SUNSTAR donates over 85,000 GUM oral care products during COVID-19 crisis

15 June 2020

• The healthcare company has given away Sunstar GUM oral care products to healthcare professionals, patients and at-risk groups in the most affected countries.
• Oral health is deeply connected to general health; gum disease is a key risk factor for several chronic health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Keeping up with good oral care habits is even more critical in crisis situations, as stress has a major impact on our oral health.

SUNSTAR donates 85,364 GUM oral care products to healthcare professionals, COVID-19 patients and at-risk groups across the globe. Through Sunstar GUM, Sunstar’s main oral care brand, the company has given away oral care kits including toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and interdental brushes in some of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 such as Italy, Spain, the US and China.

To coordinate the donations, Sunstar trusted each local team to identify which areas and hospitals needed support. As a result, each market adapted the contribution to the local needs, partnering with multiple organisations. In Italy, Spain and China, the company collaborated with hospitals in critical regions like Lombardy and Wuhan to provide healthcare professionals and COVID-19 patients with oral care products. In other regions such as France, the US, Colombia, and Brazil, Sunstar helped at-risk groups through charity organisations, as many people do not have access to oral care services. In Argentina, Sunstar has developed over 6,500 protective masks for oral care professionals and dentistry students which will help these collectives to keep on with their work in the upcoming months.

Healthcare professionals in Spain with GUM oral care products

Why is oral care important in times like these?

Oral health is strongly connected to our general health as the mouth is often the gateway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Gum disease (gingivitis in its mild form and periodontitis in its more advanced form) is a risk factor for several chronic health conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders. In addition, a crisis like the one we are experiencing increases stress levels, which, in turn, has an impact on our oral condition and immune system. As the experts from Sunstar highlight, in times like these, it is critical to keep up with good oral hygiene habits, as it can help to prevent oral health issues from developing, and thereby help to limit the burden on our healthcare system.

Besides the donations, Sunstar promoted the #StayAtHome message both internally and externally by sharing useful tips on how to look after ourselves holistically, hosting webinars for oral care professionals in many countries such as Poland or Argentina, and promoting home working as well as banning any unnecessary work trips since the beginning of March. As we enter the ‘new normal’ in many countries, Sunstar is preparing its offices and plants to get back to their usual activity with the recommended hygiene measures. The company has also committed to keep supporting society through innovative oral care products and air purifying solutions as well as educational content on its channels.