For More Information:
Susan Dewhirst
Tom's of Maine
1-800-FOR-TOMS
sdewhirst@tomsofmaine.com

Tom's Of Maine Helps Children Brush Up On Oral Health

Dental Health for All program combines educational outreach with support of public clinics across the U.S.

KENNEBUNK, Maine—February 10, 2004—February is National Children's Dental Health Month, a perfect time to brush up on your family's oral care habits. Here are some tips from Tom's of Maine, the nation's leading maker of natural personal care products and creator of the Dental Health for All program:

• Teach children good oral hygiene at an early age. Brush for them or wipe their teeth when they're tooth young to do it alone, and supervise up to age seven.
• Brush your teeth after every meal, or at least twice a day for a full two minutes. One minute is not enough to remove plaque and tartar, and any more than two risks damage to gums and enamel. And don't forget to floss once a day.
• Replace toothbrushes every three months. After that, even the best brushes become less effective.

Tom's Dental Health for All program aims to improve oral health, especially among children, through education and support of community -based dental facilities in underserved communities across the United States. Tom's grants and product donations made to 26 public dental clinics in 2004 will enable the purchase of dental chairs, x-ray machines and other critical equipment, allowing thousands of additional patients to receive oral care treatment. Through this support, Tom's hopes to increase access to quality care, especially for the millions of Americans without dental insurance, many of whom wait up to a year for an appointment at a public dental clinic.

The company has just completed the second leg of its nationwide Dental Health for All market tour with a stop in Washington D.C. In collaboration with Howard University's dental school, Tom's hosted a dental health fair for 200 elementary students at the Gage-Eckington School, featuring interactive exhibits on proper oral care habits, healthy foods, and a toothpaste-making demonstration. Gage-Eckington is one of few elementary schools in the country to house a full -service dental clinic on the premises. The school provides preventative and restorative dental care, as well as oral health education, to its students who may not otherwise receive this care.

Tom's of Maine invites consumers, retailers and dental professional partners to participate in the Dental Health for All program. Displays in over 4,000 participating stores nationwide carry educational brochures, specially marked boxes of Tom's of Maine toothpaste containing a free full-size dental floss, and information on how to donate to the Dental Health for All fund. You can also learn more about the link between oral health and overall health at the company's website, www.tomsofmaine.com. The site has a clinic locater, a link to the Surgeon General's report on oral health in America, and other important information for consumers and dental professionals. Visitors can also take the Dental Health for All online quiz to test their oral health knowledge.

Founded in Kennebunk, Maine by Tom and Kate Chappell in 1970, Tom's of Maine is a leading manufacturer of safe, effective Natural Care products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and deodorant. Tom's is the only natural fluoride toothpaste to carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance (on Peppermint Baking Soda, Gingermint Baking Soda, Spearmint, Wintermint, Cinnamint, Fennel, Silly Strawberry, and Outrageous Orange-Mango flavors). The company has a long history of supporting social and environmental causes. Tom's products contain no artificial flavors, dyes or sweeteners, are biodegradable, are packaged in earth-friendly ways, and are tested for safety and efficacy without the use of animals.

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