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Frequently Asked Questions about…
Listerine® Products
Q: Would diabetic patients have problems using Listerine® products?
A: Diabetics would not be expected to experience any problems using Listerine® Antiseptic mouthwash. In fact, people with poorly controlled diabetes could benefit from improved oral hygiene that may include Listerine® Antiseptic.
Q: Can patients with composite resin restorations use Listerine® Antiseptic?
A: The safety of Listerine® Antiseptic was evaluated in a controlled in vitro study to determine the effect, if any, of an alcohol-containing mouthrinse on composite resin dental restorative materials. Groups of 10 resin specimens, each 6mm by 3mm, were exposed to Listerine® Antiseptic or a water control for 30 seconds twice daily for 180 days. Although all specimens' hardness was diminished over time, there were no significant differences in hardness between Listerine® Antiseptic and the water control. This study demonstrates that the use of an alcohol-containing mouthrinse poses no increased risk for patients with composite resins.
Q: Can I dilute Listerine® Antiseptic with water before I swish it in my mouth?
A: Diluting Listerine® is not recommended because it reduces the effectiveness of the product.
Q: Does the alcohol in Listerine® lead to mouth cancer?
A: The safety of alcohol-containing mouthwashes was extensively reviewed by a Food and Drug Administration Advisory Panel (1996), which concluded that there is no evidence to support a causal link between alcohol in mouthwashes and the development of oral and pharyngeal cancer. The primary factors associated with oral and pharyngeal cancer are:
- Use of tobacco products
- Excessive ingestion of alcohol-containing beverages
Q: How are the "less intense" flavors such as Natural Citrus Listerine® and Vanilla Mint Listerine® different than the other Listerine® Antiseptic mouthrinses?
A: Natural Citrus Listerine® and Vanilla Mint Listerine® are different than other Listerine® Antiseptic mouthrinses because of their less intense flavor. As a result, patients who have resisted rinsing with Listerine® products in the past because they found the taste to be too intense can now benefit from the less intense flavor and the same proven germ-killing power.
Q: Are the less intense flavors of Listerine® as effective as the other Listerine® flavors?
A: Yes. Natural Citrus Listerine® and Vanilla Mint Listerine® are as effective as the other Listerine® flavors because they contain the same fixed combination of four essential oils. This fixed combination of ingredients—eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol—provides antimicrobial action and is clinically proven to help reduce plaque and gingivitis
Q: Does Vanilla Mint Listerine® carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance?
A: Not at this time. But, like all other Listerine® mouthrinse products, Vanilla Mint is safe and effective at killing germs and fighting plaque and gingivitis, resulting in improved gingival health.
Q: Vanilla Mint Listerine® is an addition to the less intense line that includes Natural Citrus Listerine®. Has there been any change to Natural Citrus Listerine®?
A: Yes. Natural Citrus Listerine® is now formulated with 100% natural flavor ingredients that provide its unique, less intense flavor. Additionally, Natural Citrus Listerine® carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Q: What is the difference between Listerine® Antiseptic Mouthwash and Listerine® Agent Cool Blue™ Plaque-Detecting Rinse?
A: Listerine® Agent Cool Blue™ rinse is a prebrush plaque-detecting rinse made especially for kids 6 to 12, and is specially designed to help kids get more out of their oral care routine. Listerine® Agent Cool Blue™ rinse does not contain levels of essential oils that Listerine® Antiseptic Mouthwash does. Listerine® Antiseptic Mouthwash is indicated for adults and children, ages 12 and up.
Q: Does Listerine® Agent Cool Blue™ contain any alcohol?
A: No, it is alcohol-free.
Biofilm Penetration
Q: Why is biofilm important to me, the dental professional?
A: Plaque biofilm is an accumulation of bacteria which are responsible for the most prevalent diseases in the mouth, such as caries and periodontal disease.
Q: What kind of bacteria is in mixed species?
A: Any time there is more than one species of bacteria, one can refer to a community of bacteria as being mixed species. In the human mouth, there are over 600 species of bacteria.
Q: What does bactericidal mean?
A: Bactericidal means causing the death of bacteria. Listerine® is bactericidal, a formula which destroys bacteria.
Listerine® Tooth Defense™
Q: How much fluoride does Listerine® Tooth Defense™ contain?
A: Listerine® Tooth Defense™ contains 0.0221% sodium fluoride, which is equivalent to 0.01% of the fluoride ion (which is equal to 100 parts per million).
Q: How does Listerine® Tooth Defense™ compare to other over-the-counter fluoride treatments?
A: In an in vitro study, Listerine® Tooth Defense™ was shown to have an enamel fluoride uptake level comparable to that of Act® and Phos-Flur®.
Q: How is Listerine® Tooth Defense™ different from Listerine® Antiseptic?
A: Listerine® Tooth Defense™ is a fluoride rinse that helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. It is similar to Listerine® Antiseptic in that it kills the bacteria that cause oral malodor; however, it is not indicated or intended for fighting plaque and gingivitis.
Q: Can Listerine® Tooth Defense™ be used along with Listerine® Antiseptic?
A: Yes. Patients who need help fighting plaque and gingivitis, in addition to cavities, can rinse with Listerine® Antiseptic first and then rinse with Listerine® Tooth Defense™.
Q: Why is Listerine® Tooth Defense™ a twice-daily rather than a once-daily rinse?
A: Listerine® Tooth Defense™ was designed as a twice-daily rinse so that it would fit easily into a patient’s usual twice-daily oral care routine. In addition, the 0.0221% sodium fluoride concentration used in Listerine® Tooth Defense™ provides maximum anticavity benefit when used twice daily. An added benefit for patients is fresher breath twice a day.
Q: Can children use Listerine® Tooth Defense™?
A: Listerine® Tooth Defense™ is for adults and children 12 years of age and above.
For children under the age of 12, parents should consult a dentist or doctor before use.