New York Giants' Stand-out Tiki Barber and Local Students Participate in Colgate's Salute to National Children's Dental Health Month NEW YORK, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Colgate Palmolive Company, the world leader in oral care, celebrated National Children's Dental Health Month with the unveiling of the "U.S. Surgeon General's Seven Steps to a Bright Smile," a public awareness program designed to prevent tooth decay and teach children how to develop and maintain good oral health habits. Following an interactive presentation during which more than 350 students at the Harriet Tubman Learning Center -- P.S. 154 helped Colgate mascots Dr. Rabbit and Dr. Brushwell defend the Tooth Kingdom against the evil Plaque Monster, Dr. Marsha Butler, Colgate's Vice President, Global Oral Health and Professional Relations and New York Giants standout Tiki Barber unveiled the "Seven Steps." U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard H. Carmona also sent a special message to the students taped especially for the unveiling. "Prevention is the key to ensuring good oral health," the Surgeon General said in his statement. "I am committed to informing the public, health care providers, policy makers and educators, among others, that oral health is an essential component of general health and well being. My office is working diligently with oral health professionals and with companies like Colgate to ensure that everyone in the United States has access to oral health education and treatment, and the information they need to maintain a healthy mouth and body." U.S. Surgeon General's Seven Steps to a Bright Smile is part of a comprehensive campaign launched by Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program to provide free dental screening and oral health education to 100 million children by the year 2010. The tips are designed to assist children in developing and maintaining good oral health habits, and to support the framework for action outlined in the 2003 Surgeon General's report A National Call to Action to Promote Oral Health. The U.S. Surgeon General's Seven Steps to a Bright Smile" are: 1. Brush teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after eating breakfast and before bedtime. 2. Visit the dentist regularly. 3. Floss your teeth daily. 4. Use fluoride rinse for strong and healthy teeth and gums. 5. Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day ... and remember to practice healthy eating and get plenty of calcium. 6. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. 7. Ask your dental professional about sealants. "I'm honored that Colgate has asked me to join their efforts to promote oral health," Tiki Barber told the children. "Over the course of my career, I've made it a point to do everything I can to stay strong and healthy. Oral health disease is putting children at risk. Colgate is taking steps to prevent tooth decay; we can assist them by following the seven steps that we've learned today, and telling our friends and families about the importance of oral health." "Oral health disease is making disturbing inroads into communities around the U.S.," Dr. Marsha Butler said. "U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard H. Carmona has asked individuals, health care providers, communities and policy makers to assist him in combating the disease. Colgate is helping to lead that fight, and today, during National Children's Dental Health Month, Colgate is partnering with the Surgeon General to provide you with steps that will enable you to have a bright and healthy smile for a lifetime." "At Colgate, our objective is to work with communities to help reduce and prevent this disease," Dr. Butler added. "We are providing children and their families with information and skills that allow them to take charge of their dental health. Along with our mobile dental vans that provide free screenings, treatment referrals and oral health education, we are encouraging children to see their dentists, recruiting parents, teachers, community and professional organizations, to help raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health." For questions concerning the U.S. Surgeon General, please contact the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Public Affairs at (202) 690-6343. About Colgate-Palmolive Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Household Surface Care, Fabric 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, Ajax, Axion, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods. For more information about Colgate-Palmolive, its products and the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, call toll-free 1-(800) 293-4502 or visit the company's web site at http://www.colgatebsbf.com/. DATASOURCE: Colgate Palmolive Company CONTACT: Dawna Fields of Colgate-Palmolive Company, +1-212-310-2816, ; or Lauren Powell of Experti, +1-914-948-8144, , for Colgate-Palmolive Company Web site: http://www.colgatebsbf.com/

Copyright