New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) The Indian Dental Association (IDA) has lauded a leading US chewing gum maker’s oral healthcare initiative in this country, saying it would bring on a common platform the various stakeholders in the field.
The launch of the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme (WOHP) in India “will bring dental professionals and students together, develop research initiatives and exchange programmes and encourage clinical research on plaque reduction and saliva stimulus”, IDA president, Lt. Gen. (retd) Paramjit Singh, said.

“All this will help generate greater awareness of oral health, something we sorely need among our people,” he added.

“Bad oral health can result in heart disease and strokes that can be potentially fatal. Oral health in India is a growing concern for IDA.”

WOHP, which operates in 47 countries, is an initiative designed to support dental professionals by providing them information and practical resources to promote healthy oral care routine among their patients in the Indian context.

“The initiative will support independent clinical research into preventive dentistry keeping in mind Indian lifestyle and food patterns,” a Wrigley statement said.

“It will support oral care professionals with continuing education programs and conferences, and foster oral health education through digital media, brochures and other materials,” the statement added.