As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Smile Month, we are looking back on the history of landmark oral health products and discoveries over the last century with our long-term Smile Month partner, Haleon, the maker of oral care brands such as Sensodyne, Corsodyl, Pronamel, and Aquafresh.

While Smile Month and the Oral Health Foundation have worked to bridge the gap between the dentist's chair and the bathroom at home, getting people engaged in their oral health habits, Haleon’s product innovations have provided the "how" behind the "why", helping millions to protect sensitive teeth and improve gum health through evolving science.

Corsodyl and gum health: from antiseptic to an everyday defence

The journey of Corsodyl mirrors the 50-year mission of Smile Month: moving the public away from reactive treatments toward proactive, daily care.

In 1975, as the first Smile Month campaigns were being envisioned, Corsodyl launched its first product containing Chlorhexidine Digluconate in Germany. By 1989, this active ingredient had become widely regarded as the gold standard, used across the industry in the treatment of gum disease.

Over the decades, the brand’s approach to gum health has evolved to include a comprehensive daily range including toothpaste, supporting patients to take more proactive care of their gum health.

The evolution of gum care

• The clinical launch: Launched in 1975 as a 0.2% chlorhexidine antiseptic mouthwash designed for intensive, short-term treatment of gingivitis, recurring mouth ulcers and post-surgery recovery.

• Mainstream access: As public awareness grew, Corsodyl Daily mouthwash was introduced, specially formulated to be used as part of a daily oral care routine by people at home.

• Enhancing daily plaque removal: Celebrating 50+ years of expertise, modern Corsodyl toothpaste formulas use 67% sodium bicarbonate to enhance the mechanical clean vs. regular toothpaste, providing clinically proven improvements in gum health measures in just 3 weeks in patients with localised gingivitis.

"Many patients now recognise Corsodyl as the go-to for keeping gums healthy. Since bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease, the earlier we encourage people to be proactive in addressing these symptoms, the better the long-term outcomes."

Karen Coates, Oral Health Foundation.

Today, the Corsodyl mission is to partner with dental professionals to stop the progression of gum disease by improving awareness and encouraging good oral hygiene habits. They recognise that the key to healthy gums lies in the patient’s hands with their daily brushing efforts.

Sensitive teeth: From mystery to reality

For much of the last century, "sensitive teeth" were a clinical mystery. It wasn't until the 1960s, with Dr. Martin Brännström’s Hydrodynamic Theory, that we understood how fluid movement in microscopic tubules triggered dental nerves.

As Smile Month began its 50-year trek to educate the public on prevention, the science of sensitivity was advancing at a molecular level as our understanding of dental histology grew.

The evolution of caring for sensitive teeth

• Blocking: The first Sensodyne toothpaste was launched in 1961 and used strontium chloride to physically block tubules and stop fluid movement.

• Prevention: With rising acid erosion from modern diets, Pronamel launched in 2006, featuring a unique formulation optimised for fluoride delivery.

• Occlusion: Modern formulas now use NovaMin (calcium sodium phosphosilicate), a bioglass, to create a reparative mineral layer over exposed dentine. The hydroxyapatite-like layer forms over and within the exposed tubules, acting to occlude exposed tubules and shielding them from the stimuli that might cause the movement of fluid. Sensodyne Clinical Repair toothpastes, with NovaMin, start to repair sensitive teeth in 2 minutes for clinically proven relief in 3 days. Other formulations, like Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpastes, use stannous fluoride to provide sensitivity relief in as little as 60 seconds with dab-on application.

“Consistent caring for sensitive teeth is key to keep problems at bay, and toothpastes like Sensodyne make it possible for patients experiencing sensitive teeth so they can continue to enjoy things like hot or cold drinks”

Karen Coates, Oral Health Foundation

Today’s care is no longer a "one-size-fits-all" solution. Modern options available in the market offer a multi-layered defence that addresses the different needs of people with sensitive teeth.

50 years of progress

Today, thanks to over 50 years of research, caring for our smiles has moved from reactive fixes to clinically proven protection. As we look back on 50 years of Smile Month, the history of Corsodyl and Sensodyne serves as a testament to how far we’ve come.

What began as a campaign to encourage basic brushing has evolved into a global movement supported by high-precision science. Together, we can continue to ensure that the next 50 years of smiles are even healthier than the last.

---

PM-GB-CSYL-26-00089