1.28.2008 - 10:01am ET

(CSRwire) CHICAGO, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In honor of National Children's Dental Health Month this February, the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (NYSE: WWY) is donating $100,000 plus 10 percent of February gross sales in the U.S. (up to another $100,000) of Orbit(R), Extra(R) and Eclipse(R) sugar-free gums to Give Kids A Smile(R), an annual American Dental Association (ADA) program that provides free oral health education, screening and treatment services to hundreds of thousands of children in need.*

"For nearly 20 years Wrigley has championed the oral health benefits of chewing gum by sharing extensive clinical research results with dental professionals and consumers around the world. In September our long-standing commitment to oral health care was validated when Orbit, Extra and Eclipse became the first and only chewing gums in the U.S. to earn the trusted ADA Seal of Acceptance," said Paul Chibe, Wrigley's Vice President of North American Gum Marketing. "Sharing the ADA's passion and commitment to better oral care, we are happy to support the 'Give Kids A Smile' program."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although tooth decay is largely preventable, it is the most common chronic disease of children 5 to 17 years old in the U.S,(1) and it is estimated that 52 million class hours are missed every year in U.S. schools because of oral health problems that go untreated.(2)

Dr. Harvey Passes, a long-time practicing dentist who is teaming up with Wrigley to promote the importance of good oral care, says a unified effort is needed. "With the help of so many dentists who volunteer their time and the companies and individuals who financially support programs like 'Give Kids A Smile,' we can help underserved children receive the care and education they need to establish good oral health habits early on that will last a lifetime."

To learn more about Wrigley's commitment to oral health and help give kids a reason to smile, visit http://www.gumisgood.com and http://www.ada.org/goto/gkas.

About the American Dental Association and Give Kids A Smile(R)

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA's Seal of Acceptance has been a respected symbol of safety and effectiveness for more than 75 years. The organization awarded its Seal of Acceptance to Wrigley after a thorough analysis of nearly 20 years' worth of independent scientific research which demonstrated chewing Wrigley sugar-free gums helped to protect dental health. Both clinical and laboratory studies underwent rigorous review by the ADA's Council on Scientific Affairs, with assistance by staff scientists and some of its more than 100 expert consultants.

Give Kids A Smile(R) is a part of National Children's Dental Health Month and is observed every year on the first Friday in February. The program provides a range in services, including oral health education and restorative care to children in need who do not have access to care.

The Benefits of Chewing

Wrigley's commitment to oral health is part of an ongoing commitment to advancing and sharing scientific research that explores the benefits of chewing gum. Through the Chicago-based Wrigley Science Institute, which works globally with independent researchers at leading institutions to learn more about the potential health and wellness benefits of chewing gum, Wrigley is pursuing four key scientific areas: how gum can help reduce situational stress; help manage weight; help increase focus, alertness and concentration; and improve oral health.

About Wrigley

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies, lollipops, and chocolate. The Company has global sales of nearly $4.7 billion and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries. Three of these brands -- Wrigley's Spearmint(R), Juicy Fruit(R), and Altoids(R) -- have heritages stretching back more than a century. Other well-loved brands include Doublemint(R), Life Savers(R), Big Red(R), Boomer(R), Pim Pom(R), Winterfresh(R), Extra(R), Freedent(R), Hubba Bubba(R), Orbit(R), Excel(R), Creme Savers(R), Eclipse(R), Airwaves(R), Solano(R), Sugus(R), P.K.(R), Cool Air(R) and 5(TM).

*Promotion ends February 29, 2008. Give Kids A Smile(R) is a children's access to care program of the American Dental Association. For more information, visit http://www.gumisgood.com and http://www.ada.org/goto/gkas.


(1) Center For Disease Control. "Preventing Dental Caries." 25 Nov. 2005.
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/factsheets/Prevention/oh.htm.
(2) The Disparity Cavity Filling America's Oral Health Care Gap. Oral
Health America 2000, Chicago 2000, p. 1,6. 2.

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