Perhaps you’ll say that the practice of using a mouthwash is part of dental hygiene and should not really be part of a beauty ritual, well, I happen to think that all hygiene practices form part of the whole beauty regimen thing. I believe that going through a process of cleaning (whatever part of the body that may be) should be taken into account cuz it will greatly improve the outcome of other superficial beauty-related activity you may do in a day.
Some may prefer flossing, but I opt for a less tedious way — a mouthwash. I would probably floss every other week but I simply find it too time-consuming and, to be honest, a little icky. So, I stick with the gargle and spit route. That sounds icky, too. Eeep. Anyway, my preference is this brand of mouthwash, Listerine.

Teeth & Gum Defense Listerine
Strengthens teeth against cavities. Kills germs that cause Bad Breath, Plaque & the gum infection, Gingivitis. Total protection for healthy teeth and gums.
Teeth and Gum Defense Listerine strengthens teeth and protects gums. Its unique Sodium Flouride strengthens the tooth surface to help fight againsst cavities. It also has a unique plaque-fighting action that reduces toxins that may be harmful to the gums. What’s more, Teeth and Gum Defense Listerine delivers the same efficacy of Listerine antiseptic in killing germs that cause bad breath, and in fighting plaque and the gum infection, gingivitis. With regular usage, Teeth and Gum Defense Listerine provides continuing protection for healthier and stronger teeth and gums.
I’d used a different brand before. However, I found this one a bit more easier to incorporate in my daily routine. The fact that I didn’t need to dilute it with water was a plus but, of course, I found it pretty effective, too. It’s a great companion to brushing. I feel better if I finish it off with a mouthwash. Know what I mean?
Suggested use: Rinse and gargle undiluted twive a day for 30 seconds and then expel the liquid.
This brings me back to my question, does your daily beauty regimen include a mouthwash? If yes, let us know! Otherwise, I would recommend spending half a minute after brushing your teeth. What harm will it do anyway?
Fine Print: Do not swallow the rinse. Store below 30°
Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel


how do you use listerine? should i mix it water(diluted) or not(undiluted)?
I think flossing is equally as important (if not more) as using a mouthwash. I agree with what Jillsabs said, brushing and using a mouthwash is not enough to remove the particles of food that get stuck in between teeth. If no flossing is done, the particles of food just rot in the mouth, causing teeth to decay.
I’ve never tried Listerine. I’m a Bactidol and Astring-o-sol user. I’ve tried Oracare too, but i didn’t think it did me any good. Parang di naman natanggal yung amoy with Oracare. What I like about it though is that it doesn’t sting.
Hi Nikki, it’s nice of you to drop by my blog. Yay, I’ve found another Listerine user!
My husband uses Listerine on a daily basis, but me not so much. I should really get in the habit though!
It’s cool to know that you girls use a similar mouthwash. I reckon I need to check out Bactidol in the future. Thanks for sharing your insights!
ay sorry! it’s hexeditine bactidol pala, not betadine:p
although it is more commonly known as bactidol nga, i guess the generic name just stuck with me:p
it’s primarily for sore throat and other mouth infections nga but we always have it at hand at home because it’s super effective.
I have been using Bactidol for years before I got this mouth problem, which is not yet known if it was due to hormonal problems or low immune system. I had a consultation with a new dentist and the best advise she can give me is not to use any alcohol based mouthwash (and toothpaste) anymore (they suspect that it was one of the reason for my burnt tongue). They gave me Oxyfresh gel (good for canker sore or singaw!), toothpaste and mouthwash. The problem with this brand is that, it is not locally available and it’s so expensive. The gel, I can attest, is effective. There was no stinginess or pain when applied to.
By the way, I use Bactidol not only for oral hygiene but also for sore throat.
Wick-edly Sent: Yea, I still remember that! I agree that Listerine has become such a household name. I reckon you can’t argue its effectiveness, eh?
Jillsabs: Though I agree with you that flossing is important, I still find it too taxing. Gah. Or perhaps I’m just too lazy? Heh. And, no, you don’t sound like an advert. Er, not really.
Btw, I haven’t heard of that mouthwash. It has such a serious sounding name. LOL. XD
oy, flossing is still important! diba gargling alone doesn’t remove the food bits stuck in between the teeth (don’t i sound like a commercial for dental floss?;p)
for me, the best mouthwash is still Hexatidine Betadine. it removes every trace of your garlic loaded lunch and it doesn’t sting the mouth like most mouth washes pa. although it does taste like medicine lang nga
Listerine has come a long way from that yellow liquid that came out of that glass bottle. Before it looked and tasted like medicine, now it’s a daily mouth rinse used by millions.