NEW YORK, Sep 18, 2010 / — “White Collar” star Tiffani Thiessen has a new role – helping Crest and Oral-B to bring attention to the early gum disease, gingivitis, which affects more than fifty percent of American adults.

On September 15th, Crest and Oral-B announced the kick off of National Gingivitis Awareness Month, with a press conference in Greeley Square Park with Tiffani Thiessen.

Along with the declaration, Crest and Oral-B are helping consumers prevent and reverse gingivitis by introducing a new member to the Crest® Pro-Health® family, Crest® Pro-Health® Clinical Gum Protection.

The new, advanced formula of Clinical Gum Protection provides Crest’s highest level of protection against the plaque bacteria that can cause gingivitis and with regular use, is clinically proven to help reverse gingivitis in just four weeks.

To educate the public on the causes and implications of gingivitis, Crest will engage in an array of activities to support National Gingivitis Awareness Month, including the partnership with Thiessen and the release of an educational video featuring Dr. Travis Stork of CBS’s “The Doctors.”

Consumers can also visit CrestProHealth.com to test their “Gingivitis IQ” and learn more about gingivitis and how it may affect them. Crest and Oral-B also encourage consumers to ask their dental hygienist about gingivitis at their next dental visit.

“My oral health is important to me and I didn’t realize that minor concerns, such as red or swollen gums, could be symptoms that can lead to more serious gum health issues,” said Thiessen.

“Now that I am more aware of the symptoms of gingivitis and its implications, I pay more attention to my oral health and hope to help others learn about how they can help prevent and even help reverse gingivitis by using Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection.”

Many adults believe that they are already doing everything they can to protect their mouths and do not realize that red gums or minor bleeding during brushing or flossing can be a sign of gingivitis.

Gingivitis is a form of early gum disease caused by plaque bacteria at the gumline that can cause gums to swell. When left untreated, it can lead to a more serious form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, an infection in the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.

Periodontitis, if left untreated, can be a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Also, some research suggests there may be a link between periodontitis and other health problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and pre-term birth.

http://www.crestprohealth.com/crest-products/clinical-gum-protection-regimen.aspx