Canada Kicks Off World Cavity-Free Future Day Marking a National Commitment to Help Fight Cavities

Global campaign stresses importance of brushing twice a day for two minutes and reducing sugar intake

TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2016 /CNW/ -- Friday, October 14, marked the inaugural World Cavity-Free Future Day, a day initiated to spread awareness and engage communities around the world in the global fight against dental caries (the disease which leads to cavities). Worldwide, between 60–90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have dental caries. In Canada, statistics show that 57% of children 6-11 years old and majority of adults have dental decay and most don't know that early stages of cavities can be prevented and controlled. World Cavity-Free Future Day seeks to engage communities across the globe with events varying from community outreach events, free oral care consultations, professional webinars and school-based education efforts, among others.

The initiative is sponsored by a growing assembly of local, national and international organizations, including the global Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future (ACFF), Colgate-Palmolive, the Canadian Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, who believe that collectively we can significantly decrease the burden of cavities in communities and help secure a cavity-free future for future generations.

"Given the high prevalence of dental decay in Canada, World Cavity-Free Future Day highlights the building of a strong advocacy network of patients, dental and other health professionals, families, public policy experts, and other stakeholders committed to fighting cavities today and every day," said Dr. Nigel Pitts, Global Chairman, Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future. "We see this day as our call to action and our commitment to working together to improve the lives of thousands of children and adults around the world."

To commemorate this first year, Dr. Pitts was the keynote speaker at the Canadian Association of Public Health Dentistry meeting on October 1 in Toronto and led a workshop with partners of the ACFF's Canada-US Chapter on October 14 in Washington, D.C., to discuss and propose a plan for Canada.

Tooth decay has been a growing concern, particularly with the increase in global sugar consumption. Partners and experts who have joined World Cavity-Free Future Day believe that a good starting place for cavity reduction is focusing on the importance of brushing twice a day with a green pea sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste for two minutes and reducing sugar intake. In addition, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued guidance on how best to limit sugar intake and a growing number of organizations are looking at ways to increase oral health education and hygiene efforts across the globe. Some of these efforts have included developing new tools to help dentists assess cavity risk to treat the disease in the early stages when it might still be reversible, ensuring dental schools have updated curricula, and assessing new tools and technologies to help limit the impact of sugar acids on teeth.

"World Cavity-Free Future Day should serve as a reminder that we need to come together collectively to improve the oral health of our children," said Alyssa Hayes, Canada-US ACFF Co-Chair. "We need to assess all of the ways that can help to reduce the burden of cavities and the importance of prevention and management so that future generations can live a cavity-free life."

For those interested in finding resources on cavity prevention, more information can be found at www.AllianceforaCavityFreeFuture.org. Specific information about the Canada-US Chapter can be obtained by contacting Co-Chair, Alyssa Hayes BDent, MSc, FRCD(C), Assistant Professor, Dental Public Health, University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry via email ([email protected]) or phone [phone]).

About The Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future: 
The Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future (ACFF) is a worldwide group of experts who have joined together to promote integrated clinical and public health action in order to stop caries initiation and progression in order to move towards a Cavity-Free Future for all age groups. Overall, the group believes that global collaborative action is needed to challenge global leaders and other regional and local stakeholders to learn the importance of caries as a disease continuum and to participate in action toward the delivery of comprehensive caries prevention and management that can positively influence the continuing problem of caries. By working together on a global, regional and local level, the ACFF challenges these stakeholders to stop caries NOW for the opportunity to have a Cavity-Free Future.

The ACFF was built in collaboration with a worldwide panel of experts in dentistry and public health. Given the goal of driving global collaborative action, the ACFF aims also to partner with global leaders and other stakeholders on a regional and local level — including country and community leaders, health and dental health professionals, public policy and education communities, and the public.

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, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet, Hill's Prescription Diet and Hill's Ideal Balance. For more information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's web site at http://www.colgatepalmolive.com.

Media Contact:
Ruth-Ann Dafoe
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SOURCE The Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future