Christine Bersola-Babao on improving oral health

News and current affairs anchor, talk show host and radio broadcaster Christine Bersola-Babao takes on a new role as a certified Oral-B expert as she leads the Oral-B Aahmbush! team raiding the Philippine's different fiestas to promote the importance of having good oral health via healthy teeth and gums.

Tintin, is more popularly known, has long been part of our morning routine as we see her on ABS-CBN's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas show daily. As a TV personality, who always faces the camera, Tintin makes sure that she keeps her teeth and gums healthy for that perfect smile.

"In my job, it's really important to have a good set of healthy teeth and gums, not to mention fresh breath, because we meet a lot of people, do interviews, face the cameras, or attend social events," says Tintin. "People watch you everyday as they wake up, so it is very important to greet them with a warm smile and the perfect set of teeth," she adds.

As for her dental tips, Tintin shares: "I brush my teeth thoroughly at least three to four minutes, three times a day or after every meal. It is important that I do it properly, so I make sure that I brush using downward strokes for upper teeth and upward strokes for lower teeth, plus horizontal strokes for top surfaces. We shouldn't also forget that gums need to be massaged during brushing, as well as the tongue."

She adds: "A lot of people consider flossing to be difficult and time-consuming but remember that it is also important for oral health and is considered an essential daily tool."

Discipline is vital in ensuring great dental health. This includes having the proper brushing habits and diet, plus regular visits to the dentist (at least twice a year). Eating Vitamin C-rich foods is also essential in keeping teeth and gums healthy. Vitamin C may be found in fruits like apples, pears, ponkan, lemons, citrus fruits and green and leafy vegetables.

"We chose Tintin as our newest endorser because she epitomizes a person with beauty, brains and having a good personality and a positive outlook in life," explains Ming Arroyo, senior product manager of Oral-B. "To top it all, she is in the field of communications. Her being a media practitioner helps us spread the message on the importance of having good oral health."

Tintin graduated with a degree in Film, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines. Among her many awards include: 1997-1999 Best AM Show Host for Alas Singko Y Medya; 2003-2004 Best TV Show Host for Magandang Umaga Bayan; and Top 3 Female Most Wholesome and Child-friendly Host of the Anak TV Seal award.

Watch out for the Oral-B Aahmbush! Team and Christine as they rove Cebu's Sinulog festival! Previous Aahmbushes included raiding Dagupan's Bangus festival, Quezon's Pahiyas festival, Bohol's Sandugo festival, Davao's Kadayawan festival, the Baguio Day festival, Bicol's Peñafrancia festival and Bacolod's Masskara festival.