LISTERINE MOBILE MOUTH WAY ON ORAL HYGIENE CARE

By Zulkiple Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) – “Brushing the teeth alone is enough to
maintain oral hygiene and keep dental problems at bay”.

That is a common misperception among Malaysians when it comes to maintaining
oral and dental health, according to Malaysian Dental Association (MDA)
president Dr S. Sivanesan.

Dr Sivanesan said this in his speech at the official introduction of the
‘Listerine Mobile Mouth’ here recently.

The Listerine mobile Mouth is a five-tonne truck with the façade of a giant
human mouth. This giant mouth on wheels, which had first rolled out in March
this year, had enlightened about 12,000 Malaysian adults to practice brushing,
flossing and antiseptic mouth rinse twice a day as well as regular dental checks
– the four essential steps to maintain good oral health.

Dr Sivanesan said several oral health studies held worldwide had clearly
indicated that brushing teeth alone may not be able to maintain adequate oral
hygiene.

“We recommend that all adults adhere to a daily oral hygiene regime of
brushing, flossing and antiseptic mouth rinses for best possible dental and oral
care”, he said.

ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

A study conducted by Listerine in 2007 revealed that oral health problems do
prevail among Malaysian adults, possibly linked to perception.

The study found several interesting facts, among others, one out 10
Malaysians have bad breath, 20 per cent suffer from tooth decay and 24 per cent
have bleeding gums.

Joyce Lee, the managing director of Johnson & Johnson, which markets the
Listerine mouth rinse, said the study showed Malaysian adults have oral health
problems despite brushing their teeth regularly.

“If we can correct the misperception that brushing teeth alone is enough to
keep dental problems away, by advocating the proper and complete oral care
regime, then we are truly teaching Malaysians to take the best possible care of
their mouth.

“This will help them to prevent dental problems and unnecessary or painful
dental treatment”, said Lee.

LISTERINE MOBILE MOUTH

In June, the Listerine Mobile Mouth truck is on a road tour again,
making stops at hyper and supermarkets as well as shopping malls and office
buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Seremban, Melaka and Johor Baharu.

Lee said the Listerine Mobile Mouth had been proactively engaging the
interest of Malaysian adults during the one-month road tour last March.

“The Listerine Mobile Mouth invites members of the public to hop on board
and discover the essentials to good oral care," she said.

According to Lee, the concept is to catch the public’s attention and draw
them to find out more about oral hygiene via games and other fun and interactive
activities.

Look out for exciting games and freebies to be carried out at every stop in
the Listerine Mobile Mouth road show. Further information is available at
www.listerine.com.my.