As this year’s National Oral Health Month officially begins, Listerine embarks on a mission to empower 110 million Filipinos to combat oral disease and to prioritize their overall oral health.
Taking care of your oral health goes beyond just brushing. While brushing is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, brushing only cleans about 25% of your mouth[1], leaving behind billions of germs that can cause oral health issues like plaque, cavities, and gum problems. Dr. Ashley Barlow, Senior Director & Head of Medical & Safety Sciences, Kenvue Asia Pacific, expounds on the most common oral health issues.
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.[2] Untreated cavities can cause pain, infections and tooth sensitivity which may lead to day-to-day discomfort when eating or speaking.[3]
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.7
With this, Dr. Barlow reminds everyone, “At Listerine, we have consistently championed the cause of good overall oral health, striving to free 110 million Filipino mouths from the grip of oral diseases. The conventional habit of relying solely on brushing, once deemed sufficient, no longer provides the comprehensive protection our mouths need. It’s time to proactively examine our mouths for early signs of oral problems and embrace the regular use of Listerine. See for yourself the transformative impact of good oral hygiene and keep your smiles healthy for longer.”
After brushing, make sure to follow up with a mouthwash like Listerine Total Care to give up to 24-hour germ protection*, kill 99.9% of germs that cause plaque, cavities, and gum problems, and experience 5x more cleaning power than brushing and flossing alone.**
Listerine also partners with MacoyDubs and Mikee Reyes to inspire Filipinos to start protecting their mouths and stick to using Listerine after every brush. MacoyDubs proudly shares, “Listerine has been a game-changer in giving #CompleteMouthProtection and maintaining good overall oral health. Since incorporating this into my daily oral hygiene routine, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in bacteria, ensuring my mouth feels clean and healthy. Thanks to Listerine, I can confidently say that my smile is not just a reflection of my personality but also a testament to a healthier mouth.”
Listerine Ambassadors MacoyDubs and Mikee Reyes together with Listerine Total Care
Similarly, Mikee Reyes highlights his heightened awareness of the thoroughness of mouth cleaning when comparing the effectiveness of brushing alone to incorporating Listerine Total Care after brushing. “All this time I thought I was keeping my mouth clean just by brushing. Thanks to Listerine Total Care, I’m able to clean virtually up to 99.9% of my mouth, giving me the #CompleteMouthProtection I need to stay free from oral health issues.”
Apart from making Listerine Total Care more accessible to Filipinos through retail partnerships, Listerine reaches out to more touchpoints throughout National Oral Health Month. For the first time since 2018, Listerine is engaging with 600 dental clinics and over 9,000 dentists nationwide, educating them on the science and superiority of mouthwash through talks and presence at various conventions. Listerine will also be present at the conventions held by the Philippine Dental Association and will conduct sampling initiatives. Listerine will also deploy dispensers in dental clinics and other high-traffic areas such as gyms and offices to encourage the habit of rinsing with Listerine twice daily.
Let’s unite this National Oral Health Month to embrace a proactive approach to oral care. Listerine is here as a partner, encouraging everyone to take charge of their oral health journey and enjoy the benefits of a vibrant, healthy smile. Together, let’s champion #CompleteMouthProtection and celebrate a month dedicated to nurturing our smiles and overall well-being. Visit the nearest Watsons or the official Listerine store on Shopee or Lazada to get your Listerine Total Care Mouthwash.