The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme saw a step change in 2012 with an extended programme of activity and a key piece of research which showed that 51% of dental professionals recommend chewing sugarfree gum to their patients when prompted*.
But perhaps the highlight of the 2012 Programme was the launch of www.wrigleyoralhealthcare.co.uk– a new online resource tailored to the needs of the dental community, ‘developed by dentists for dentists’, with patient resources for downloading, a simple on-line sample ordering system and all the latest industry news. Six weeks after launch, Wrigley had sent out free samples of Extra Ice to over 4,000 dental practices across the UK.
Wrigley’s busy year also included the launch of a new flavour, Extra Ice White Fresh Mint, sponsorship of National Smile Month, and a parliamentary event to address the European Platform for Better Oral Health Report.
There was also an increase in events activity, a key element of the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme which provides valuable ‘face to face’ time with dental professionals.
From the annual British Dental Conference and Exhibition to new shows such as Dentistry Live and the Dentistry Show, Wrigley’s dedicated calendar of events has reached out to over 22,000 dental professionals.
Louisa Rowntree, WOHP Manager, says: ‘2012 has been a very busy year for our Oral Healthcare Programme both in terms the amount of activity we have undertaken and the strength of the strategy we bring to promote the role of sugarfree gum in oral healthcare. Research with the dental community has been crucial in providing us with insight and understanding to better support professionals recommending sugarfree gum to their patients as part of their oral care routine, particularly when patients are out and about or on the go. These insights will drive next year’s activities, with further development of www.wrigleyoralhealthcare.co.uk to reflect our commitment and underpin all of our activity.’
The benefits of chewing sugarfree gum are well documented and it is a clinically proven way to look after oral health whilst ‘on the go’. The science behind chewing is simple – chewing sugarfree gum after eating and drinking stimulates the flow of saliva which washes away food debris, helps neutralise damaging plaque acids and remineralise tooth enamel**. The proven benefits of chewing sugarfree gum provide a strong reason for dental professionals to recommend chewing to their patients.
For more information about the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme please visit the dedicated site for dental professionals www.wrigleyoralhealthcare.co.uk.
*Research carried out independently by IPSOS Healthcare, September 2012
**Alcantara E, Leveille G, McMahon K, Zibell S. Benefits of Chewing Gum: Oral Health and Beyond. Nutrition Today, Volume 43, Number 2, March/April 2008
