OraPharma teams up with Alex Rodriguez to raise awareness about managing gum disease

Bausch Health and its oral health care business, OraPharma, are collaborating with World Series Champion, Alex Rodriguez, to launch a national awareness campaign about the prevalence and impact of gum disease. The Cover Your Bases campaign includes educational content about the disease and encourages patients to talk to their dentist about comprehensive treatment options. The campaign launch is timed to Oral Health Month, recognized throughout June, and features Alex as a patient ambassador.

According to the American Dental Association, gum disease affects nearly 65 million Americans nationwide. More specifically, almost half of Americans aged 30 and older and 70% of those aged 75 and older have some form of gum disease. The most common symptoms of gum disease include bleeding during or after brushing and red or swollen gums. In addition, some studies suggest that gum disease may be associated with an increased risk for other chronic conditions throughout the body, such as diabetes and heart disease.

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"Throughout my life and career, I've always put a great deal of energy into prioritizing my health, which is why I was shocked when my dentist told me I had early-stage gum disease," said Rodriguez. "My dentist also informed me that gum disease is more common in men and in Latino communities, which is why I felt it was really important for me to share my story. I was lucky to catch it early, and if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone."

While there is no cure for gum disease, it is important to consider comprehensive treatment plans that may include Arestin—an antibiotic combined with scaling and root planing to treat adult periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Arestin is applied at the infection site, helping fight the bacteria that cause gum disease. In addition, the company said Arestin might be part of an overall health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits and SRP.

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"This campaign is the first of its kind for OraPharma, and we couldn't be more excited to have Alex onboard to share his experience not only to help educate patients about this often misunderstood and underdiagnosed disease, but also to encourage them to talk to their dentist," said Tom Stern, vice president and general manager at OraPharma. "We hope that this campaign will help bring awareness to gum disease and empower others to take charge of their dental health by seeking out appropriate treatment options that may help manage this serious disease."