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For your best oral health, add a LISTERINE rinse to your daily routine. Our mouthwashes are clinically proven to reduce plaque, gingivitis and tartar when used as directed in addition to brushing and flossing.

First formulated in 1879, LISTERINE was named after Sir Joseph Lister who pioneered antiseptic surgery. His work helped lead to a decline in patient mortality rates in the 19th century.

1. Kills germs

The germs that cause plaque and gingivitis can eventually lead to tooth loss, serious health problems, and other issues like heart disease and diabetes. So when you use Listerine mouthwash in addition to your toothbrush and floss, you’re giving yourself the best possible defense against germs.

In 1865, English surgeon Joseph Lister was applying the ideas of Louis Pasteur – who believed invisible germs were responsible for infections – when he began washing surgical instruments with phenol and saw his rates of post-surgical infection fall dramatically. That work inspired St. Louis chemist Joseph Lawrence to create an alcohol-based surgical antiseptic that would kill germs, and in 1879 he created the brand name Listerine.

Listerine contains essential oils including thymol, eucalyptol and menthol that fight the germs that cause bad breath, gum disease, and plaque. Plus, the chlorine in Listerine disinfects surfaces and kills bacteria that can harbor plaque and gingivitis.

A new clinical study* reveals that Listerine kills more than just germs — it also significantly reduces the number of germs that make their way from your mouth into your bloodstream. This could be a big deal because research suggests that gum disease, like gingivitis, can lead to systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

In a lab test, researchers found that Listerine kills influenza A virus, which is an enveloped RNA virus that can cause the respiratory illness commonly known as the common cold and the flu. Listerine was tested alongside two other popular disinfectants: betadine, which contains povidone-iodine, and Peroxal, which contains hydrogen peroxide. All three disinfectants showed some ability to disrupt the influenza A virus, but only Listerine was able to completely destroy the viral particles.

No one’s ever actually been able to test Listerine’s claim that it kills the bacteria that cause gonorrhoea, but the research does support what people have been saying for nearly 140 years. It’s worth remembering that Listerine was first conceived of in the nineteenth century as a powerful surgical antiseptic, and it was sold as a mouthwash starting in 1920.

2. Freshens breath

For anyone who suffers from bad breath, also known as halitosis, a quick rinse of Listerine can help to freshen up your mouth. Whether you need to get rid of that lingering smell after brushing your teeth, or you want a quick breath boost before meeting someone new, this trusted oral care product can be the perfect solution.

The renowned antiseptic has a long history as a household item, starting out in the nineteenth century as a powerful surgical antiseptic. Then it was marketed to dentists for oral hygiene, before becoming a popular household name in the 1920s as an effective breath freshener. The name Listerine was a tribute to Joseph Lister, the British surgeon who pioneered antiseptic surgery by cleaning his instruments with carbolic acid. The alcohol-based formula was first manufactured in St. Louis in 1879 by Dr. Joseph Lawrence, who wanted to honor Lister’s dedication to antiseptic science.

Today, Listerine has a wide range of mouthwashes that fight different germs and conditions in the mouth. For example, Listerine Total Care Tartar Protect mouthwash has been proven to reduce more plaque and gingivitis than brushing alone. Its ingredients, such as thymol and eucalyptol, also help to freshen your breath for up to 24 hours.

Listerine Original Antiseptic mouthwash is a clinically proven antiseptic that provides a deep clean to your mouth, including teeth and gums. It removes 52 percent more plaque and 21 percent more gingivitis than brushing alone. With a refreshing cool mint taste, it also leaves your mouth feeling intensely clean. There’s even a milder taste option that has been proven to be just as effective, but with a lower alcohol content.

Listerine has an extensive line of products that can keep your mouth healthy and free from bad breath, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, and even mints and chewing gums. Using an antiseptic mouthwash like Listerine twice a day, along with proper brushing and flossing, can significantly improve the health of your mouth and breath. Taking these simple steps can make a world of difference to your overall oral health and the way you feel about your smile.

3. Strengthens teeth

In addition to its germ-killing powers, Listerine also helps strengthen teeth. The product contains fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay and promote healthy teeth and gums. Studies have shown that those who regularly rinse with Listerine have stronger, more resilient teeth than those who do not.

A strong, consistent oral care routine with a brush and floss, in combination with the use of an antiseptic mouthwash like LISTERINE, can help prevent and even reverse many common dental problems such as plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. Rinsing with LISTERINE helps reach places your toothbrush can’t – such as crevices between teeth, on the back of the tongue and other hard-to-reach areas. In addition, rinsing with LISTERINE can help improve gum health and reduce the risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease.

Listerine was invented in the nineteenth century as a powerful surgical antiseptic. It was sold in a distilled form as both a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhea, but didn’t become a runaway success until the 1920s when it was pitched to women and men suffering from chronic halitosis (bad breath).

The brand name Listerine is named after Joseph Lister, who pioneered antiseptic surgery. The alcohol-based formula was first patented in 1879 by a St Louis chemist, and later acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 2006.

The makers of LISTERINE are proud sponsors of National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating pediatric oral disease by providing access to critical preventive, educational and treatment services for all children through its network of Affiliate community programs. The NCHOF network includes childcare centers, early head start, elementary schools, Boys and Girls Clubs and other community outreach sites. For more information, visit NCHOF online.

4. Disinfects

The antiseptic properties of Listerine help to kill germs that cause plaque and gingivitis. The eucalyptol, menthol, and ethanol in Listerine all act as disinfectants. Listerine has also been found to be effective in reducing the build-up of tartar and helps to strengthen gum tissue. Using Listerine to rinse your mouth is a safe and effective way to clean away the bacteria that can lead to periodontitis.

Although Listerine claims to kill germs, it would not be effective as a surface spray. There are many products that can be used to disinfect surfaces, including household bleach (1/3 cup per gallon of water), rubbing alcohol (27% or higher), and diluted hydrogen peroxide (60%). It is important to note that using these solutions on fabrics may cause damage.

Interestingly, Listerine was first invented as a surgical antiseptic in the nineteenth century. It was later sold as a floor cleaner, hair tonic, and a cure for dandruff. However, it was not a runaway success until the 1920s when it was marketed as a remedy for chronic halitosis. Until then, nobody really worried about bad breath, so the marketing campaign was a hit.

Listerine is a trademark of the Pfizer company and is used to market a variety of oral care products. It is an antiseptic mouthwash that can be used to kill germs, freshen breath, and strengthen teeth. It is recommended that you use Listerine in conjunction with brushing and flossing.

A recent study by Farmaha et al in the British Dental Journal showed that using Listerine to wash toothbrush bristles is a safe and effective method for killing germs on your toothbrush. The research found that soaking the toothbrush in Listerine for 20 minutes can kill all of the microorganisms on the toothbrush. The study compared Listerine with Hexidine, 3.0% hydrogen peroxide, and Dettol to determine which was the most effective at removing microorganisms from toothbrushes. The results of the study found that Hexidine and 3.0% hydrogen peroxide were able to completely decontaminate toothbrushes, while Dettol was less effective. Hexidine and 3.0% hydrogen peroxide can be used at home and are cost-effective.