Listerine has been around since the early 1900s and is one of the most well-known and recognizable mouthwashes. Often used as a hangover cure, Listerine is also believed to be beneficial for oral health. Listerine is primarily marketed as a product that can reduce bad breath and prevent gingivitis; however, its active ingredients also have properties that make it useful for treating periodontal disease. Does Listerine help with gingivitis? Is it an effective home remedy for periodontal disease? Read on to learn more about Listerine and its effectiveness in treating periodontal disease.
What is Listerine Mouthwash?
Listerine was first introduced as a surgical antiseptic in 1879. It was named after Sir Joseph Lister, a British doctor who pioneered the use of antiseptics in surgery. They used primarily for oral hygiene until the 1960s when it became popular as a treatment for halitosis (bad breath). It is now a product line of Johnson & Johnson that is marketed for oral health care. There are a few different types of Listerine that are used for different oral health care needs.
The Listerine Whitening & Anti-aging has ingredients that can reduce staining and gum inflammation. Listerine Healthy Gum and Mouthwash is the product that we will be discussing in this article.
Does Listerine help in Periodontal disease?
Listerine Healthy Gum and Mouthwash claim to “reduce plaque, reduce gingivitis, and fight bacteria.” Listerine is most known for its ability to fight bacteria and prevent plaque formation.
Does Listerine prevent Plaque?
There have been small studies on the ability of Listerine to prevent plaque. These studies show that Listerine has anti-plaque properties and a certain amount of efficacy in preventing plaque formation. It is important to note that Listerine is not as effective as modern-day anti-plaque products.
Does Listerine Reduce Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease where the gum around the teeth becomes inflamed. Listerine has been proven to reduce gingivitis in some studies.
Does Listerine help in Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a much more serious oral health issue that can cause loss of teeth. Listerine has proven to be effective at treating periodontal disease in some studies.
How to Use Listerine for Periodontal Disease?
Listerine is not intended for use as a daily mouthwash. It should be used 2-4 times per week to treat periodontal disease.
Rinse Your Mouth Out With Listerine– Use a small amount of Listerine to rinse your mouth out for 30 seconds. You can swish the Listerine around your mouth or just let it sit on your teeth and gums. Be careful not to swallow the mouthwash as it can be toxic.
Brush Your Teeth Before Using Listerine– Brushing your teeth before rinsing with Listerine will help remove any debris that the mouthwash may not reach. This will make sure that the Listerine has the best chance of reaching the bacteria in your mouth.
Brush Your Teeth After Using Listerine– This will help remove any excess Listerine from your teeth and prevent any staining from occurring.
Is there a better alternative to Listerine?
Because Listerine has a very strong taste and smell, it can be difficult to use regularly and consistently. There are some alternatives to Listerine for treating periodontal disease.
Sprays – Sprays like Actidant have been proven to reduce gingivitis and plaque. They are easier to use and less messy than Listerine. They can also be used by people who are unable to brush and floss.
Toothpaste with Antigingivitis Ingredients – Some toothpaste have ingredients like stannous fluoride and pyroxylin that can help fight against gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is a serious oral health problem that can lead to tooth loss and a very unhealthy mouth. Listerine Healthy Gum and Mouthwash has been shown to be effective at treating periodontal disease. Listerine can be used as an effective treatment for periodontal disease. It can help fight plaque and gingivitis and can be used with a toothbrush to reach spots that flossing and brushing alone cannot.
