Philips Sonicare Leaps 5,000 Years of Technology; encourages an estimated 70% of Americans to enter a new era of oral healthcare

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Philips Sonicare today unearthed a trove of ancient artifacts in New York City's Madison Square Park, including a 5,000-year-old technology that is still being used in millions of homes across the country – the manual toothbrush!

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Despite adopting new technology at a rapid rate, the majority of consumers haven't held their oral healthcare to the same standard. Over 70% of U.S. households still own a manual toothbrush, a stick with bristles that generally dates back thousands of years. However, modern day research indicates that Philips Sonicare power toothbrushes provide more brush strokes in two minutes than a manual toothbrush can achieve in one month!

"Technology is a great enabler for people to enhance their personal wellbeing, however, even the most tech savvy consumers have yet to realize the benefits that technology can bring to their oral care routine," said Boon Lai, Senior Director, Philips Consumer Lifestyle. "Why settle for ancient technology when simply switching from a manual toothbrush to Philips Sonicare can deliver a better dental check-up in 45 days – guaranteed or your money back!"

Philips Sonicare, the number-one dental professional recommended power toothbrush brand in the U.S., has a long history of technology and innovation. The brand's newest product, DiamondClean, takes power tooth brushing to a new level of clean, with up to 31,000 brush strokes per minute and removes up to 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush in hard-to-reach areas.

Known for his ability to forage through Americans' homes to find surprising discoveries, Mike Wolfe from the History Channel's "American Pickers" is teaming up with Philips Sonicare to celebrate its discovery at The Great Dig, where New Yorkers will be able to "excavate" these relics.

"As an 'old things' junkie, bygone artifacts that exist right under people's noses never fail to amaze me," said Wolfe. "I'm excited to help shed some light on this discovery, so consumers can see how much this prehistoric 'stick' with bristles has advanced over the last 5,000 years."

Philips Sonicare is encouraging all consumers to take a five-thousand-year leap and join the conversation on Facebook (Facebook.com/PhilipsSonicare). Consumers can also enter to win Philips Sonicare products by sharing photos on Instagram (#StickWithTech) of how they've addressed their technology blind spot by turning to a Philips Sonicare.

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2011 sales of EUR 22.6 billion and employs approximately 121,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming, home and portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

SOURCE Philips Sonicare