CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble’s Crest and Oral-B brands have launched the "Better Check-Ups Challenge," a campaign to get people nationwide to improve their oral care.

The program encourages participants to talk to their dentist and start using the full lineup of Crest Pro-Health products. At the end of the six months, if the Crest and Oral-B products haven’t improved patients’ oral health, they could be eligible to receive a check for $45 to help cover the cost of their checkup, according to P&G.

The company said the campaign stems from "startling statistics on the state of America’s oral health," including the fact that tooth decay affects more than 90% of adults over age 40.

To participate in the Better Check-Ups Challenge, consumers can go to the Crest Pro-Health web site at www.crestprohealth.com, download the assessment form and purchase participating Crest and Oral-B products.

Individuals must have their dentist fill out the form at an initial visit and then again at the end of the six months. If the dentist indicates there’s no improvement at the six month checkup, Crest and Oral-B will pay for the visit, P&G said.

The products used as part of the challenge include Crest Pro-Health toothpaste, Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse, Crest Glide Deep Clean Floss and the Oral-B CrossAction Pro-Health toothbrush.