Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA) united with FDI World Dental Federation to celebrate World Oral Health Day (WOHD). In a world where 90% of the population will suffer from a condition in the mouth, teeth or gums during their lifetime [1], Philips is committed to developing meaningful innovation that addresses global societal needs and improves lives.

“We understand the value of good oral health and welcome the responsibility of increasing awareness to the wider benefits,” said Egbert van Acht, General Manager Philips Health & Wellness. “Through continued innovation, education and growing awareness, we hope to inspire people to enjoy the benefits of good oral health and ultimately recognize the value of a healthy body.”

Oral hygiene habits are developed at a young age, therefore it is important children develop their own brushing techniques and build good habits early on. Through meaningful innovation, Philips launched a connected children’s toothbrush and app, the Philips Sonicare for Kids Connected, designed to reinforce and help build healthy oral hygiene habits from the outset. With a comprehensive range of oral healthcare solutions, Philips continues to support people’s oral care needs throughout their lifetime.

Our efforts don’t stop there and we work in collaboration with dental practitioners to continue our focus on developing innovations that improve people’s lives and deliver better and affordable care, both in-clinic and when continuing their regime at home.

"With established associations between oral and systemic health, dental professionals are now challenged to better educate patients on improving their total wellbeing,” said Samuel B. Low, DDS, MS, M.Ed., Associate faculty member of the L.D. Pankey Institute and Professor Emeritus, University of Florida, College of Dentistry. “Philips helps dental professionals meet that challenge by developing educational strategies to assist clinicians in managing the oral health of our patients, while creating innovative and efficacious oral healthcare products. Thankfully this results in patients with healthier mouths who may also benefit from longer and happier lives.”

Additional information about FDI and World Oral Health Day can be found at http://www.worldoralhealthday.org. 

[1] The Challenge of Oral Disease – A call for global action - See more at: www.fdiworldental.org/publications/oral-health-atlas/oral-health-atlas-(2015).aspx