Listerine rinses out misconceptions on oral hygiene

MANILA, Philippines — According to the World Health Organization, 54 million Filipinos suffer from gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. This is alarming because that means half of the population is at risk of tooth loss.
In fact, by age 70, the average Filipino would only have about seven natural teeth left. This year, Listerine’s #CompleteMouthProtection Campaign gives hope that keeping a healthy mouth for longer is possible by educating Filipinos on the proper oral care regimen that must include a mouthwash.
Many Filipinos think that brushing alone is enough to guarantee good oral hygiene. Listerine debunks this misconception because brushing alone cleans only 25% of the mouth. In fact. even if one’s mouth looks clean after brushing, there are invisible germs left behind that will eventually lead to plaque which causes oral problems like cavities and gum disease.
Through engaging activations, collaborations with influencers, and increased access to oral care consultants nationwide, Listerine encouraged Filipinos to take control of their oral hygiene by incorporating mouth rinsing into their daily routine.
Listerine launched its first-ever in-store retail raid with social media personalities Arshie Larga and Mikee Reyes. Listerine influencers stopped toothpaste buyers on their tracks and showed them that even if their teeth looked clean, under a blacklight there were hidden germs left behind even after brushing.
Our influencers were accompanied by Oral Care consultants that hold a special device—dental plaque scanners with blacklight technology that detects hidden plaque in one’s mouth. This, together with fun games, helped shoppers realize that their brushing regimen is not enough, and it demonstrated the importance of rinsing with Listerine after flossing and before brushing for #CompleteMouthProtection.

Arshie, a licensed pharmacist and Listerine’s brand ambassador shared, “I hear people complain about oral problems only when symptoms appear. It’s scary because it’s often too late. I appreciated how Listerine literally ‘shed light’ on our mouths with this campaign and taught us how brushing alone isn’t enough.”
Mikee added, “I didn’t believe it at first, but after testing my mouth [together] with the oral care consultants, I saw the germ [residue] myself. And first didn’t believe because I brush daily. Thanks to Listerine, I now understand how crucial rinsing is [to complete my oral care routine].”

Get your mouth checked today! Listerine will have oral care consultants available at select Robinsons and Shopwise Supermarkets and Watsons Drugstores from Friday to Sunday until December 28.
Shoppers can enjoy free oral health checks and discover what brushing may miss, helping them make better-informed decisions for their oral care routine.
Miggy Gamboa, marketing manager of Listerine Philippines, explains, “We’ve been advocating for complete oral care for years, but this time we let consumers see the Listerine difference for themselves. With our special plaque detection devices, people can see for themselves why brushing alone is not enough—and understand why rinsing with Listerine is essential for a complete oral care regimen.”
Beyond the retail space, Listerine enacts its commitment by proudly supporting the Department of Health’s “Ngiting 70:20” initiative, which aims to help Filipinos retain at least 20 teeth by the age of 70.
By raising awareness, developing educational materials and making oral care advice widely accessible, Listerine inspires a nationwide shift towards healthier, happier smiles that last a lifetime.
Listerine ceaselessly encourages Filipinos to rinse away the misconceptions about their oral health—and make sure to brush, floss and rinse with Listerine every day for a complete oral care regimen.
Get #CompleteMouthProtection now with Listerine Total Care, available in the nearest Watson’s, Robinson’s Supermarket, or on e-commerce platforms.
Editor’s Note: This press release from Listerine is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.