Crest and Marilu Henner Urge Older Adults to Preserve a Timeless Smile

Sept. 14, 2011
Campaign Kicks Off 2nd Annual National Gingivitis Awareness Month to Educate Consumers About Gum Health

CINCINNATI -- More than eight in 10 Americans ages 50 to 64 believe healthy teeth and gums are essential to maintaining overall good health, yet only a third say they are taking good care of their oral health, according to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA), with Crest® and Oral-B® . To help bridge this gap, Crest Pro-Health and actress, author, and health advocate Marilu Henner are committed to educating older adults about the importance of gum health during the second annual National Gingivitis Awareness Month this September.

To help bring attention to gingivitis, a common, early form of gum disease that affects more than one in two U.S. adults, Crest will engage in a host of activities to support National Gingivitis Awareness Month. These include the partnership with Ms. Henner and sponsorship of the Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Invigorating Clean booth at Life@50+, AARP’s National Event and Expo, September 22-24 in Los Angeles. Consumers who visit the booth can consult a dental hygienist about oral health questions and concerns and learn more about gingivitis. The booth will also feature a “pledge wall,” where visitors can pledge to better oral health, and receive free samples.

“Taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about looking good; it’s also about staying healthy,” said Ms. Henner. “I am passionate about educating people how to lead a healthy lifestyle; and that includes maintaining an oral hygiene routine, which is an important part of your total health picture. Through my partnership with Crest I hope to help educate older adults about gum disease and their overall health, and provide them with the information they need to help prevent and even reverse gingivitis.”

Many adults believe they are already doing everything they can to protect their mouth and do not realize that red gums or minor bleeding during brushing or flossing can be a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by plaque bacteria at the gum line that can cause gums to swell. If left untreated, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, an infection that can be a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Some research suggests there may be a link between periodontitis and other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

“As adults age it is critical that they continue to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene regimen, which includes removing plaque from teeth and gums every day with proper brushing and flossing and getting regular cleanings by a dental professional,” said Anne Benson, RDH, Mobile Dentistry of Arizona. “For some patients, we also recommend a clinical care regimen, such as Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection, that provides advanced protection against the bacteria that can cause gingivitis.”

Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste – Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste offers an advanced formula that provides Crest’s highest level of protection against plaque bacteria and is clinically proven to help reverse gingivitis in four weeks. Its clinically proven active ingredient protects against gingivitis, sensitivity, cavities, plaque, and bad breath. The Invigorating Clean Mint flavor also provides an invigorating sensation during and after use.

Like other Crest Pro-Health toothpastes, Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste protects all these areas dentists check most:

Fights cavities
Whitens teeth
Fights sensitivity
Fights gingivitis
Fights tartar buildup
Freshens breath
Fights plaque

For more information, visit: www.crestprohealth.com.

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