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 additional simple and enjoyable step in their daily routine: chewing sugar-free gum after eating and drinking on-the-go.
We support:
- Independent clinical research into preventive dentistry
- Funding for local dental associations and governments
- Conferences and continuing professional development programs associations
- Development of education materials for patients, teachers and families
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.
2021
Research by King’s College London shows that chewing sugar-free gum reduces the load of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity
2019
Research by King’s College London finds that people who chew sugar-free gum develop significantly less caries
2017
A global health economic report suggests that chewing one additional piece of sugar-free gum a day, as part of a complete oral hygiene routine, could lead to significant savings in dental care costs worldwide.
2013
FDI World Dental Federation launches World Oral Health Day. Wrigley is a proud supporter of this day of action.
2009
The European Commission approves claims to validate the oral care benefits of sugar-free gum.
2007
Orbit®, Extra® and Eclipse® were the first sugar-free gums to receive the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance for helping to fight cavities, strengthen teeth and reduce harmful plaque acids.
1993
FDI World Dental Federation recognizes the oral care benefits of chewing sugar-free gum, and launches a new partnership with Wrigley.
1989
The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program launches in Germany and now operates in more than 20 countries around the world.
1980s–1990s
Wrigley pursues clinical research to further investigate the role of saliva, plaque pH and remineralization.
1976
Wrigley launches Orbit®, our first sugar-free chewing gum
1973
The first published clinical study demonstrates the benefits of sugar-free gum, proving it helps stimulate saliva production which washes away - or neutralizes - harmful plaque acids.
1950s
Fluoride toothpastes started to receive approval from the American Dental Association.
1938
The first modern day toothbrush is launched.
1930s
Research begins into the oral care benefits of chewing gum. Wrigley offers a Fellowship at Northwestern University Dental School.
1891
Young entrepreneur, William Wrigley Jr., offered stores free chewing gum as an incentive to stock his baking soda. When the gum proved more popular, he made a smart switch!
WOHP Clinical Booklet
A clinical overview of the role of chewing sugar-free gum in oral healthcare.
The latest research on sugar-free gum
Two recent systematic reviews published by King’s College have concluded that the regular use of polyol combination chewing gum leads to a reduction in dental caries and is an effective addition to oral health regimens.
