Research has shown that as many as one in three people may suffer from tooth hypersensitivity or pangingilo, with prevalence peaking at 30 to 40 years of age.
But a recent study has also found that two out of five younger adults, between 18 and 25 years old, or the age range of older Generation Z, now experience the onset of tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity is a common, irreversible problem caused by dentine exposure brought about by attrition from tooth grinding or jaw clenching, erosion from dietary acids, or abrasion from brushing too vigorously.
It occurs when the dentine underneath the tooth enamel becomes exposed, revealing small holes called tubules. When the fluid inside these tiny tubules encounters something cold, hot, sweet, or sour, it can trigger the nerves inside the tooth and cause a short, sharp pain.
“The youth of today enjoy a dynamic lifestyle. They are highly mobile and always multitasking. As such, oral health may not always be a top priority. In fact, more than 50 percent of them do not consult their dentist on problems such as tooth sensitivity and find ways to work around it instead,” said Michael Mallari, expert sales manager at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Philippines.
He continued, “However, for Filipino Gen Zers, who constantly connect with friends and family through shared meals, experiencing pangingilo is a major distraction and a problem that needs to be addressed,” said Mallari, citing the young generation’s love of exploring new things. “Instead of enjoying and being able to try out new food, they experience pain and discomfort that takes their attention away from the moments that matter.”
However, experts say it can be managed with proper dental hygiene.
In a recent event, dubbed “Face the Race,” oral healthcare brand Sensodyne, launched the new Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste made for tooth sensitivity.
“We understand that bonding over meals is a culturally intrinsic activity and is highly valued among Filipino youths,” said Ritesh Pandey, general manager of GlaxoSmithKline Philippines Consumer Healthcare.
Pandey added, “With Sensodyne Rapid Relief, those who suffer from pangingilo can experience immediate relief from the first time they brush so they can continue enjoying their food bonding experiences with minimal distraction from their teeth.”
When used as directed, the unique technology in Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste offers fast relief and long lasting protection to beat sensitivity. It has an active ingredient called stannous fluoride which enables faster blockage of the tubules. It also has an optimized polymer system that creates a gel-like scaffold which holds the stannous fluoride in place, preventing it from being washed away in the mouth.
It’s now available at leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.