Trident(R) donates proceeds for children's oral health

Aug 27 2009

Trident(R), the best selling sugar-free gum brand in the world[4], is donating a portion of its proceeds during the first week in September to Smiles Across America(R) (SAA), the signature program of Oral Health America that supports dental services to thousands of children in underserved communities nationwide. Kicking off September 1 and running through September 7, Trident will donate $0.05 for every package of Trident gum purchased to SAA as part of a three-year commitment to help the organization shed light on the importance of pediatric oral health in the U.S.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in America, affecting almost 50 percent of second graders and almost 80 percent of 17-year-olds. Untreated tooth decay and disease can affect a child's health, well-being, growth and achievement. Each year, over 51 million school hours are lost as a result of problems related to tooth decay. Trident's contributions help SAA link local governments, businesses and supporters with care providers and schools to help fight untreated oral disease in children.

"Trident has played a distinct role in oral health for over forty years, since launching as the first sugar-free gum to help fight tooth decay," said Lesya Lysyj, executive vice president, marketing, Cadbury North America. "By supporting Smiles Across America, we continue to raise awareness about the importance of access to pediatric dental care in the U.S. Now, consumers who chew Trident gum have the chance to help make a difference in the lives of millions."

Jennie Garth Spreading Smiles

As a result of the $1.5 million contribution announced late last year, Trident will more than double the number of children who currently receive oral health services and education through the SAA care provider network over the next three years. Trident's financial commitment is critical to Oral Health America's expansion of services to dental programs in need of SAA-funding such as The Children's Dental Clinic of Greater Los Angeles (TCDC). Actress and mom of three, Jennie Garth has also lent her voice to the partnership leading oral health educational workshops with children in New York as well as at TCDC in Los Angeles.

"We are very pleased to welcome The Children's Dental Center of Greater Los Angeles to our family of care providers," said Beth Truett, president and CEO of Oral Health America. "Through our combined efforts, we can raise public awareness about the importance of oral health and proactively provide education and services to those who need it most."

Thanks to contributions from supporters, like Trident, SAA provides its network with the funding and technical assistance in the areas of communication and coalition building that enables them to reach more underserved and uninsured children and address barriers to care-lack of resources and transportation, low literacy and language diversity. To learn more about the Trident and Smiles Across America partnership and the September donation week, visit www.TridentCares4Kids.org.