NEW YORK, April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Colgate-Palmolive Company has announced a multi-year educational collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA). This initiative demonstrates Colgate's commitment to improving oral health among Americans, including Americans with diabetes -- a population at increased risk for oral health problems. Colgate-Palmolive, maker of Colgate Total(R) toothpaste, has become a National Strategic Partner of the American Diabetes Association, supporting the development of the organization's new Oral Care activities.
There is an increased prevalence of gum disease among diabetics, leading some researchers to call serious gum disease, also known as periodontitis the "sixth complication of diabetes," adding it to the list of other complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Emerging research has suggested that the relationship is two-way; not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to periodontal disease, but the presence of gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.
"Colgate has long been on the forefront of educating dental professionals about the association between oral health problems and diabetes," said Dr. Foti Panagakos, Director of Professional Relations, Colgate-Palmolive. "We are proud to collaborate with the American Diabetes Association as they launch their new oral care activities, which will help educate medical professionals and diabetes patients about the association between oral health and diabetes, and the practical steps to help improve both oral and possibly overall health."
As a National Strategic Partner to the American Diabetes Association, Colgate will support elements of the American Diabetes Association's new oral care initiatives. Practical and focused information on oral health management for people with diabetes and their physicians will be featured in a new oral care section of the American Diabetes Association's web site. Content will include research updates on the oral health-systemic health association, physician education on oral health as it relates to diabetes, and interactive patient education features, including:
"Colgate's commitment to support ADA's new oral care activities is very important to our mission and the fight against diabetes," said John Buse, MD, PhD, President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association. "As the connection between oral hygiene and diabetes becomes more evident, we need to educate not only people living with diabetes, but the general public as well. This collaboration will enable us to extend our reach to a much larger audience through a variety of vital programs."
To further advance physician education, the American Diabetes Association and the American Dental Association will conduct a joint symposium, supported by Colgate through an unrestricted educational grant, for healthcare professionals focused on diabetes and periodontal disease at the 2008 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions.
People with diabetes are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums. It has been reported that the infectious and chronic inflammatory nature of periodontitis can potentially increase insulin resistance and lead to unbalanced blood sugar levels. It is estimated that almost one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease.
"There are steps that people with diabetes, and people at risk for diabetes, should take to help reduce inflammation of their gums and maintain good oral care," said Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, professor, SUNY Stony Brook. "I recommend visiting a dental professional regularly, flossing daily, and brushing twice a day for two minutes with an anti-bacterial toothpaste like Colgate Total which is formulated to work for 12 hours against oral bacteria, a major cause of gum inflammation."
About Colgate Total
Colgate Total's patented formula is clinically proven to fight the germs that cause the gum disease gingivitis. Colgate Total has an ingredient with both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, delivered in a patented copolymer, which can help prevent gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease which if left untreated, can lead to a more severe form, periodontitis. According to emerging research, periodontitis may be associated with systemic disease. Colgate Total is the only toothpaste both approved by the FDA and accepted by the American Dental Association, to prevent gingivitis. Colgate Total is also one of few brands in America that provides antibacterial benefits and has also been granted the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance for Plaque and Gingivitis. Using Colgate Total can promote better oral health and better oral health may help improve overall health. Colgate Total is approved for the prevention of gingivitis, not approved for the prevention or treatment of periodontitis or other diseases.
About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom's of Maine, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's web site at http://www.colgate.com.
About The American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association provides services to hundreds of communities across the country. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342- 2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
SOURCE Colgate-Palmolive Company
