Here’s a fact: Brushing alone is not enough.
This is backed by years of scientific research and studies conducted by oral health experts in their mission to protect millions of mouths around the world. Studies show that brushing alone only cleans up to 25 percent of the mouth.
In 2018, results from the National Survey on Oral Health showed 72 percent of Filipinos have dental caries while 43 percent have gum diseases. Periodontal (gum) disease affects the tissues that surround and support the tooth, and is often characterized by bleeding or swollen gums, pain, and sometimes bad breath.
When left untreated, gum disease could lead to tooth loss. In the Philippines, 7.5 percent of adults aged 20 and above have total tooth loss. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that a complete oral hygiene routine is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. While brushing is a fundamental and necessary component, it primarily targets the surfaces of teeth, leaving gaps in the overall protection against various oral health issues.
On the other hand, studies have also consistently shown that incorporating a mouthwash like Listerine Total Care into one’s daily routine, along with brushing and flossing, significantly enhances the effectiveness of oral care– up to 99.9 percent germ kill when used twice daily.
This was the main takeaway from the recent event of Listerine Philippines which gathered dental and oral care experts, including Dr. Tess Villarico and Dr. Ashita Bhatia who illustrated the importance of completing one’s oral care routine and demonstrated the efficacy of Listerine in being able to provide #CompleteMouthProtection for its users.
“It is necessary that one habitually complements their brushing with flossing and using a mouthwash to maintain good oral health and hygiene. Brushing cleans accessible surfaces of the teeth that the toothbrush is able to reach, and flossing gets in between the teeth. The role of a good mouthwash is as an adjunct providing anti-microbial action against certain bacteria while reinforcing fluoride exposure, that’s why it’s important to be able to do all three regularly to ensure a clean whole mouth,” Villarico said.
Bhatia, Kenvue Asia-Pacific’s associate director and head of Scientific Engagement, demonstrated the germ-kill power of Listerine Total Care, including the use of different instruments such as Q-Scanner and Milkin Microscope.
“Listerine proves to be a highly effective antibacterial mouth rinse. Through the experiments we’ve shown, it is clear that Listerine Total Care is able to get rid of germs that cause plaque build-up, cavities, and gum problems,” Bhatia said.
Listerine rolls out its #CompleteMouthProtection campaign, stressing the importance of completing the oral hygiene routine to protect oneself from the common causes of oral health issues.
“This is why we want to remind everyone, not just the people in this room, but the general public to prioritize their oral health, complete the oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and using a mouthwash like Listerine to get #CompleteMouthProtection,” said Miggy Gamboa, marketing manager for Oral Care.
Listerine Total Care provides up to 24-hour germ defense against plaque, cavities, and gum problems when used twice a day because brushing alone is not enough.
(Listerine Total Care is available in leading drugstores, supermarkets, and on the official Listerine Lazada and Shopee shops online. To know more about Listerine, visit its official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ListerinePhilippines)