The study, to be published in the September issue of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, identified a potential link between tooth loss and atherosclerosis, the buildup of artery-clogging plaque that can lead to stroke or heart attack. Within this study, researchers speculate that tooth loss, frequently caused by gum disease, may spark a series of chemical reactions that cause inflammation throughout the body, contributing to coronary artery disease.

"Half of adults age 18 or older have some evidence of gingivitis, the earliest sign of gum disease," said Dr. Paul Warren, Vice President of Clinical Research for Oral-B. "The good news is that gingivitis can be prevented and even reversed with proper oral care."

In addition to proper diet, daily brushing and flossing, and frequent visits to the dentist, consumers can arm themselves against gum disease with the proper oral care tools. According to an independent study released earlier this year, only power toothbrushes with rotational oscillation technology, such as the Oral-B Professional Care 7000, are demonstrably more effective in removing plaque and reducing gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. No other forms of power toothbrushing -- including "sonic" -- proved to be any better than a manual toothbrush. This study, based on four decades of research, was conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration, a British-based non-profit health research group.

The Oral-B Professional Care 7000 is Oral-B's newest premium power toothbrush. Featuring a unique 3D pulsing/oscillation action that pulses and oscillates to break up plaque and sweep it away, the Oral-B Professional Care 7000 cleans below
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Contact: Stephanie De Fino
sdefino@porternovelli.com
212-601-8231
Porter Novelli
12-Aug-2003