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.

REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ Floss:

Q: What makes new REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ floss different from other flosses? How does it work?

A: New REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ floss is made up of revolutionary MICRO-GROOVES™ that stretch, then grip teeth to remove up to 2x more plaque than GLIDE® Original Mint (the leading dental floss). REACH® Ultraclean also slides as easily as GLIDE® and is shred resistant.

Q: What claims are being made for new REACH® ULTRACLEAN™floss?

A: - MICRO-GROOVE™ technology enables ULTRACLEAN™ to remove up to 2x more plaque than GLIDE® Original Mint
- Slides as easily as GLIDE® Original Mint
- Shred-resistant

Q: Is this a monofilament or multifilament floss?

A: REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ floss is monofilament floss with a twist! Traditional monofilament floss has a rectangular cross section, providing only two cleaning surfaces. New REACH® Ultraclean floss is monofilament floss with a cross section comprised of 22 offset ribs, providing a multitude of cleaning surfaces or MICRO-GROOVES™ that actually grab plaque and remove it.

Q: What are MICRO-GROOVES™? How do they work?

A: MICRO-GOOVES™ are channels formed by the ribs going down the length of the floss. They offer multiple cleaning surfaces to remove more plaque and provide superior cleaning. Because they are flexible, they act almost as tiny “squeegees”, gripping the tooth surfaces and removing plaque.

Q: For which of my patients would REACH® ULTRACLEAN™floss be appropriate for?

A: REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ floss is appropriate for all patients, especially those with:
- Patients who need greater plaque removal / or whose current floss may be mostly sliding over plaque - not removing enough of it.
- Patients with tight contacts, veneers, implants or who have had restorative work that need a shred resistant, easy slide floss
- Patients who complain that their current floss is hard on their fingers and NOT easy to use
- Patients who currently don’t floss, who are looking for a positive flossing experience to acquaint them to the regimen

Q: What other benefits does REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ floss offer?

A: New REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ has a wide cleaning surface, resists shredding due to its single filament design, is extremely flexible and is gentle on gums. REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ is easy to use and offers more control when flossing because it does not slide or cut into your finger.

Q: Is there clinical data published for REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ floss? Can I get a copy of the study?

A: There are plans to publish REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ data, although exact dates and publications have not been established at this time – stay tuned for more information.

Q: How does REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ compare to other string floss products?

A: See product backgrounder for comparison chart

Q: How does new REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ compare to other J&J string floss?

A: See product backgrounder for comparison chart.

Q: How strong is REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ floss?

A: New REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ is shred resistant and will not break with normal use.

Q: What flavor is REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ available in?

A: Fresh Mint.

Q: What sizes of REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ floss are available for me to purchase for my office?

A: - 5 yard trial sizes (108 per case)
- 100 yard chairside refill spool (expected in 2009)
- 30 yard sku will be available at retail stores

Q: When can my patients buy REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ floss in stores?

A: Expected in stores September 2008. Suggested retail price for a 30 yd spool ranges from $3.49 to $3.99 depending on retail outlet.

REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ Toothbrush:

Q: What makes the REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ toothbrush different from other toothbrushes?

A: Like all other REACH® brand toothbrushes, the REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ brush is angled like a dental instrument to clean places that are hard to reach, especially the posterior teeth.
- The cleansing tip effectively cleans behind back teeth
- Longer outer bristles gently clean along the gum line and behind back teeth
- Multi-level inner bristles clean interproximally and are tough on plaque
All of these benefits add up to superior plaque removal!

Q: What claims are being made for the REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ toothbrush?

A: - Removes up to 90% of plaque from Hard To Reach Places (HTRP)
- Removes 35% more plaque than COLGATE 360® following 30 days of continued use
- Significantly better in removing plaque compared to ORAL- B® Regular/Indicator and ORAL-B® Advantage (overall plaque removal), and COLGATE 360®

Q: What type of bristles does the REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ toothbrush have?

A: Soft, longer outer bristles gently clean along the gumline and behind back teeth. Shorter firm inner bristles clean interproximally and are tough on plaque.

Q: How much plaque does the REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ toothbrush remove in comparison to other brushes?

A: See product backgrounder for comparison chart.

Q: What case sizes of REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ toothbrushes are available for me to purchase for my office?

A: - 72 brushes per case

Q: When can my patients buy the REACH® ULTRACLEAN™ toothbrush in stores?

A: Expected in stores September 2008. Suggested retail price ranges from $2.99 to $3.99 depending on retail outlet