MFO's Verdict On: Oral B Pro-Health Cross Action Toothbrush

I'm obsessed with nice teeth, and I do look at people's teeth when I talk to them. I do notice when other people have plaque. You know how other girls feel the urge to pluck another girl's eyebrow while speaking to her? That's me with plaque. I kinda want to tell the person to get it scraped off. Hihihi.

If you don't know what plaque is, it's that thick, sticky yellowish layer around teeth, kind of a like a soft build-up around teeth corners and in-between teeth. Like if you run your tongue across your teeth, you feel a fuzzy teeth surface. Sounds familiar?

But more than just an aesthetic nuisance, plaque has serious consequences. It leads to tooth decay, even gingivitis and periodontitis.

In our household, I have plaque under control because, tadaaa! I use Oral-B Pro-health Cross Action toothbrush. If you know anyone with a problem with plaque, you better read this review.

The Product: Oral-B Pro-Health Cross Action toothbrush

The Promise: Provides superior cleaning with its unique 16-degree angle brush, CrissCross bristles, textured tongue cleaner, soft gum massagers, and Power Tip bristles to remove 99% plaque with 7 oral care benefits for a clean, healthy mouth: 

1. Removes hard-to-reach plaque

2. Promotes healthy gums

3. Cleans along the gemlike

4. Polishes away surface stains

5. Removes odor-causing germs on the tongue

6. Massages gums

7. Gentle on the enamel and gums

Put to the Test: It's firm enough, but also soft enough not to hurt my gums when brushing. I feel like the varied mix of bristles and gum massagers get into every nook, cranny and surface at just the right amount of pressure. After every brushing, teeth feels squeaky clean. And when I roll my tongue over my teeth, nothing but smoothness on the surface. And like I said, no plaque, ever! DEFINITELY removes plaque better than any ordinary toothbrush.

Passing the Verdict: A definite buy. When it comes to toothbrushes, Oral-B is and always has been my top pick. Don't scrimp on toothbrushes. It's ultimately better for you and your teeth.

Practical Tip: 9 out of 10 Filipinos suffer from dental caries. We have the second worst rate of decayed, filled and missing teeth in the whole of Asia. Support and help raise awareness about the importance of oral health in the country by following the Smile Pilpinas Campaign of Oral-B. We can start with our own families.

Use Oral B and Smile, Pilipinas!

Pinoys are such smiley people. 

Point a camera to a group of young kids and expect them to bust out a big grin. Toothy or toothless, it doesn't matter. 

That's why many people say, our country is the real of Land of Smiles. 

 photo via fdnbayanihan.org 

But look closer and the reality is not as charming. Statistics show that 9 out of 10 Filipino kids have cavities. In fact, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children and adults. 

Blame it on poor oral hygiene. 

Tooth decay is preventable by brushing 3x a day, flossing, using mouthwash regularly and visiting the dentist 2x a year. But still, cavities happen. 

Maybe that's why smiling comes easier for young kids, and not for adults. Because toothless grins and rotten teeth on adults are definitely not cute. 

It also means, somebody was too lazy to brush, floss and gargle daily. 

Oral B wants to correct this disconnect between our reputation as a people vs. reality by shedding light on the importance of good oral health habits. 

The first step? The use of the right toothbrush. 

My toothbrush: Oral B Pro-Health, of course!

Case in point: The Oral B Pro-Health CrossAction toothbrush provides superior cleaning with its unique 16-degree angle brush to remove 90% of plaque in hard to reach areas. 

Not only that: 

- Pro-Health's tongue cleaner helps remove germs from the tongue 

- Helps improve gum health in four weeks by reducing gingivitis 

 - Provides up to 55% better cleaning along the gum line 

- Removes surface stains and polishes teeth 

All while working gently on enamel and gums. That shouldn't be hard, right? 

Living up to our reputation as a nation of happy, smiling Filipinos starts with each one of us. And it begins with arming ourselves with the right toothbrush. 

Let’s start the Smile Pilipinas revolution. Consider this a call-to-arms!

Fact or Myth? Oral Health Care Trivia with Colgate

Did you know that when brushing teeth, we should angle toothbrush bristles along the gumline at 45° for optimal reach?

make sure to brush for two minutes, read this and watch this video on how to brush properly

It might be interesting for you to know too that while we all think candies and sweets are the enemy, this is a MYTH.

Its actually the acids produced by bacteria in our mouth that causes cavities. That said, any carbohydrates we eat can start that process. This includes sugar, rice, potatoes, bread, fruits and vegetables. Yes, and that's a FACT.

Ok, here's one more! Did you know the ideal length of dental floss is 20 inches?

It should be long enough to use a fresh section for each tooth. Ideally, it should be waxed because to help remove plaque and debris stuck between teeth and below the gum-line, polish tooth surface and control bad breath. So, wag tipirin!

See, I made a visual pa, so you won't forget!

So here I was thinking I knew everything I should be doing to take care of my kids' teeth (especially after that episode with Berry) but Colgate's Oral Care Quiz-off at Seda BGC shattered my confidence. Haha.

The afternoon was a treasure trove of information for us moms, and that afternoon of myth busting, sorting out misconceptions, and a refresher on useful trivia about kids’ oral care reminded me there is still much to remember!

Glowie Robillo, Digital Marketing and Public Relations Manager of Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, asked the most common but confusing questions about oral health

Are you ready for more? Take this quiz, and see how well versed you are in oral care. Answers at the bottom.

Colgate’s resident dentists, Dr. Bong David, Dr. Louie Quiambao and Dr. Noel Luna, as well as the BSBF/Public Health/Professional Oral Care Digital Manager, Diomar Escat where there to bust myths and answer all our questions about proper oral health care

1. True or False. It is best to rinse with a non-alcohol based mouthwash immediately after brushing.

2. True or False. The acidity of your food or drink must be considered before brushing your teeth.

3. The incidence of cavities among Filipino children is:

• a. 3 out 10 
• b. 5 out of 10 
• c. 7 out of 10 
• d. 9 out of 10

4. There are ____ types of bacteria species living in the oral cavity:

• a. 500-650 
• b. 600-750 
• c. 700-850 
• d. over a thousand

5. True or False. Mouthwash takes care of the spaces inside the mouth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

6. True or False. Tooth stains are only caused by external factors

Diomar Escat of Colgate shares that the two most common oral healthcare problems in the country are dental caries and periodontal disease. These may be avoided by teaching kids who are entering school age proper oral health care and instiling a positive oral health behavior

Answer Key:

1. FALSE. Fluoride in toothpaste will be washed away after gargling with mouthwash or even water for that matter. Just spit out toothpaste, no need to rinse! Also, it is better to rinse with mouthwash before brushing to soften plaque and loosen particles in between teeth.

2. TRUE. Because of the acidic nature of the food we eat or beverage we drink, the outermost portion of the tooth becomes porous. Immediate brushing can cause enamel abrasions, exposing the dentin causing tooth sensitivity.

3. 9 out of 10 grade 1 public school kids have cavities. If you read this blog, you'd know that by now. Heehee.

4. 500 to 650 types of bacteria live in the oral cavity - one of the main reasons for bad breath. Most people only host between 34-72 different varieties. Most are harmless, some even protect our teeth and gums, some are known as probiotics which are good bacteria that aid digestion. This is why it is better to use non-alcohol based mouthwash, because we don't want to kill good bacteria.

5. TRUE. Mouthwash takes care of the spaces inside the mouth that toothbrush cannot reach. Mouthwash with fluoride will help reduce cavities and periodontal disease.

6. FALSE. There are two types of tooth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of the teeth. These are cased by dark-colored food, coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and wear tear. Minor ones can be removed with brushing and prophylaxis. Stubborn ones may require bleaching.  Intrinsic stains result from trauma, aging, exposure to minerals like tetracycline and excessive ingestion of fluoride.

So. How well did you score?

Whether you got a perfect score, or need to literally brush up on your oral health care knowledge, here are a couple more tips for you, most of which I've also shared here and here:

- Retain the milk teeth as much as possible. It serves as a guide to erupting permanent teeth to prevent misalignment of permanent teeth

- Bring your child to the dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts. Bring your child to your own dentist appointments so that he becomes familiar with the surroundings. This helps alleviate their fear of the dentist and the dental chair

- Baby teeth can get cavities that spread to other teeth if left untreated

- Once you get a cavity filled, the decay spot is removed. If you take care of teeth, decay that was filled will most likely stay clear

- Children under the age of 2 should use a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Those aged 2 to 5 years old should use a pea-sized amount

- Aspirin placed next to a tooth does NOT help a toothache. You need to swallow it to ease pain. Aspirin is acidic and could burn gum tissue and cause abscess if placed next to a tooth. 

- Orthodontic treatment can begin as early as 6 or 7 years old. At this age, certain conditions such as crowding, cross bites and protruding front teeth are easier to address.

Colgate has made it their mission to keep parents abreast about the importance of proper oral health for them and the rest of the family. Visit the Oral Health Center, www.Colgate.ph for more information on Colgate products and Tips on proper Oral Care.

Smile! Oral Health Month with Colgate & PDA

February was Oral Health Month, and Colgate, together with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), has partnered to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health & proper hygiene. After all, when we practice good oral hygiene, the result is healthy teeth and gums, which are key to our overall well-being.

Because seriously, who wants to be writhing in pain, unable to think or do anything, just because of a massive toothache? Unfortunately, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children and adults. Statistics also show that 9 out of 10 kids have cavities, which is unthinkable, considering that it is preventable with brushing 3x a day, flossing, using mouthwash regularly and visiting the dentist 2x a year.

Last February 16, 2014, Colgate, PDA and Watsons celebrated Oral Health Month at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, and Berry & I got to join in the festivities.

And when I mean festivities, I mean it was truly a real tooth fair!

There were game booths such as this video game where you could brush cavities away.

A ring toss where you get to catch plaque.

And because we got to catch all the plaque, we won travel sized Colgate Plax.

There was a show for kids, Dr. Rabbit & the Tooth Defenders, starring Dr. Rabbit and Dr. Brushwell, who bravely fought to eradicate the Placulus puppets. 

And the Colgate Sensitive booth where you could test for tooth sensitivity by biting onto ice cubes. 

Customers who bought a Colgate 360 Slim Soft Charcoal toothbrush from the Watson’s booth could get their toothbrush personalized for free.

Here’s a sample, showing the name and the date the toothbrush should be replaced.

It was not all fun and games though. There were serious booths here, like the dark & “scary” booth were they do the plaque test.

Thankfully, when they shined blue light onto Berry’s teeth, she passed with no bacteria in sight!

The most popular booth would have to be the Free Dental Check-up Booth where guests lined up patiently to have a dentist check on their teeth.

Wouldn’t it be great if Colgate and PDA would do this twice a year in malls so that people who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to see a dentist can have their required check-ups done there & then?

An added highlight to the event was a storybook reading activity by model/artist/actress Solenn Heusaff, who undoubtedly added glamour to an event meant to remind parents to teach their kids the importance of good oral hygiene practices.

Then again, there is no glamour in rotten, decayed teeth. In the long run, brushing 3x a day, flossing, using mouthwash regularly and visiting the dentist 2x a year is less costly and less of a hassle than having to suffer in pain and shelling out thousands to get your teeth pulled, have a root canal or replacing teeth with dentures.

After all, an ounce of prevention is always, always, always better than a pound of cure.

Make it Zero Cavities with Lotte Xylitol

Remember that movie Intolerable Cruelty where Miles Massey, George Clooney's character, was super obsessed with his teeth?

Well, if he knew about Lotte Xylitol gum, he'd be chewing them after each meal.

Because when Lotte Xylitol invited me and some of my mommy friends to a talk about their Make it Zero campaign in Makati Shangri-la, I learned so many new things about oral health care that blew me away. 

Lotte Confectionery Philippines GM Soi  Kitaguchi, Dr. Fina Lopez, Therese Reyes BM of Lotte Xylitol & Dr. Angelo Fernandez

That says a lot considering that I am almost as obsessive about my teeth as Miles Massey is about his. I floss after every meal, I brush my teeth and go to the dentist every 6 months. I had braces when I was younger. I've had a teeth whitening procedure done. I wish I wore my retainers as prescribed though. I hated wearing them that well, my teeth moved again and I think, I'd be needing braces again, eeep! So I mean yeah, I have spent a fortune on my teeth making sure they look nice and all. And I'd do anything to make sure they stay that way if not look better.

The same goes for my kids' teeth as well. Berry started going to a pediatric dentist as soon as her milk teeth came out, which was when she was about 8 months old. I am pretty surprised that dentists I've been to here and in Singapore don't believe in professionally cleaning kids' teeth as they do in the US.

But enough about my ramblings, did you know that?

• Current statistics show that 9 out of every 10 Filipino children have cavities and suffer from tooth decay, and that 92.4% of all Filipinos have dental caries. 
• Tooth decay, caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans, can be easily transmitted to others. In fact, infants aged 9 months and below exhibit no signs of this tooth decay-causing bacteria yet, and are first infected by it from their mother at roughly 9 to 13 months of age.
• Bacteria that causes tooth decay may be transferred from parent to child by blowing on hot food, sharing food and sharing utensils (OMG, guilty!)

Apparently, avoiding, sweets, brushing and flossing are not enough to prevent tooth decay.

To improve dental health, it is recommended that we:

• eat a well-balanced diet
• brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day (but I'd say, better after every meal)
• floss after brushing
• Of course, Lotte Xylitol says for maximum dental health, both children and adults should also chew on 2 pellets of Lotte Xylitol dental health gum four to five times on a daily basis.

The folks from Lotte Xylitol share that mothers who regularly consume xylitol for a period of two years from the birth of their child were able to greatly reduce the chance of their children getting tooth decay. Two-year old children whose mothers consumed xylitol had up to 70% less tooth decay compared to children whose mothers only used fluoride toothpaste.

What is Xylitol and what makes it special? In a nutshell, it tricks tooth decay causing bacteria into thinking it is fermentable starch, and when bacteria ingests Xylitol, it kills them. Interesting huh? More on the wonders of Xylitol, in future posts, I promise!

But in the meantime, know that Lotte Xylitol gum can help ward off cavities. Because maybe Miles Massey is on to something. That the real intolerable cruelty, is a toothache. 

Lotte Xylitol dental health gum is available in bottles and blister packs, and comes in three exciting flavors: Blueberry Mint, Fresh Mint, and Lime Mint. Buy Lotte Xylitol in leading supermarkets and drugstores across the Philippines. 

For more information, visit http://www.lottexylitolgum.com/. 

About Lotte Xylitol Make It Zero

Make It Zero Program is a program that encourages Filipino parents’ commitment and support to zero cavities. The Make It Zero Program not only aims to increase awareness on oral health through the education of parents, but also to empower them to share this knowledge with their families, and ultimately achieve a cavity-free life for the entire family.

Lotte Xylitol’s Make It Zero Program is a fundamental effort to remind the Filipino family that living a healthy dental lifestyle goes beyond brushing one’s teeth everyday. There are numerous things one can do to achieve proper dental health, and chewing Lotte Xylitol is one of the most effective and enjoyable oral hygiene practices to make part of your daily habit.