Manila, Philippines – Practicing good oral hygiene sounds simple enough but is often taken for granted. The Department of Health (DOH) continues to recognize oral disease as a serious public health problem in the Philippines with tooth decay and gum disease as the two most common oral health concerns affecting Filipinos.
LISTERINE® asked Philippine Dental Association president Dr. Stephen Almonte on why oral health continues to be a problem among Filipino young adults. According to Dr. Almonte, “wrong perception on oral health is the top contributor to poor oral health and poor oral hygiene in the country.”
Understanding the need to further shed light about the importance of proper oral health care, LISTERINE®, the #1 mouthwash in the world, together with oral health care advocate Sam YG and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), share simple steps on how to practice proper oral hygiene to help Filipinos improve their overall oral health especially this Oral Health Month in February.
1) Practice Proper Daily Oral Hygiene: Brushing only kills 25% of germs in the mouth. Practice brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash twice daily. The PDA advocates proper toothbrushing in circular motions for two minutes at least twice a day, and with a highly fluoridated toothpaste. After brushing and flossing, rinse with 20ml of LISTERINE®, the #1 Dentist recommended mouthwash, for 30 seconds. According to PDA president Dr. Almonte, mouthwash has a better chance of reaching areas which toothbrushes cannot reach and limits the growth of bacteria that can cause disease inside the mouth.
2) Visit the Dentist: A survey conducted by the DOH in 2011 revealed that 77% or more than 7 out of 10 Filipinos have never even been to a dentist. The PDA encourages Filipinos to go to the dentist every 6 months to keep track of one’s oral health state.
3) Put Your Mouth to the Test with Bibig Time Challenges: In a video produced by LISTERINE® as part of its Bibig Time campaign in celebration of Oral Health Month, Sam YG tested if Filipino young adults have strong teeth, healthy gums, healthy white teeth, and germ-free mouths!
When it comes to mouthwash, LISTERINE® Total Care is the most advanced and complete LISTERINE® variant proven to clean and protect with 6-in-1 benefits for total oral health. Rinsing with LISTERINE® Total Care twice daily helps you achieve germ-free mouth, less plaque, healthy white teeth, strong teeth, fresh breath, and healthy gums.
“Our latest campaign for Oral Health Month, LISTERINE® Bibig Time, is part of LISTERINE®’s longstanding commitment to improving Filipinos’ oral hygiene and oral health. Together with the Philippine Dental Association and Sam YG, we hope to educate Filipinos about the state of their oral health and encourage them to better practice proper oral hygiene daily,” shared LISTERINE® Brand Manager Rehi Dimayuga.
As a DJ and host who talks to several people every day, it’s important for Sam YG to keep his oral health in check. “I have been a regular user of LISTERINE® Total Care for years now and I still continue to see improvements in my mouth every time I visit the dentist. It’s really just a simple step that your mouth will thank you for,” he added.
To know more about the 6-in-1 benefits of LISTERINE® Total Care, visit https://www.facebook.com/ListerinePhilippines.
