A few weeks ago, I began the Listerine 21-Day Challenge. I wasn’t sure what to expect, exactly, in the difference I would feel with my teeth and gums. I am happy to report that I have noticed several changes!
One of the biggest changes I have noticed is that my gums have “calmed down”. Before using Listerine on a daily basis, my gums were suffering, and were swollen pretty much constantly. My gums have worsened with age, it seems, but now that I have a new routine and have started using LISTERINE ULTRACLEAN, I am happy to report that they feel much, much better, and I know my dentist will be happy too at my next check-up.
A couple of things that help keep me on track with my new oral routine…
I always use Listerine first thing in the morning, right after I wake up. I find that I feel refreshed right off the bat by doing this. After I eat breakfast later in the morning, I brush my teeth then use Listerine once again. I am now ready for the day!
At night, I am usually really tired, and standing at the sink while doing my oral care routine tends to make me hurry. Since I don’t want to skimp on my routine, I sit on the edge of the bed and floss while watching a bit of tv. I think I actually do a better job this way! Then I head back to the sink and finish up with brushing, and swishing with Listerine. This whole routine is actually quick, since one minute of “swishing” is all that is needed to do the job (after brushing and flossing of course).
As far as keeping my kids on track with their oral care routine, I sat with them and explained the importance of not only brushing and flossing, but using Listerine as well. I mentioned that brushing is only getting teeth and gum partially clean, and they are missing the cheeks and tongue (they had never realized this prior!). Missing all of these areas allows for germs to grow. When they use Listerine as part of their overall oral care, they are covering pretty much 100% of their mouth, including those hard to reach (or forgotten!) areas. They really love the Reach Flossers – I highly recommend these to anyone with children. Regular floss can sometimes be hard to use, but these make it so simple! To remind them to keep up with their routine, I have a little yellow sticky note right on their bathroom mirror. Moms are good like that 🙂
Just like my kids, I loved the Reach Flosser. I found that I can reach more areas than with traditional floss. I also love the feeling of the Listerine when I use it. It tingles and I know it is doing its job! I am happy there are different flavors too – we all have our favorites.
If you want to be successful with your oral care routine, make sure you do the following, in addition to the tips above:
See a dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and check-up. I personally go every four months, since I have developed gum problems. I am hoping, though, that with my continued use of Listerine Ultraclean, I might be able to switch back to every 6 months.
Another tip that I found really helpful is to keep my bottle of mouthwash right on the counter. Since it is bright and colorful, it is not easy to forget! I have done the same in my kids bathroom, so it is easier for them to remember.
Don’t forget to take the challenge yourself! It is easy to do – just stop by the by the LISTERINE Facebook page to learn more and take the pledge (remember you are helping children get much needed dental care with the Smiles Across America program, when you take the pledge!).
*I received 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, and throughout this campaign, are my own.
7 Responses
I may give the 21 day challenge a try myself–especially since their are different flavors. I had forgotten about the germs on your tongue and cheek that listerine would kill. Thanks for the article.
I need to do this also. I’m always in a hurry in the mornings but it doesn’t take that long to rinse with Listerine and it sounds like it makes a big difference!
our family uses Listerine 🙂
I find the flossers to be so much easier to use than regular floss, so I’m more likely to use them on a regular basis. I’ll admit that I could do better, and your post is inspiring me to take the challenge, too!
We use Listerine pretty regularly here, but my husband just came back from dentist and his gingivitis is getting worse so need to get him remembering to floss and brush.
I loved this challenge! It was a good way to form habits plus I loved all the products!
This sounds like a great plan-I always slip on getting my back teeth flossed well enough. so I will try the flossers you mentioned.