Getting Some Americans To Floss is Like Pulling Teeth

    NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- In observance of National
Dental Hygiene Month, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is spreading the word
about floss.  Flossing is an integral part of a good oral health care program
and is considered to be a major preventive measure against gum disease and
tooth decay by organizations such as the American Dental Association and
American Dental Hygienists' Association.
    Yet, getting some Americans to floss on a regular basis is like pulling
teeth.  While 90% of American households report having dental floss at home,
more than six of 10 consumers (63%) say they don't floss as often as they
should, according to research conducted for Johnson & Johnson by an
independent research organization.  Some infrequent and non-users of dental
floss complain that floss is difficult to use, hurts their gums and gets stuck
between their teeth, or offers no immediate benefit.
    "Floss acts as a toothbrush for between the teeth to remove a thin layer
of bacteria that builds up," explains Dr. Michael Salkin, Director of Advanced
Education in Periodontology at Temple University School of Dentistry in
Pennsylvania.  "We know that if this layer of bacteria is broken up or removed
once a day, you can control gum disease."
    Elaine Buscemi, Director of the Dental Auxiliary Education Program and
dental hygienist professor at Middlesex County College, explains, "We need to
educate the patient before we can practice prevention."
    Johnson & Johnson is assisting in the education of patients with its free
booklet, "Tips On Flossing And Everything In Between."  The booklet offers
advice on selecting a floss that fits your mouth, and it provides quick
pointers to effective flossing.  The booklet is available from dentists and
dental hygienists, or by calling the Johnson & Johnson Information Center at
800-526-3967.
    Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson celebrated the 100th anniversary of
its world leading dental floss brand with the introduction of JOHNSON &
JOHNSON REACH(R) Floss Gentle Gum Care, a breakthrough in dental floss
technology designed to change Americans' flossing habits.
    The patented web-like construction of JOHNSON & JOHNSON REACH(R) Floss
Gentle Gum Care is gentle on gums, slides easily between teeth and expands to
effectively clear away plaque -- a sticky, colorless substance that forms on
teeth and on the tooth surface below the gum line.  The new floss also
delivers an immediate benefit, a unique burst of mint flavor for an
unprecedented clean, fresh mouth feel.
    Johnson & Johnson, the world's largest and most comprehensive manufacturer
of health care products serving the consumer, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and
professional markets, has its worldwide headquarters in New Brunswick, NJ,
where the Company was founded over a century ago.

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