TAMPA, Fla. — Oragenics Inc. has expanded retail distribution of its EvoraPlus oral care probiotics in the northwestern United States to Fred Meyer stores.

The company said the product is slated to become available at select Fred Meyer locations this month. The discount chain has 129 stores in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska.

"We are pleased that Fred Meyer stores are among the growing number of retailers that have chosen to carry EvoraPlus oral care probiotics," stated Gerry David, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Tampa, Fla.-based Oragenics. "We are looking forward to the expanded distribution of our oral care probiotics across the northwestern portion of the United States through this relationship."

Earlier in September, Oragenics announced retail distributions at Harris Teeter supermarkets in the Southeast beginning this month and at select Kroger Co. grocery stores, which operate under two dozen local banners, starting in October.

"EvoraPlus oral care probiotics are a great fit for our health-conscious customers," Michelle Kroger, assortment/segmentation manager at the Kroger Co., commented last week. "We’re excited to bring this innovative oral care product to our stores."

ProBiora3, the active ingredient in EvoraPlus, naturally supports gum and tooth health while freshening breath and whitening teeth, according to Oragenics. It contains three strains of beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy microbial balance in the mouth, the company said.