One Smiling Mama: Listerine 21-Day Challenge Update #Listerine #sponsored

Disclosure: 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.
 

As many of you already know, we've been part of the Listerine 21-Day Challenge for the past few weeks and it is time for an update. Okay, when we first began, we were all in need of a change in our oral routines. I, in particular, am very bad about brushing my teeth at night. I make sure the kiddos get theirs brushed and get to bed, but sometimes I fall asleep, too, before brushing mine. Yes, I know it is gross and a very, very bad habit to develop, which is why I was so excited to join the challenge.

What did the challenge involve?
Well, for 21 days we've been using Listerine Whitening Toothpaste along with Cool Mint Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash and Reach Dental Floss. The boys have always used Listerine Smart Rinse Anticavity, so they continued using that after brushing each day, too! My goal was to establish a great routine as a family and to stay on track every day and night. Our days are so busy, especially with Josiah in school, so when he gets home at 3pm we want to make the most of our time together. First, he finishes school work and then we have playtime together. They go to bed by 8pm, so we decided to brush our teeth together at 7:30pm every single night. This routine has been working really well because I'm usually the one getting them to brush and off to bed, often leaving me forgetting about my own teeth. Now we can brush together and hold each other accountable for staying on track. I think that has been the key to successfully changing up our routine.

What changes have I noticed?
When I started the challenge, I noticed my teeth were starting to look a little yellow, they weren't as shiny as they used to be and my mouth didn't feel very clean, even after brushing. The first time I flossed and then brushed my teeth with Listerine Whitening Toothpaste, my mouth immediately felt cool and fresh. Brushing my teeth was actually enjoyable for once! After brushing I thought to myself just how clean my mouth felt. Seriously, it had been a long time since I felt that fresh, cool feeling in my mouth after brushing.

Before the challenge, I always smiled with my mouth closed because I knew my teeth weren't as white as I would like and my mouth wasn't as healthy as it should be.

Before the challenge began!

After about a week I noticed something different happening. My teeth were actually squeaking. They were, as they say, squeaky clean, and that was something very new to me! Since my first day, I've also noticed my gums are healthier. I didn't always floss like I should or use mouthwash often either, which caused redness and irritation, especially when flossing. Well, now I can floss like a champ without the bleeding or redness. That's how I can tell my gums have changed and become stronger

 

After the challenge, I am smiling wide and very happy with the results!

After smile!

Although my teeth already feel clean after brushing and flossing, I top it all off with a swish of Listerine Antiseptic, which gives that final burst of freshness. Okay, it burns a little, but is totally worth it because, afterwards my mouth feels amazing.

After 21 days of my new routine, I can honestly say my mouth feels healthy, my teeth are whiter than ever and it just makes me want to smile all the time. My only thought was why didn't I do this earlier? I guess I needed the extra push to change my oral routine and am so glad that I got it thanks to the challenge.


Swish, swish, swish!

Did you take the challenge? Or are you ready to begin? This is your call to take the Listerine 21-Day Challenge because it can also help children in need! For each person who posts a "Swish Selfie" to the Listerine Facebook page, Listerine will donate $5 to Oral Health America's Smiles Across America program, up to $85,000. Their goal is to connect 210,000 children with oral health services in 2014 that would otherwise not be able to receive them. This wonderful cause can really help change the lives of children and YOU can be a part of it, so please do!

Disclosure: 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.