This past week, I learned some really interesting things about my mouth and teeth, and some of it really surprised me. Things like:
- Brushing alone misses 75% of your mouth! And since there can be more germs in our mouth than there are people on earth, it’s more important than ever to make sure to do everything we can to keep our mouths healthy — including brushing, flossing and rinsing every day.
- Just a few minutes a day for your mouth can help you establish healthy habits for a lifetime – adding a 30-second rinse, like LISTERINE® Antiseptic, twice a day, can help to provide 24-hour protection against germs that cause plaque and gingivitis*
- According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 50% of children between the ages of 5 and 9 have a cavity or filling – using LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® Anticavity Fluoride Rinse helps provide 12-hour cavity protection and strengthen teeth 99% better than brushing alone*
- Nearly 75% of American adults suffer from various forms of gum disease and don’t know it – brushing with the REACH® TOTAL CARE Multi-Action Toothbrush removes up to 90% of plaque* for a superior whole-mouth clean to help you on your way a healthier mouth
I know that I have always thought that brushing and flossing were enough. I never knew that I really needed to add using a rinse to my routine. When I opened up the box of goodies that we were sent for this challenge, my girls were so excited! They hadn’t used a rinse much either. I remember buying them one a while back, but they didn’t like it. They claimed that it was too *spicy*… I guess it had a slight burning sensation, even though it claimed to be alcohol free. I do not know what brand it was, but I didn’t question it, and really didn’t give it much thought again. After some of the things I learned, that is totally going to change!
My girls loved the Barbie and Phineas & Ferb Smart Rinse. They told me that they both taste really good, and that they aren’t
*spicy*. That’s a good thing! For the past week, they’ve used their rinse morning and night, and I haven’t even had to say anything to them. I’ve been super impressed!
*spicy*. That’s a good thing! For the past week, they’ve used their rinse morning and night, and I haven’t even had to say anything to them. I’ve been super impressed!
I’m a tougher habit to work on. I’ve not used a rinse for so long, I keep forgetting to use it. We all just recently went to the dentist for our checkups and cleanings. They did tell us that we should look for rinses without alcohol in them. It’s better for our teeth and gums. Well, my girls have their Smart Rinse , and I have my Listerine Total Care Zero. No more burn and sting like the rinses of old…
Well, for the next few weeks, we are all going to work on changing our routine, and making sure we brush, floss and rinse twice a day. I will come back at the end of our challenge and let you know how we feel, and what we’ve experienced.
We also invite YOU to help your families establish better oral care habits by visiting http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedRenderContent_ektid102809.aspx to access to tips from leading dental experts and great values and prices on oral care products. Take the challenge with me! Let me know your thoughts and experience with your oral health care!
If you’re on Twitter, you can talk to me @MommyBrain! Just be sure to use the #healthyhabits hash tag so I’ll be sure to see your message!
Disclosure: I received products and compensation from Johnson & Johnson and The Motherhood
as part of my participation in the Oral Care Challenge. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.