Innovator Profile 2014: Sunstar GUM keeps building the better toothbrush, time and time again

DPR talked to Jackie Sanders, GUM Professional Relations Manager, to learn about the company's wide variety of toothbrushes, as well as what it takes to keep creating innovative products that work on the front lines of oral care.

Q: Can you tell us why Sunstar GUM offers such a wide variety of toothbrushes?

A: We feel we should offer the right brush for each and every patient. For every age and stage, GUM offers a variety of clinically proven toothbrushes to meet the needs of adults, parents, teens and children. We design toothbrushes for patients with healthy teeth and gingiva, early signs of disease, restorations, orthodontics, periodontal disease and even those who have just undergone oral surgery. We offer toothbrushes for just about any condition one can imagine.  

Q: What makes them stand apart from other toothbrushes on the market?

  A: We work hard to first understand the patient’s needs and then we work tirelessly to develop the right solution. Between 60 and 90% of school children have tooth decay. Nearly 100% of adults have tooth decay and 70% of them have periodontal disease.   The GUM brand (which stands for Gentle Uletic Massage) is dedicated to delivering a range of products that help the patient remove the harmful bacteria that cause these diseases. We develop products that are aligned with the latest oral health research and we collaborate with dental professionals around the world. Today, a wide variety of GUM products are used in more than 80 countries.  

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the R & D process that goes into building a better toothbrush?

  A: Our process begins with the generation of nearly limitless ideas that are vetted through a design and development process. This process ensures our products not only meet the patient’s needs and are reflective of the dental professional’s approach but also meet the rigorous standards set by regulatory agencies and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).   We work with world-famous research institutions to help develop improved test methods and standards that all toothbrushes should live up to. We are proud to be a part of setting the standard and constantly raising it to ensure the best products are available to patients and dental professionals.  

Q: How does the company work with dental hygienists to educate them on the importance of choosing a great brush?

  A: We work very closely with dental hygienists. Of course, our goal is to understand their needs, how they interact with and teach patients and where there are unmet needs. We provide education to the dental hygienists through webinars, monthly newsletters and other venues that all aim to communicate the latest science, innovations and approaches.   We start early, working with dental hygiene students and we maintain our relationship with them for years to come. Many of the students we work with return to serve as advisors to Sunstar.  

Q: Any big launches that dental practitioners can look forward to during the rest of 2014?

    A: Yes. We’re working on a new line of toothbrushes for kids with exciting licensed characters, coming soon.

FEATURED BRANDS

GUM® Micro Tip® Toothbrush

Developed in collaboration with dental professionals, the GUM Micro Tip toothbrush is equipped with bristles featuring the latest in manufacturing technologies, such as “micro-feathering” splits at each bristle’s end and a Dome Trim® design.

GUM® Super Tip® Toothbrush, Compact Soft

This brush is designed to offer multi-level cleaning for the whole mouth, plus it comes equipped with a tongue cleaner for fresh breath.

GUM® Technique® Deep Clean, Compact Soft Toothbrush

The GUM Technique Deep Clean toothbrush combines advanced bristle design with a patented Quad-Grip handle to deliver optimal cleaning.