Brush Like a Jedi™ With GUM® Star Wars™ Toothbrushes!

CHICAGO, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Coming soon to a galaxy not too far away is the latest advancement by GUM® in the epic battle between healthy teeth and cavities. GUM® encourages kids to learn how to perfect their brushing skills with the brand new line of GUM® Star Wars™ toothbrushes. Each toothbrush helps to make brushing fun, while teaching good habits that last.

According to a national survey, a majority of dentists say that children don't brush long enough (90 percent) or properly (76 percent).  However, nearly all dentists (99 percent) agree that making brushing fun, and the type of toothbrush used, can help motivate children to brush their teeth and establish healthy dental habits.

"The dental habits children learn at a young age can impact their overall dental health as they get older," says Dr. Michael Ignelzi, D.D.S, Ph.D. "That's why starting a routine early is so important. Using brushes with characters or features that get children excited about brushing, like those in the new GUM® Star Wars™ line, can make brushing fun, and help them get into the routine."

The GUM® Star Wars™ line of toothbrushes, features three different products that come in unique character designs:

• The GUM® Star Wars™ Lightsaber™ toothbrush is lightsaber-shaped and flashes for 60-second intervals to encourage longer brushing. Plus interdental trim bristles align with the interdental arch to gently remove plaque between teeth. The unique molded lightsaber design is available in three character: Anakin Skywalker™, Yoda™ and Darth Vader™
• The GUM® Star Wars™ Power toothbrush features ultra-soft oscillating bristles that gently massage gums and teeth, along with a suction cup base that reduces counter clutter and helps keep the brush head clean. Available in two characters: Darth Vader™ and Clone Captain Rex™.
• The GUM® Star Wars™ Manual toothbrush comes in a twinpack and includes soft bristles with Dome Trim®, clinically proven to provide exceptional plaque removal on tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Available in four unique characters: Anakin Skywalker™, Yoda™, Darth Vader™ and Clone Captain Rex™.

"We are very excited about our partnership with Lucasfilm on the GUM® Star Wars™ toothbrush line and think it will be important in helping kids establish healthy oral care habits, which can impact their overall dental health as they get older," said Ann Foppe, senior director of trade marketing for Sunstar Americas. "The new line of GUM® Star Wars™ toothbrushes is the perfect motivation for any Star Wars fan, and can help get kids excited about brushing with some of their favorite characters."

The entire GUM® Star Wars™ toothbrush line will appear on shelves at most major retailers this spring.

About Sunstar Americas, Inc.

Chicago-based Sunstar Americas, which serves the Americas, is part of the Sunstar Group of companies, a global organization founded in Japan in 1941 which now has worldwide sales of over $1 billion. The company has offices in 15 countries and four major geographic divisions. Sunstar's mission is to enhance the health and well-being of people everywhere via its four business areas: mouth and body, health and beauty, healthy home and safety, and technology. The company is proud of its global partnership with dental professionals to develop a better understanding of the potential links between oral health, general health and quality of life. Sunstar's well-known Butler® brand of professional dental products and GUM® brand of consumer oral hygiene products have been two of the dental profession's most trusted and recommended brands for more than 60 years. Butler® and GUM® products are designed in consultation with dental professionals and manufactured to the highest quality standards, assuring product excellence and patient satisfaction. For additional information, please visit www.GUMbrand.com.  

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Sunstar Americas, Inc.