News
2014 IADR-Wrigley Salivary Research Award Winners Announced
30 June 2014
Presented at the 2014 IADR Congress in Cape Town, the award underscores the important link between saliva and good oral health.
Wrigley is pleased to congratulate the winners of the 2014 International Association for Dental Research (IADR)-Wrigley Salivary Research Award. Now in its 5th year, the annual award celebrates dental scientists, dental students and non-dental students who have made a significant contribution to salivary related research.
2014 Winners
- Nilminie Rathnayake, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden: Basic Salivary Research Award for a Dental or Non-Dental Student ($2,000 USD)
- Abstract: Cardiovascular disease biomarkers in saliva and plasma
- Joao N.A.R. Ferreira, National University of Singapore, Singapore: Clinical Salivary Research Award for Dental Scientists ($1,500 USD)
- Abstract: Neurturin-expressing adenovirus protects salivary gland function from irradiation damage
- Omer Deutsch, Hebrew University, Israel: Salivary Research Group Award ($1,500 USD)
- Abstract: Oral-Fluids Proteomics Characterization of Sjögren’s-Syndrome Patients After Removal of High-Abundance-Proteins
Wrigley and the IADR presented the awards to the 2014 winners on Thursday, June 26 at the IADR 92nd General Session & Exhibition which took place in Cape Town, South Africa.
Did you know?
Chewing sugar-free gum increases the production of saliva, which can help wash away food particles, and can help to restore optimum plaque pH levels faster than without chewing sugar-free gum. The neutralization of these plaque acids can help keep your teeth healthy.
The oral care benefits of chewing sugar-free gum have been recognized by the FDI World Dental Federation and supported by nearly 30 national dental associations worldwide.
“The Salivary Research Award is part of Wrigley’s commitment to increasing research, understanding and dialogue around the role of saliva in oral health, as well as the associated benefits of chewing sugar-free gum,” said Marcelo Aspiras, Principal Technology Scientist, Scientific Discovery, Global Innovation Center (GIC), Wrigley. “The 2014 winners exemplify the incredible work being done by dental students, researchers, and clinicians around the world on this topic – work that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.”
Inaugurated in 2010 through a partnership between the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program and the IADR Salivary Research Group, the Salivary Research Award continues to expand its global reach each year. In 2014, 16 applicants from 14 countries submitted abstracts for the award. The awards helped recipients with travel costs to attend the IADR 92nd General Session & Exhibition in Cape Town and present their research findings during a scheduled session.
To learn more about the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, please click here
Wrigley Joins Global Community to Support World Oral Health Day
20 March 2014
March 20 is World Oral Heath Day and this year the theme 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.”
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.fdiworldental.org
References
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program and World Dental Federation Team Up For Better Oral Health
10 February 2014
The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP) is delighted to be a global partner on World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2014, a FDI World Dental Federation initiative.
World Oral Health Day (WOHD) takes place on 20th March 2014 and aims to raise awareness of oral health issues so that governments, health associations, the general public and companies can work together to achieve better oral health, and in turn, lead healthier lives. One of the primary aims of WOHD 2014 is to make it a truly global event and reach as much of the world’s population as possible. Currently 52 countries around the world have announced their participation in WOHD. FDI has enlisted four key partners for WOHD 2014: WOHP, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson and Henry Schein, all working together to promote good oral health.
WOHP will use this opportunity to communicate the importance of chewing sugar-free gum in maintaining good oral health, raise awareness of WOHP and lead best practice in oral care support. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating and drinking on the go helps keep teeth clean and healthy. In fact, “Chew for a Healthy Mouth” is one of the WOHD taglines.
“Wrigley is committed to making a real contribution to the oral health of the world and we are delighted to partner with FDI on World Oral Health Day to support its mission for healthier smiles,” said Matthew Kent, Global Manager, Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program. “Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals and snacks has been proven to help protect our teeth. On World Oral Health Day, we want dental professionals and patients to take one simple, enjoyable step to improve their oral hygiene: chew sugar-free gum after eating and drinking when on the go.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program on World Oral Health Day 2014,” said Jean-Luc Eiselé, Executive Director, FDI. “We are raising awareness of oral health issues so that governments, health associations and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths, and lead happier lives. Working together helps us unite our efforts to prevent the epidemic of caries, gum diseases and tooth loss and help our communities maintain proper dentition for life.”
Participating countries include:
| Algeria | Armenia | Azerbaijan | Brazil | Bulgaria |
| Cameroon | Canada | Chile | Croatia | Ecuador |
| Finland | Ghana | Haiti | Hong Kong | Hungary |
| India | Iran | Italy | Jamaica | Jordan |
| Kazakhstan | Macau | Malaysia | Mexico | Montenegro |
| Morocco | Nepal | Netherlands | North Cyprus | Pakistan |
| Palestine | Poland | Romania | Russia | Saudi Arabia |
| Serbia | Seychelles | Slovenia | Sudan | Tunisia |
| Turkey | Uganda | USA | UAE | Vietnam |
About FDI
FDI 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 oral health promotion activities worldwide.
FDI World Dental Federation is gearing up for the celebration of World Oral Health Day 2014
11 December 2013
World Oral Health Day 2014: a focus on protecting the teeth and mouth throughout life
- A World Day for a global issue: oral health
- FDI World Dental Federation presents a stylish and memorable new World Oral Health Day logo
- LISTERINE®, Unilever, Henry Schein and Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program become the official global partners for World Oral Health Day 2014
FDI World Dental Federation is gearing up for the celebration of World Oral Health Day 2014 (WOHD 2014), which will be held on the 20th March. Celebrated around the world, WOHD 2014 focus is on reminding young and old of the importance of protecting the teeth and mouth throughout life.
“Over 90% of the world’s population will suffer some form of dental disease in their lifetime but many of these can easily be treated or prevented with a good oral care routine,” commented FDI President Dr. Tin Chun Wong. “There are more than 2 million oral health care professionals around the world and in 2014 we hope that they will join together with us and our partners, to make World Oral Health Day a worldwide success.”
To kick-off the 2014 campaign, FDI is today presenting a revamped WOHD logo. The re-vitalized image represents a happy, healthy smile that transmits the essence of World Oral Health Day, a day where everyone around the world can take part in celebrating healthy smiles.
The new logo presented today will be accompanied by a creative campaign that celebrates the positive things that can be enjoyed when one has a healthy mouth such as laughing, eating or kissing. “We want to celebrate healthy smiles,” stated FDI’s Executive Director Jean-Luc Eiselé, reiterating this year’s campaign claim. “The vitality of the smile seen in our new logo is the same vitality that we want to see in everyone’s face on World Oral Health Day, be it in Nepal, Croatia or Chile. We want to spread the message of good oral health and the importance of a good oral care routine to local communities around the world and reduce the suffering and burden of oral disease.”
In addition, FDI confirmed that World Oral Health Day 2014 will be supported by four key global partners: Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies, Unilever, Henry Schein and Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program. The former two were partners in 2013 and are back in 2014.
“World Oral Health Day is key to raising awareness across the globe of oral health issues; however, it would be impossible to achieve the necessary global impact without the help of our partners,” emphasized the FDI President.
About World Oral Heath Day World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on 20th March. The theme of World Oral Health Day 2014 is ‘Celebrating Healthy Smiles’. It reflects the major contribution oral health makes to our lives. Around the world, FDI member dental associations, schools, companies and other groups will celebrate the day with events organized under this single, unifying and simple message.
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 programmes, 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 programmes, 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.fdiworldental.org
Thank You for Your Pledge. WOHP to Support Children’s Oral Care Through $5,000 Donation
14 October 2013
We asked attendees at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene and the FDI Annual World Dental Congress to pledge their commitment to educate patients about the importance of chewing sugarfree gum as part of a preventive oral care routine.
By the end of the meetings, nearly 900 people had signed the pledge. As a result, WOHP is delighted to be donating $5,000 to an international organization dedicated to improving the oral care of children worldwide.
Thanks to everyone who signed the pledge and helped WOHP support this important initiative.