Ingredients for a healthy mouth

First impressions are important, especially on a first date or job interview — two very stressful and important events. But what does it take to make a great first impression? According to a survey conducted last month by ORC International, 77 percent of Americans agreed that oral health care is extremely important, and more than half of the respondents (51 percent) said that they would choose to use mouthwash over a hairbrush, hair gel or lipstick before an important interview or date.

If that isn’t proof enough that good oral hygiene ranks high on Americans’ list of beauty “dos,” survey participants cited bad breath (99 percent), stained teeth (93 percent), unhealthy gums (93 percent) and missing teeth (92 percent) as “major turn offs.” Perhaps not surprisingly, the majority of these consumers (65 percent) said they are always looking for new tips/products that can help them improve their oral care routines.

However, with such oral care concerns of paramount importance, it’s surprising to learn that consumers spend a minimal amount of time searching for these products: Eight in 10 consumers surveyed spend less than five minutes choosing oral care products.

When it comes to daily personal care regimens, people have spoken out on the benefits of a good oral care routine.

“With an overwhelming majority of consumers citing oral care as extremely important to them, it’s surprising that few take the time to consider what they are putting in their mouths,” says beauty expert and consumer advocate Paula Begoun. Begoun is also the author of “The Beauty Bible” (Beginning Press).

To help improve their personal care routines, Begoun recommends that consumers do their homework to understand more about the products they are buying. One way to do this is not only by reading product labels for directions and usage guidelines, but also by understanding the effects that ingredients in common personal care items can have on their bodies.

For example, she says that Cetylpyridinium Chloride, or CPC, is a common ingredient in several over-the-counter-mouthwashes that may cause tooth staining and lose effectiveness when used immediately after tooth brushing. She says to avoid these risks, people can try using a mouthwash that has been clinically proven to kill the germs that cause bad breath and help prevent and reduce plaque and gingivitis so that you can have a healthier and more beautiful mouth.

With so many products on the market, 62 percent of consumers said they find the number of personal care product options overwhelming. To choose one that is right for you, take your time when shopping for over the counter products. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or dentist. They will be able to help you find a product that meets your needs and budget.