consumption of acidic food and drink can be damaging to the teeth.

The early signs of acid erosion can include teeth pain when consuming hot or cold food and drinks, a condition called dental sensitivity. Visibly the teeth will have a rounded look on the surface of the tooth; teeth with a shiny, polished look and slight yellow appearance as the acids erode the tooth enamel and the underlying dentine shows through.

The later stages can include yellow spots on the teeth; transparency; small cracks on the edges of the teeth; severe sensitivity; and small dents on the tooth surface.  The effects of acid erosion cannot be reversed and if left to become serious will require dental treatment to restore the shape and function of the affected teeth and to protect them. In very extreme cases, the damage caused may require extraction of the affected tooth.

GSK recognizes that the majority of people will not have heard of acid erosion or realise that it is happening to their teeth and often will not seek the advice of their dentist until the condition has reached the advanced stages. GSK recommends that when visiting the dentist you ask for an acid erosion check-up as part of general oral care.

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About GSK
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare: A world leader in Oral Care.

Everyday, more than 200 million people around the world use a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) brand of toothpaste and toothbrush. With a presence in more than 130 countries, GSK consumer healthcare has established itself as one of the world leaders in science-driven oral care products. GSK is present in the Middle East with a complete range of oral care products (toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash and denture care products) with brands like:

  • Sensodyne, which is the world's most recommended toothpaste by dentists for the control of dentinal hypersensitivity (sensitive teeth).

  • Parodontax, with its unique herbal ingredients, provides an effective treatment to periodontal diseases.

  • Corega denture cleansers and fixatives improve the quality of life of thousands of denture-wearers around the region.

  • Corsodyl, treats and prevents chronic gingivitis.

  • Aquafresh offers a total range of oral care products that have a close affinity to families in the Middle East.

Contact
For more information contact
GolinHarris:
Vicki Morley,
Senior Account Manager
vmorley@golinharris.com

Cynthia Darwish,
Account Executive
cdarwish@golinharris.com
telephone (00 971 4) 332 3308

© Press Release 2007