Wrigley launches Oral Healthcare Program in NZ

The Wrigley Company has launched their Oral Healthcare Program in New Zealand, allowing dental professionals to purchase EXTRA® sugar-free chewing gum for their patients and to continue the education of the benefits of chewing sugar-free gum in an oral healthcare routine.The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program includes a selection of full size packs of EXTRA sugar-free chewing gum, a sleek slim line permanent merchandising stand and supporting patient brochures. The gum can be either given away or sold to patients. The program will be rolled out through an exclusive distribution partnership with Henry Schein Shalfoon.

Chewing sugar-free gum has long been scientifically proven to provide a number of oral health benefits as part of a preventative oral healthcare routine. Sugar free gum is particularly beneficial to patients with reduced salivary flow due to age or as a side effect of medication. It is also beneficial to children, helping to stimulate saliva, neutralise of plaque acid and helps keep the breath fresh. Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating and drinking has also been shown to prevent dental caries by up to 40 percent.^1,2,3

Jodie Walpole, Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program Manager says the program is an effective way to encourage face-to-face dialogue between dentists and their patients, highlighting the importance of chewing sugar free gum in an oral health routine.

“At The Wrigley Company we understand the integral role dental healthcare professionals play in both the day-to-day maintenance of oral health as well as that of everyday educator of patients. In recognition of this, and as part of a continuing commitment to the dental industry, we are excited to launch this program so dentists and patients alike can experience the benefits of chewing sugarfree gum,” she said.

The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program was launched in Australia last October and is now taking orders for New Zealand Dental surgeries through Henry Schein Shalfoon.

References

1. Szöke J, Bánóczy J, Proskin HM (2001), ‘Effect of after-meal sucrose-free gum-chewing on clinical caries,’ Journal of Dental Research, 80(8): 1725-29.
2. Kashket S, Yaskell T, Lopez LR. “Prevention of sucrose-induced demineralisation of tooth enamel by chewing sorbitol gum.” J Dent Res. 1989; 68: 1064-1068.
3. Edgar WM, Dawes C, O’Mullane D. Saliva and Oral Health: An essential overview for the Health professional. (Third Edition): British Dental Association Publication, 2004; London, W1G 8YS.