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Study Reveals That People Have Been Going To The Dentist Less Than Usual In Recent Years

Additional research showed that at least 7 out of 10 Malaysians are suffering from tooth sensitivity.

Cover image via Atikah Akhtar (Unsplash) & Sensodyne

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According to a recent study by GSK Consumer Healthcare and Ipsos, less visits to the dentist during the pandemic has been the biggest change in oral healthcare habits among Southeast Asian consumers

4,500 participants aged over 18 years old were surveyed from five European countries (France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and Russia) and four Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand).

The study, which examined how COVID-19 impacted consumer behaviour around their own oral healthcare, found that 30% of respondents had visited the dentist less frequently during the pandemic.

It also found that only less than a quarter of all respondents (23%) claimed to use condition-specific toothpastes to manage specific oral-health conditions that they suffer from.

Additionally, The Southeast Asia & Taiwan (SEAT) Quantitative Research* conducted by GSK Consumer Healthcare has revealed that at least 7 out of 10 Malaysians are suffering from tooth sensitivity

Of this, 39% are aware of their condition, while another 32% have experienced sensitivity symptoms but are unaware of the condition.

The same research also showed that most people suffering from tooth sensitivity experience discomfort in their teeth when they are brushing their teeth (38%), from food getting caught between gums and denture (33%), as well as when eating or drinking cold (58%), hot (23%), sweet (31%), acidic or sour (29%), and spicy (15%) food and drinks.

*GSK Consumer Healthcare. Sensodyne Southeast Asia & Taiwan Quantitative Research – Malaysia Market Session. September 2021.

With many Malaysians experiencing tooth sensitivity, Sensodyne, has launched their #ReclaimLifeSmallPleasures campaign to inspire Malaysians to take control of their oral care

Image via Sensodyne

For those who have tooth sensitivity, it's not just the discomfort they have to put up with, but also having to give up the small pleasures in life. This is especially true when it comes to everyday food and drinks, as there's always the fear of triggering a short and sharp sensation on one's teeth.

Something as simple as enjoying a cup of piping hot teh tarik, sipping on an ice-cold bubble tea, or even biting into freezing cold ice cream might be an unpleasant experience for those with sensitive teeth.

That's why Sensodyne, the No.1 Sensitive Toothpaste brand**, believes that the #ReclaimLifeSmallPleasures campaign is so important — so that Malaysians can learn about and be self-aware of tooth sensitivity conditions for early management.

**Nielsen Retail Audit Data, September 2020 – August 2021

As part of the campaign, Sensodyne has launched their new Repair and Protect Deep Repair toothpaste

Designed to help with tooth sensitivity, this new toothpaste uses NovaMin technology that goes deep inside the teeth to deep repair*** sensitive teeth and form a protective layer for clinically proven sensitivity relief.

It also contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen enamel and provide daily protection for sensitive teeth, whilst also keeping teeth and gums healthy.

Samples of Sensodyne Repair & Protect Deep Repair toothpaste will be made available at up to 1,000 dental clinics nationwide.

***Forms a protective layer over the sensitive areas of the teeth. Brush twice a day for lasting sensitivity protection.

Plus, in order to drive tooth sensitivity awareness on a national scale, the #ReclaimLifeSmallPleasures campaign will include the rolling out of a variety of infotainment and educational content

From January onwards, you can look out for informative content from healthcare professionals, social creators, and influencers, which will be pushed out via multiple platforms. This includes Sensodyne Malaysia's portal and social media channels, as well as traditional and digital media platforms.

To learn more about Sensodyne Repair and Protect Deep Repair and how to relieve sensitive teeth, visit Sensodyne Malaysia's website, or check out their Facebook and Instagram

The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care.

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