A symposium on dentine hypersensitivity for select dentists is being organised in Chennai on April 13 at Hotel GRT Grand. The symposium is being organised by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Limited. Dr. David Alexander, a renowned Dental Surgeon from Jersey City, USA, and who was recently conferred honorary membership of the American Dental Association for outstanding contributions to the advancement of the art and science of dentistry is the invited guest.

Dentine hypersensitivity is a condition characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain in response to eating or drinking very cold, very hot or very sweet foods and drinks, or physical contact. Almost 40% of adult population suffer from sensitivity of teeth. Once sensitivity develops, brushing becomes painful. This leads to neglecting the cleanliness of the affected teeth, further aggravating chances of infections. This vicious cycle continues and may eventually lead to loss of tooth. However, the sad part of the story is that most of the people tend to overlook this pain and try to cope up with the situation by avoiding their favorite food and deserts. The condition is manageable and requires the advice of a dentist.

Teeth sensitivity is just the warning bell alerting you to pay more serious attention to your oral hygiene. Though it appears to be mild and temporary episode, one needs to take up preventive dental care. With improving living standard and education, people have started paying attention to basics of oral hygiene, however, the concept of regular annual visit to dentist is not prevalent in India.