Why I’m Taking the 21-Day Oral Care Challenge (and so should you!)
Oral health is so important! I have had pretty good reports from the dentist throughout my adulthood, but about a year ago, they found several cavities. I am not going to lie, I was horrified! Sadly, the dental hygienist asked me what my oral care routine was, and I told her I brushed twice a day. Wrong Answer.
She recommended that I add in a daily floss and insisted that I use Listerine as well to kill bacteria and cut down on plaque. Well, I sort of listened. I’m happy to say that I have flossed nightly for almost an entire year, but I totally slacked on the mouth wash. No longer!
The 21-Day Oral Care Challenge, for me, consists of brushing teeth at least twice a day, morning and night. It also includes flossing daily, and using mouthwash morning and night as well. Since it takes about 21 days to form a new habit, this is the perfect way to make this my regular oral care routine – forever!
I can’t wait to stop feeling a weird film on my teeth, even after brushing, and to have less sensitive gums. Adding one new healthy habit a year is a slow and steady way to feel better – and be better – right?
I received a Target gift card to purchase LISTERINE® Brand products from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® 21-Day Challenge. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Stocking Up To Rock The Challenge
Last week, I decided to head out to Target to stock up on supplies for the challenge. (Of course I headed to Target. I’m already there 2 or 3 times a week! I can’t stay away!)
The oral care section is massive, but I found it a breeze to find the Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash. I chose my favorite flavor, Cool Mint. I also got some Listerine Whitening Toothpaste and some Reach floss.
I am not doing this challenge alone! I’m challenging my kiddos, too. I stocked them up with the cool mouthwash for kids. My daughter loves the Barbie Smart Rinse and was excited that I finally remembered to replace her empty bottle!
A Few Oral Care Facts
I found these on the Listerine website and thought I would share!
- Did you know that simply brushing your teeth misses 75% of your mouth? Think about it – what takes up more room in your mouth? Pearly whites make up a small fraction of the places where bacteria loves to hide.
- Nearly 50% of American adults suffer from various forms of periodontal (gum) disease.
- Diabetes increases your chance of problems associated with gum disease. For this reason, physicians and dentists say that a good oral care routine is important for diabetics.
- Your mouth is vulnerable at night. While you’re sleeping, plaque and gingivitis germs multiply and build-up.
Help Others While Improving Your Health!
Trust me – the health of your teeth and gums is SO worth taking on this challenge. Do it with me – it will be fun!!
Taking the challenge can also help children in need. For every person who posts a “Swish Selfie” to LISTERINE® Brand’s Facebook page, LISTERINE® Brand will make a $5.00 contribution to Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America® program, up to $85,000, toward their goal of connecting 210,000 children with needed oral health services in 2014.
I’ve got my swish selfie ready to post! What do you think?
Check back in with me soon to see how my challenge is going. Let me know how yours is going, too!
Here’s to a healthy and happy 21 days!!
Ted says
Well, I somehow missed the fact that Listerine also has a toothpaste. I will check it out!
dental CPD Melbourne says
Just like there are different dentists; people have different teeth and different issues surrounding them too and so there needs to be options on the table. If the solution your dentist offers is always just to take the tooth out then they either don’t know their job that well or they enjoy pulling out teeth a bit too much. For every issue there should always be more than one option and it’s important that these are laid out to you.
Cosmetic dentist Glassboro NJ says
Daily cleaning of your teeth, gums, and tongue, combined with annual check-ups helps ward off harmful bacteria and microbes that may cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, and oral infections. Proper oral hygiene is also important in helping you stay healthy, especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes and heart problems.