Sir, I was interested to see the recent promotion attached to the BDJ (Volume 209 issue 7, 9 October 2010) for Sensodyne Rapid Relief.

I would like to take the opportunity of your letters page to make readers aware that the fluoride content as stated on the packaging for this product is 1,040 ppm F. This is significantly lower than the minimum dosage for adult toothpaste of 1,350 ppm F as recommended by the Department of Health in the evidence-based toolkit Delivering better oral health.

I am concerned that a reduction in the fluoride levels combined with a possible delay in seeking dental advice has the potential to exacerbate the situation. This toothpaste should not be recommended on current evidence whatever the cause of the sensitivity'.

S. R. Smith, VP, Global Dental Scientific and Professional Communications, R&D, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare responds: Sensodyne Rapid Relief provides rapid and long lasting relief from the pain of dentine hypersensitivity. It contains 1,040 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride. The Cochrane Review confirms that toothpastes containing at least 1,000 ppm of fluoride are effective in preventing dental caries. 1 Should a dental healthcare professional prefer to recommend a Sensodyne toothpaste with a higher concentration of fluoride they can do so by choosing an appropriate alternative from the Sensodyne range.