Wrigley Joins Global Community to Support World Oral Health Day

World Oral Heath Day 2014 is “Celebrating Healthy Smiles.” Wrigley is a proud partner of this day-of-action which is organized by FDI World Dental Federation, the global organization representing over a million dentists worldwide. World Oral Health Day celebrates the benefits of a healthy mouth, promotes awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of looking after oral hygiene. Wrigley will join dental professionals, dental students, policy makers, researchers, celebrities, and other partners from more than 100 countries to encourage people to make a lifelong commitment to their oral health and healthy smiles.

“Wrigley is committed to making a real contribution to the oral health of the world,” said Matthew Kent, Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program Manager. “By working together on World Oral Health Day and throughout the year, we can help ensure people have the information and the oral care tools they need to protect and promote their oral health.”

Across the globe, oral disease is a significant public health challenge. Up to 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral disease in their lifetime, including caries (the process which can lead to tooth decay) and periodontal disease.1 The incidence of tooth decay appears to be getting worse; the American Journal of Dentistry reports an increase in the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth of children and adults since 2001.2 Worryingly, it is estimated that between 60% and 90% of school children worldwide have dental caries.1

To help turn the tide against these statistics, activities across the globe on World Oral Health Day will draw attention to the burden of oral disease and provide information on simple, preventive steps we can all take to maintain good oral health, including: brushing teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice daily; regular dental check-ups; and chewing sugar-free gum after eating and drinking on-the-go.3

To encourage families to look after their teeth and their oral health, FDI has launched “The Tooth Thief”, an illustrated book which tells the story of Mascarpone, the famous mouse detective, who comes to the aid of the Tooth Fairy. In addition to being an entertaining mystery story, the book shares important oral health information and tips. World renowned Ivorian Manchester City footballer Yaya Touré wrote the foreword to the book.

“Your teeth are precious. Once you’ve lost your milk teeth, your new ones need to last a lifetime. That’s why I am happy to support World Oral Health Day,” said Touré. “It is a chance for everyone, no matter where you live, no matter your gender, no matter your age, to celebrate healthy smiles.”

To learn more about World Oral Health Day 2014 and to download “The Tooth Thief,” please visithttp://www.worldoralhealthday.com/book (available from 20 March). The book will also be available from the Apple iBook Store and Amazon.

About the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program

The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP) partners with dental professionals worldwide, helping them improve their patients’ oral health through one extra simple and enjoyable step in their daily routine: chewing sugarfree gum after eating and drinking on-the-go. For more than 25 years, WOHP has supported independent clinical research into the benefits of chewing gum, including saliva stimulation, plaque acid neutralization and tooth strengthening to help dental professionals and their patients understand the role of sugarfree gum as a convenient tool for everyday oral care. Today, Wrigley operates oral healthcare programs in 47 countries worldwide. WOHP is one example of how we make a difference to people and the planet through performance, and how we incorporate our principles based approach to business into all that we do. For more information, visit: www.wrigleyoralcare.com

About FDI

FDI World Dental Federation serves as the principal representative body for more than one million dentists worldwide, developing health policy and continuing education programs, speaking as a unified voice for dentistry in international advocacy, and supporting member associations in global oral health promotion activities. Over the years, it has developed programs, initiatives, campaigns, policies and congresses, always with a view to occupying a space that no other not-for-profit group can claim. FDI works at national and international level through its own activities and those of its member dental associations. It is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and a member of the World Health Professionals Alliance (WHPA). For more information, visit: www.fdiworlddental.org

1. World Dental Federation. World Oral Health Day 2014 Toolkit. Available at: http://www.worldoralhealthday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/WOHD2014toolkit_eng.pdf. Accessed 12 March 2014.
2. Bagramian RA, Garcia-Godoy F, Volpe AR. The global increase in dental caries: a pending public health crisis. Am J Dent. 2009;22:3-8.
3. 3. Geurtsen W, Hellwig E, Klimek J. Basic recommendations for caries prophylaxis in permanent dentition. Frankfurt am Main: Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Zahnerhaltung, 2014. Available at: http://www.dgz-online.de/?download=Wissenschaftliche_Mitteilung_DGZ.pdf Accessed 12 March 2014.