While summertime is all about relaxing here, as the days get longer and September approaches, we also start preparing for back-to-school.

New shoes for the kids, updated fall and winter wear for everyone, and scheduling in haircuts, and dentist appointments.

<shudder, dentist appointments>

I have a few illogical fears that crop up repeatedly, and the dentist is one of the big ones.

There has always been dental fear in my world, from as far back as I remember.  As an adult I found out that my fear isn’t “irrational” and I do in fact have a hard time freezing, and have softer enamel on my teeth (which can cause more decay).

But these “genetic” issues created fear and trauma for me at a young age that I am still battling today.

Needless to say, I do everything I can to keep my chompers healthy, so I don’t need much major “intervention” to fix the problems.

Not to mention that we are an entrepreneurial household, which means no extended medical and no dental insurance and dealing with those dental problems isn’t just hard on me, but also on our family budget.

So, we invest in little things that make a big difference to our family.  Dental care isn’t about only having fresh breath and pearly whites, it is about having a healthy mouth.   Dental floss, or flossing sticks for the kids, a variety of tooth pastes that appeal to everyone and mouthwash.

Except sometimes the mouthwash can be a little too intense for me.
I have a subtle palette, preferring gentle flavours to an all out party in my mouth.
I mean, I JUST upgraded to a medium “zest” salsa this year!

So I tried out the LISTERINE® Zero® – an alcohol free mouthwash that has a little less sting, but all the benefits.  LISTERINE® ZERO® STILL helps battle bad breath and germs, reduce gingivitis and prevent plaque, but with a taste even my gentle pallet can swallow.

Well, not swallow, but definitely SWISH.

It is a healthy habit created from necessity.  I take care of my body by exercising, and my soul by having married my best friend.  I eat well, and laugh a lot, and want full body health.

Healthy teeth, healthy gums and commitment to battling that dreaded morning breath so I can have a healthy “relationship”.

Behaviours can’t become habits unless we do them regularly, and with LISTERINE®  ZERO® I am no longer scared of the mouthwash sting and welcome my morning and evening “swish”.

Creating this healthy habit NOW will help ease the pain (on my sensitive teeth and my wallet) during our back to school dental check ups!  
Not to mention that I will have fresh breath when I meet all the new Kindergarten moms in September (and we all know it is all about the first impression).

Check out  www.healthyessentials.ca For information, tips, tools and exclusive offers to help you prepare for back-to-school!