News

• Smile Spectrum Waiting Room Poster 1.8M PDF
• Smile_Spectrum_Leaflet 1.8M PDF
• Smile_Spectrum_Window_Sticker 600K PDF
• Teens_and_teeth_infographic_digital 400K PDF
• Teens_and_teeth_infographic_print 500K PDF

Today, the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP) joins FDI World Dental Federation, its partners, dental professionals, and patients around the world to celebrate World Oral Health Day (WOHD) and the 2015 theme “Smile for Life.”

Most of us are unaware of just how many physical and neurological components are involved in the simple act of smiling. World Oral Health Day is an important occasion to focus on the science of smiling, and remind patients of the simple oral hygiene routines that can help protect their teeth and smiles, including chewing sugar-free gum.

Smiling requires a number of muscular and neurological features which operate “behind the scenes.” As many as 12 muscles are involved in the creation of a smile, depending on the type of smile and our individual facial characteristics.1 In an unconscious, “genuine” smile, also known as the Duchenne smile in honor of a 19th century French neurologist who studied the mechanism of human facial expression, signals travel from the unconscious areas of the brain to contract facial muscles, in particular the obicularis occuli around the eye and the zygomaticus major which controls the corners of the mouth. Conversely, in a conscious “social” smile, signals from the brain bypass the eyes and contract only the muscles around the mouth.2 Researchers have shown that the Duchenne smile produces greater activity in the brain’s left anterior temporal region and is linked to positive emotions.3

More importantly, a smile is produced—and defined—by its most visible, obvious components: the teeth and gums. The condition, shape, position, and color of the teeth and gums can impact the function and aesthetic appearance of a smile 4 and could potentially influence a person’s desire to smile in public.

“The 2015 World Oral Health Day theme of Smile for Life has two meanings – a lifelong smile and celebrating life,” said FDI President Dr Tin Chun Wong. “The three main dental reasons that people don’t smile are gum disease, tooth decay or tooth loss, so the better we prevent these the more chance we have of keeping our smiles for life.”

Given the important link between teeth and smiles, WOHP supports the goals of World Oral Health Day all year round. WOHP partners with dental professionals to help them improve their patients’ oral health through one extra simple and enjoyable step in their daily routine: chewing sugar-free gum after eating and drinking, particularly while on-the-go. Science demonstrates that chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the production of saliva, increasing the flow rate by up to 10 to 12 times the resting rate, which helps to wash away food debris, neutralize plaque acids and naturally remineralize tooth enamel to help strengthen teeth.

“The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program is proud to support World Oral Health Day 2015 and to raise awareness of the many factors that enable the simple act of smiling,” said Matthew Kent, Global Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program Manager. “Our teeth play an essential role in our desire and ability to smile. So we are working with dentists, hygienists, and patients to encourage the adoption of oral hygiene behaviors, such as chewing sugar-free gum, that can help keep teeth healthy.”

To learn more about World Oral Health Day, please click here. To learn more about the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program and the oral health benefits of chewing sugar-free gum, please click here.

About 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 sugar-free gum after eating and drinking on-the-go. WOHP supports independent clinical research into the benefits of chewing gum, including saliva stimulation, plaque acid neutralization and tooth strengthening. 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

About WOHD
World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated every year on the 20th March. It is an international day to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of looking after oral hygiene to everyone old and young. It is a day for people to have fun – a day that should be full of activities that make us laugh, sing and smile! For more information, visit: www.worldoralhealthday.com

References

1. Goldfinger, Eliot. Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997. Pages 69-101.
2. Carter, Rita. The Brain Book, 2nd edition. London: DK Publishing, 2014.
3. Ekman P, Davidson RJ, Friesen WV. The Duchenne smile: emotional expression and brain physiology. II. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1990;58:342-53.
4. Kershaw S, Newton JT. Williams DM. The influence of tooth colour on the perceptions of personal characteristics among female dental patients: comparisons of unmodified, decayed and ‘whitened’ teeth. Br Dent J. 2008; 204:E9.

Six fold increase in entries received for the 2015 award

The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program is delighted to announce the three winners of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR)-Wrigley Salivary Research Award. Now in its sixth year, the annual award celebrates dental scientists, dental students and non-dental students, from around the world, who have made a significant contribution to salivary research. This year, more than 90 entries (in the form of abstracts) were submitted to the award, which covers three categories:

• Basic Salivary Research Award for a Dental or Non-Dental Student
• Clinical Salivary Research Award for Dental Students
• Clinical Salivary Research Award for Dental Scientists

2015 Winners

• Yuliya Mulyar, The University of Western Ontario, Canada, Wrigley Basic Salivary Research Award for a Dental or Non-Dental Student ($2,000)
  • Abstract: Anti-Cariogenic Effect of a Novel Encapsulation System for Salivary Proteins
• Brady Petersen, The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Wrigley Clinical Salivary Research Award for Dental Students ($1,500)
  • Abstract: Exosome Analysis: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma MicroRNA Isolation in Culture
• Eduardo Moffa, The University of Western Ontario, Canada, Wrigley Clinical Salivary Research Award for Dental Scientists ($1,500)
  • Abstract: Identification of Histatin 5 Salivary Complexes Using Mass Spectrometry

“This is the sixth year that the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program has supported the award and we are excited to see such a marked increase in interest to carry out research in this fascinating and important field,” said Michael Dodds, BDS, PhD, Oral Health Lead Scientist, Wrigley.

“The work of the three awardees truly demonstrates the diversity of contemporary salivary research, ranging from fundamental understanding of how salivary proteins interact, a system that in the future could be applied to early identification of oral cancers, through to a nano-encapsulation system that uses fragments of salivary proteins to protect enamel from decay”, continues Dr. Dodds. “The new insights from these studies will allow us, and others in the dental field, to continue to build on our knowledge and understanding of the role and benefits of saliva in maintaining oral health.”

The IADR General Session, taking place in Boston from March 11-14, is a worldwide networking opportunity for the craniofacial, oral and dental research community. More than 5,000 delegates are in attendance, including representatives from 60 leading dental companies and institutions, and more than 3,000 scientific abstracts will be presented.

The partnership between the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program and the IADR Salivary Research Group was inaugurated, along with the award, in 2010 and continues to expand its global reach. The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program contribution, in the form of a travel bursary, enabled the winners to attend the General Session and present their research findings.

To learn more about the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, please click here

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.

“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

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

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. 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.