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Ingredient Comparison

The Formula for Success

Listerine® Antiseptic mouthrinse formulations offer an unmatched depth and breadth of clinical data documenting efficacy and safety. The ingredients Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) and Chlorhexidine (CHX) may interact with toothpastes, resulting in diminished activities. Both have also been linked to significant tooth staining. Recommend Listerine® Antiseptic to help patients achieve clinically proven plaque and gingivitis control while avoiding the potential drawbacks of other mouthrinse ingredients.

Ingredient

All flavors of Listerine® Antiseptic contain the same fixed combination of four essential oils:

eucalyptol (0.092%)
menthol (0.042%)
methyl salicylate (0.060%)
thymol (0.064%)
ADA Acceptance Listerine® is the leading non-prescription mouthrinse and has received the ADA Seal of Acceptance for helping to prevent and reduce supragingival plaque and gingivitis
Efficacy
  • Proven in multiple long-term clinical studies to significantly reduce supragingival plaque by up to 56.1% and gingivitis by up to 35.9%, even in hard-to-reach areas
  • Proven to penetrate plaque biofilm in vitro and in vivo to kill bacteria
Interaction with Toothpaste
  • There is no known interaction between essential oils and toothpaste ingredients, hence, rinsing with water is not required after brushing and prior to rinsing with Listerine® Antiseptic
Side Effects
  • Does not promote calculus formation4,20
  • Two 6-month studies required by the ADA revealed no alterations in microbial balance, emergence of resistant strains or opportunistic organisms

REFERENCES

  1. American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs. Acceptance Program Guidelines: Chemotherapeutic Products for Control of Gingivitis. Chicago: American Dental Association; 1997.
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  3. DePaola LG, Overholser CD, Meiller TF, Minah GE, Niehaus C. Chemotherapeutic inhibition of supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis development. J Clin Periodontol. 1989;16:311-315.
  4. Overholser CD, Meiller TF, DePaola LG, Minah GE, Niehaus C. Comparative effects of 2 chemotherapeutic mouthrinses on the development of supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis. J Clin Periodontol. 1990;17:575-579.
  5. Charles CH, Sharma NC, Galustians HJ, Qaqish J, McGuire JA, Vincent JW. Comparative efficacy of an antiseptic mouthrinse and an antiplaque antigingivitis dentifrice: a six-month clinical trial. J Am Dent Assoc. 2001;132:670-675.
  6. Sharma NC, Charles CH, Qaqish JG, Galustians HJ, Zhao Q, Kumar LD. Comparative effectiveness of an essential oil mouthrinse and dental floss in controlling interproximal gingivitis and plaque. Am J Dent. 2002;15:351-355.
  7. Sharma N, Charles CH, Lynch MC, et al. Adjunctive benefit of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse in reducing plaque and gingivitis in patients who brush and floss regularly: a six-month study. J Am Dent Assoc. 2004;135:496-504.
  8. Gordon JM, Lamster IB, Seiger MC. Efficacy of Listerine® antiseptic in inhibiting the development of plaque and gingivitis. J Clin Periodontol. 1985;12:697-704.
  9. Bauroth K, Charles CH, Mankodi SM, Simmons K, Zhao Q, Kumar LD. The efficacy of an essential oil antiseptic mouthrinse vs. dental floss in controlling interproximal gingivitis: a comparative study. J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134:359-365.
  10. Charles CH, Mostler KM, Bartels LL, Mankodi SM. Comparative antiplaque and antigingivitis effectiveness of a chlorhexidine and an essential oil mouthrinse: 6-month clinical trial. J Clin Periodontol. 2004;31:878-884.
  11. Data on file, McNeil-PPC, Inc
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  14. Data on file, McNeil-PPC, Inc.
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  18. Fischman SL, Aguirre A, Charles CH. Use of essential oil-containing mouthrinses by xerostomic individuals: determination of potential for oral mucosal irritation. Am J Dent. 2004;17:23-26.
  19. von Fraunhofer JA, DePaola LG, Kelley JI, Meiller TF. Effect of a dental unit waterline additive on resin bond strengths. Gen Dent. 2004;52:502-504.
  20. Data on file, McNeil-PPC, Inc.
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  27. Segretto VA, et al. "A clinical investigation to assess the effects on plaque, gingivitis, and staining potential of an experimental mouthrinse-Study 002393." Unpublished study in OTC Vol 210421 (FDA Docket No. 81N-033P, BK G2 - Ref. 68; 68Fed. Reg. at 32277.
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  43. Peridex® (0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate) Oral Rinse [prescribing information]. Phoenix, Ariz: Zila, Inc; 2004.