Bad News for Those Who Don't Floss -- Federal Judge Rules There's Simply No Substitute for Doing So

SKILLMAN, N.J., March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of Americans don't take time to floss, but after reviewing substantial medical evidence, in a recent case against Listerine, Federal Judge Denny Chin of United States District Court in Manhattan ruled in favor of McNeil-PPC, Inc., makers of new Johnson & Johnson REACH(R) EASY SLIDE(R) PRO(TM) floss -- reinforcing what dental experts have been saying for years: There's simply NO SUBSTITUTE for flossing.

Dental experts overwhelmingly agree that daily flossing is a critical, preventive step in reducing tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing removes plaque between teeth and below the gum line -- dislodging the pieces of food trapped between teeth which otherwise cannot be brushed or rinsed away. Plaque build up causes gum disease (gingivitis) which affects some two- thirds(1) of the U.S. population, while advanced-stage gum disease (periodontal disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults and affects between ten and fifteen percent of the U.S. population.

To make flossing more effective and beneficial, Johnson & Johnson REACH(R) introduces new EASY SLIDE(R) PRO(TM) floss, preferred two to one vs. Glide by consumers. Johnson & Johnson REACH(R) EASY SLIDE(R) PRO(TM), available in stores in April, is a superior sliding(2) floss that delivers thorough plaque cleaning with patented PLAQUE GRABBERS(TM). Johnson & Johnson REACH(R) EASY SLIDE(R) PRO(TM) floss has a long lasting, intense flavor thanks to freshening Mint Crystals. (Suggested Retail Price: $3.79).

According to celebrity Dentist Dr. Marc Lowenberg whose smile makeovers command upwards of $20,000, "In a country obsessed with whitening and creating the perfect smile, we have lost sight of the most important oral care habits. Make no excuses. Flossing is a critical step in creating the foundation for a healthy and beautiful smile."

Dr. Lowenberg offers the following advice for good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; clean between teeth daily with Johnson & Johnson REACH(R) EASY SLIDE(R) PRO(TM) floss to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line; eat a balanced diet; limit between-meal snacks; and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

ABOUT THE LEADERS IN INTERDENTAL CLEANING

In 1896, Johnson & Johnson first introduced dental floss to American consumers. Today, Johnson & Johnson REACH(R) Dental Floss (manufactured by McNeil-PPC, Inc.) is THE leader in interdental cleaning and the number one selling dental floss worldwide.

The Company has been recognized for driving innovation and growth within the interdental cleaning category for over 100 years. In 2003, the company introduced the REACH(R) ACCESS(TM) Daily Flosser to eliminate all flossing hassles for those consumers who do not like to floss, or simply cannot do so. The REACH(R) ACCESS(TM) Daily Flosser Makes Flossing As Easy As Brushing(TM).

McNeil-PPC, Inc., continues to offer a range of floss products to meet every consumer need, including: Waxed and Unwaxed Floss, CLEAN BURST(TM) Dental Floss, which provides superior cleaning(3) and high impact flavor, DENTOTAPE(R), Gentle Gum Care, Whitening Floss, clinically proven to whiten between teeth, STIMUDENT(R) Interdental Cleaners, WILD FLOSSERS(R) (for kids), and the REACH(R) ACCESS(TM) Daily Flosser, which Makes Flossing As Easy As Brushing(TM).

Committed to providing flossing solutions to consumers, the Company's latest innovation, Johnson & Johnson REACH(R) EASY SLIDE(R) PRO(TM) floss launches, in April 2005, at mass, drug and food retailers nationwide.

ABOUT THE FLOSS CASE

On Friday, January 7, 2005, U.S. District Judge Denny Chin ruled that Listerine mouthwash is not a replacement for dental floss -- despite confusing claims featured in advertising for Listerine mouthwash claiming that Listerine mouthwash was clinically proven to be as effective as floss in fighting plaque and gingivitis. The ruling was a result of a suit filed by McNeil-PPC, Inc., makers of Johnson & Johnson REACH(R) Dental Floss, as part of their ongoing commitment to the endorsement of proper consumer education about the benefits of flossing as a foundation for good oral health.

In his written ruling, Judge Chin included this statement "Dentists and hygienists have been telling their patients for decades to floss daily," he wrote. "They have been doing so for good reason. The benefits of flossing are real."

       1. ''Judge: Listerine No Replacement for Floss,'' by Larry
          Neumeister, Associated Press, January 7, 2005.
       2. When compared to standard waxed dental floss in laboratory
          testing.
       3. When compared to standard floss in clinical testing.