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GlaxoSmithKline Introduces New Sensodyne® ProNamel™ for Children
Helping to protect young teeth from the effects of acid erosion
PITTSBURGH, PA – (February 2009) – GlaxoSmithKline, makers of Sensodyne®, announces the arrival of new Sensodyne® ProNamel™ for Children, designed to help protect children’s teeth against the effects of acid erosion. Developed in consultation with dental experts, ProNamel for Children offers the same enamel strengthening benefits as the adult ProNamel variant—an optimized fluoride formula, neutral pH, low abrasivity, and no SLS*. In addition to fighting acid erosion, the optimized fluoride formulation also helps prevent caries. Unlike adult ProNamel, ProNamel for Children does not contain potassium nitrate, due to the low incidence of sensitivity in pediatric patients.
Tooth wear has been identified by dental experts as an emerging condition in oral health. Acid-containing food sources in children’s diets, such as fruit juices and soft drinks, can demineralize and soften the tooth surface, wearing away enamel. Additionally, because deciduous teeth have thinner and softer enamel, they are more susceptible to the deteriorative effects of acid wear.[1]
Furthermore, as children’s early dietary habits set the stage for their adult lives, the problem continues. Research shows that 9 out of 10 U.S. pediatric dentists believe acid erosion in deciduous teeth leads to acid erosion in permanent teeth.[2] Left unchecked, acid erosion can lead to loss of tooth shape, tooth discoloration and dentin hypersensitivity, underscoring the importance of helping children preserve tooth enamel early on.
To date, however, understanding of the risk of acid erosion in children’s teeth has been relatively poor. “The increase in consumption of sodas or pop is only part of the problem when it comes to acid erosion in children’s teeth,” says Dominick Zero, DDS, PhD, professor and chair, preventive dentistry and associate dean for research, Indiana University School of Dentistry. “Feeding children a healthy diet, while a cornerstone for overall health, does not necessarily protect against acid erosion, as even healthy foods such as fruit and fruit juices can cause damage.” To further explore the issue, leading experts convened at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting to understand more about the impact of modern diets on the teeth of U.S. children.
The issue is coming to light after a growing body of research highlighting the effects and prevalence of erosive wear. Data collected in a 2007 survey shows that 79 percent of dental professionals believe the prevalence of erosion is on the rise, and 88 percent said it represented a challenge to long-term oral health.[3]
In order to help today’s children head off this trend, helping parents and caregivers develop a preventive strategy against potentially damaging habits will be key. Dental professionals can recommend brushing twice a day with ProNamel for Children to help restrengthen enamel and prevent long-term damage.
For more information about ProNamel for Children or GlaxoSmithKline’s other dental care products, visit http://www.dental-professional.com or call 1.800.652.5625.
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world’s largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the products alli, Nicorette, NicoDerm CQ, Commit, Abreva, Aquafresh, Sensodyne, and TUMS, trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare companies. GlaxoSmithKline is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
* Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
[1] Lussi A, Jaeggi T. Monogr Oral Sci 2006; 20: 140-151.
[2] Data on file. GSK 2008.
[3] Strassler HE, Drisko CL, Alexander DC. Dentin Hypersensitivity: Its Inter-Relationship to Gingival Recession and Acid Erosion. Inside Dent. 2008 June; Vol. 4 No. 6 (Special Issue).