Listerine 21 Day Challenge

I’m not going to lie…my oral health has not been a top priority.  My flossing habits are great for about a week after a visit to the dentist and then they are really great the week leading up to a visit to the dentist.  I know they should be better, but quite honestly, I have a HORRIBLE fear of the dentist.  We’re talking an irrational fear of the dentist.  In fact, when I was pregnant with my daughter I was sick the entire time so the thought of someone putting their hands in my mouth really grossed me out.  So I stopped going.  Once I had her, I just kept finding excuses as to why I couldn’t make it to the dentist.  And then it all caught up to me.

After about several years without seeing a dentist, I finally made an appointment.  I had seven or eight cavities.  How embarrassing.  But even worse yet, how terrifying.  How in the world was I going to make it through all those visits?  But I did it (with the help of a little Valium…of course)!  And now, while I wouldn’t consider my oral health practices to be perfect, it is definitely much better than what it was.

Fast forward to  now…I am participating in the Listerine 21 Day Challenge.  So what exactly is the Listerine 21 Day Challenge?

For this challenge you are pledging to improve your oral health within 21 days by brushing, flossing and using LISTERINE ULTRACLEAN twice a day, while also helping children in need across America receive oral care through Oral Health America’s Smiles Across America program.

Here’s a few stats you need to think about:

• Brushing alone misses 75% of your mouth.  This allows for germs to grow.
• There are more germs in your mouth than there are people on Earth.
• As many as 130 million American’s lack dental insurance.

But…here is the best fact of all…by using Listerine mouthwash twice a day for 30 seconds, you have the ability to clean virtually 100% of your mouth!  In two weeks, your gums will be up to 5 times healthier.  In four weeks, they will be up to 9 times healthier!  So what are you waiting for…take the challenge today!  For each person that signs up for the Listerine 21 day Challenge on Facebook, $6.40 will be donated to help children receive oral care (up to $64,000)!

The nice thing is, by you taking this challenge,not only are you helping yourself, but if you have children, you are modeling good oral hygiene practices for them.  My children get so excited over mouthwash and toothbrushes!  I love it!

I am proud to say that since the box of goodies pictured above arrived at my house, I have been brushing, flossing and rinsing twice a day.  My teeth feel great and I feel great.  I’m going to leave you with one final thought and I hope this urges you to sign up for the 21 Day Challenge on Facebook:

Nearly all adult Americans will have some form of gingivitis during their lives.  It’s an early form of gum disease, but many people don’t even realize they have it as it is usually painless.  Left untreated, it can even lead to more serious oral health problems, like the loss of soft tissue, bone and teeth.

If you are curious on whether or not you have Gingivitis or another form of gum Disease, check out the signs of gum disease:

• Gums that bleed from brushing or flossing
• Red Gums
• Swollen, tender or shiny gums
• A sticky film on the teeth (known as plaque), above the gum line even after you brush.

Once you sign up for the challenge, please leave me a comment.  I would love to see who sings up!

 

Disclosure:  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 are my own.