WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., APRIL 20, 2005 -- The March of Dimes announced today that Arm & Hammer Oral Care is a new national sponsor of WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes biggest fund-raiser, as well as the organization's Prematurity Awareness Campaign. Arm & Hammer Oral Care will support March of Dimes efforts to fight premature birth and other threats to babies' health.
“Teaming up with Arm & Hammer Oral Care is a natural fit to help the March of Dimes educate women about proper preconception care,” said Rob Lucas, vice president of Corporate Relations for the March of Dimes. “Oral health is an essential aspect of general health and should be part of a women's pre-conception and prenatal healthcare.”
Women who are planning to have a baby should see their dentist for a checkup prior to pregnancy to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy, the March of Dimes says.
Now in its 35th year, March of Dimes WalkAmerica brings people from all neighborhoods and all walks of life together to help save babies. Every year, one in eight babies is born prematurely (before 37 completed weeks gestation) and the premature birth rate is rising. Since 1981, the rate of premature birth in the U.S. has increased 29 percent. In half of these births, the cause is unknown. Prematurity is the leading cause of infant death in this country, and babies who survive may suffer lifelong disabilities.
"We are excited to partner with the March of Dimes to further educate women about the steps they can take to ensure healthy teeth and gums before and during pregnancy,” said Bruce Tetreault, product manager, Oral Care Marketing for Church & Dwight. “Arm & Hammer toothpastes can make a healthy difference when you're expecting by delivering baking soda to help neutralize acids and effectively clean your teeth and gums.”
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. manufactures and markets a wide range of personal care, household and specialty products, under the ARM & HAMMER brand name and other well-known trademarks. For more information on Arm & Hammer Oral Care, visit
www.myoralcare.com.
