Dental association, ministry give Colgate thumbs up for new take on oral healthcare

THE USE of stannous fluoride will not turn many heads, but, according to President of the Jamaica Dental Association Dr Wendy Chuck-Francis, its introduction in a new product to the Jamaican market, could be a game changer.

“It is clear from the science presented that stannous fluoride is very important in removing plaque bacteria. It will be an extra tool that the dental surgeon can recommend to their patients,” said Chuck-Francis during the launch of the Colgate Total Active Prevention (product) recently.

It features a formula that offers advanced prevention of oral problems compared to a toothpaste without antibacterial ingredients.

Monica Calvo, senior director of customer development in the Caribbean for Colgate-Palmolive says the new product is part of the organisation’s more general goals.

“We are Colgate-Palmolive, a company of growth, innovation, and care, re imagining a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet,” she noted.

The company and the initiative was applauded by Ervin McKenzie, chief dental officer at the Ministry of Health.

“Colgate displays good corporate social responsibility, in that it helps to educate the public about good oral healthcare. It is one of those companies in the oral healthcare business that partners with the ministry in our health education and our healthcare promotional activities, and it’s a staple in Jamaica,” he said.

Speaking specifically to the use of stannous fluoride, McKenzie said: “What we are hearing is a new innovation by Colgate in terms of addressing oral healthcare conditions. And for me, as the Jamaica chief smile builder, it is particularly important to have something else in our armoury in terms of how we help to ensure that we have good oral health. Because we can’t really be healthy without good oral health.”

José Manuel Castillo, director of customer development in the Caribbean for Colgate-Palmolive, highlighted the reasons for Colgate’s sustained success in Jamaica. He said, however, that the organisation would not rest on its laurels in the furtherance of that success.

Laura Polanco, brand development manager of oral care at Colgate-Palmolive, explained that the product would also come with a new toothbrush that has high-density bristle technology as a feature, as well as a mouthwash with 24-hour antibacterial protection.

The fusion of the products, Polanco explained, would increase the effect of preventing bacteria build-up up to 15 times.