With the commencement of this year’s National Oral Health Month, Listerine sets forth on a mission to empower 110 million Filipinos, encouraging them to take proactive steps in combating oral diseases and prioritizing their overall oral health.
Caring for your oral health involves more than just brushing. While brushing is a crucial aspect of your oral hygiene routine, it only addresses approximately 25% of your mouth, leaving behind billions of germs that can lead to oral health problems such as plaque, cavities, and gum issues. Dr. Ashley Barlow, Senior Director & Head of Medical & Safety Sciences at Kenvue Asia Pacific, elaborates on the most prevalent oral health concerns.
1. Increased Plaque Buildup
There are several changes that occur in your bodies, and the oral cavity is no exception. One key factor is that the immune system tends to weaken over time. In the context of your overall oral health, this weakening of the immune response can make it easier for bacteria to thrive and accumulate in the mouth. This will then appear to look like plaque.
2. Cavities
Cavities (also known as dental caries or tooth decay) are areas of damage on the surface of the teeth that result from the breakdown of tooth enamel layer. Once plaque builds up on the surface on the teeth, acids produced by plaque bacteria slowly erodes the enamel, causing cavities.[ Rathee, M. (2023, June 21). Dental caries. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551699/] Untreated cavities can cause pain, infections and tooth sensitivity which may lead to day-to-day discomfort when eating or speaking.[ Mathur, V. P., & Dhillon, J. K. (2017). Dental caries: a disease which needs attention. Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 85(3), 202–206. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-017-2381-6
*Germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gum problems. With twice daily use.
**Sustained plaque protection above the gumline after a dental cleaning.
3. Gum Problems
Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria from poor oral hygiene. If left untreated, severe gum disease can lead to gum recession and permanent tooth loss
Dr. Barlow emphasizes, “At Listerine, we’ve consistently advocated for optimal overall oral health, aiming to liberate 110 million Filipino mouths from the clutches of oral diseases. Relying solely on brushing, once deemed adequate, no longer offers the comprehensive protection our mouths require. It’s imperative to proactively assess our oral health for early signs of problems and embrace regular Listerine use. Witness the transformative effects of good oral hygiene and maintain healthy smiles for the long term.”
Following brushing, it’s essential to complement your routine with a mouthwash like Listerine Total Care, providing up to 24-hour germ protection*, eliminating 99.9% of germs causing plaque, cavities, and gum issues, and delivering 5x more cleaning power than brushing and flossing alone.**
Listerine has partnered with MacoyDubs and Mikee Reyes to motivate Filipinos to prioritize mouth protection and incorporate Listerine into their post-brushing routine. MacoyDubs expresses, “Listerine has revolutionized #CompleteMouthProtection and upheld excellent overall oral health. Since integrating it into my daily oral care regimen, I’ve observed a notable reduction in bacteria, ensuring a clean and healthy mouth. Thanks to Listerine, my smile reflects not just my personality but also a commitment to a healthier mouth.”
Similarly, Mikee Reyes underscores the significant difference in mouth cleanliness between relying solely on brushing and incorporating Listerine Total Care into his routine after brushing. “For the longest time, I believed I was maintaining my oral hygiene adequately just by brushing. Thanks to Listerine Total Care, I now realize I can effectively clean up to 99.9% of my mouth, ensuring the #CompleteMouthProtection necessary to prevent oral health issues.”
In addition to enhancing accessibility to Listerine Total Care for Filipinos through retail partnerships, Listerine expands its reach during National Oral Health Month. For the first time since 2018, Listerine engages with 600 dental clinics and over 9,000 dentists nationwide, educating them on the scientific superiority of mouthwash through seminars and participation in various conventions. Listerine will also be present at conventions organized by the Philippine Dental Association and will conduct sampling activities. Furthermore, Listerine will deploy dispensers in dental clinics and other high-traffic areas such as gyms and offices to promote the habit of rinsing with Listerine twice daily.
Let’s come together this National Oral Health Month to adopt a proactive approach to oral care. Listerine stands as a partner, encouraging everyone to take control of their oral health journey and reap the benefits of a vibrant, healthy smile. Let’s collectively champion #CompleteMouthProtection and celebrate a month dedicated to nurturing our smiles and overall well-being. Visit the nearest Watsons store or the official Listerine store on Shopee or Lazada to acquire your Listerine Total Care Mouthwash.
