Frequently Asked Questions
How to use LISTERINE® Mouthwash
It is recommended to use LISTERINE® mouthwash twice a day after brushing. Please see directions of how to use LISTERINE® on the product label.
We recommend using LISTERINE® mouthwash twice daily, as this reflects the most recent scientific evidence available to us.
Our research consistently suggests that using a fluoride mouthwash with plaque-reducing ingredients to rinse after brushing is an effective way to control plaque to maintain good gum health, and helps strengthen teeth.
Scientific research also shows that using fluoride containing mouthwash, rather than rinsing with non-fluoride mouthwash or water after brushing, can help protect and maintain the levels of fluoride you get from your toothpaste.
If you have any further concerns regarding your oral health, we advise that you follow the advice of your dentist or dental professional for your specific oral healthcare needs.
Although oral hygiene is important, we have not studied the effects of LISTERINE® use whilst pregnant. Before using any product whilst pregnant, we would advise that you seek advice from your doctor, midwife or dentist.
LISTERINE® is especially effective when used daily morning and night when used as part of your oral health care routine. Check out the benefits of each of our mouthwashes here.
The effects of rinsing the mouth following LISTERINE® mouthwash use has not been studied. We therefore do not recommend rinsing the mouth following LISTERINE® mouthwash use.
If you swallowed mouthwash accidentally, please seek advice from your healthcare professional.
For best results, LISTERINE® mouthwash should be used twice a day. Please see directions of use on the product label.
For best results, LISTERINE® mouthwash should be used twice a day. Please see directions of use on the product label.
We have not studied the effects of using LISTERINE® mouthwash that has been diluted. We therefore do not recommend diluting LISTERINE® mouthwash prior to use.
LISTERINE® Mouthwash
Some of our LISTERINE® mouthwash contain alcohol, it can lead to a strong taste for some users. We do have milder tasting variants which are alcohol free. Naturals Enamel Protect and Naturals Gum Protect as neither contain alcohol.
Try:
Nightly Reset
Total Care Milder Taste or
Cool Mint Milder Taste or
Advanced White Milder Taste.
Naturals Gum Protect
Naturals Enamel Protect
LISTERINE® mouthwash should be used twice a day. Please see directions of use on the product label.
LISTERINE® mouthwash is intended to be rinsed around the mouth and then spat out. Do not swallow LISTERINE® mouthwash.
If you accidentally swallowed mouthwash, seek medical help.
Yes! LISTERINE® Zero is an antiseptic mouthwash (now known as LISTERINE® Milder Taste) contains 4 essential oils which help fight plaque bacteria.
Both Milder Taste and alcohol containing LISTERINE® mouthwashes with essential oils are proven to help clean teeth by reducing plaque bacteria in clinical studies.
No, LISTERINE® is not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label. For more information, please click here.
You can find the expiration date printed on the back of:
LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Gum Treatment
LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Sensitive
All other LISTERINE® products are safe for use up to 12 months after opening.
LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Gum Treatment has been proven to promote healthy gums in as little as two weeks.
Yes! Our LISTERINE® mouthwashes contain essential oils to fight plaque bacteria making them antibacterial mouthwashes.
You can find the expiration date printed on the back of:
LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Gum Treatment
LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Sensitive
All other LISTERINE® products can be used up to 12 months after opening.
How LISTERINE® Mouthwash Works
Some LISTERINE® mouthwash contain fluoride to help strengthen teeth, and our essential oil containing mouthwashes help reduce plaque bacteria to maintain healthy teeth & healthy gums.
LISTERINE® Advanced White Milder Taste is proven to whiten teeth , it’s able to remove stains from teeth and prevent them so you can have whiter teeth in just 1 week.
LISTERINE® Stay White, LISTERINE® Total Care and LISTERINE® Total Care Milder Taste help to reduce tartar build up and can help maintain naturally white teeth.
Ingredients
LISTERINE® mouthwashes do not contain sugars. They do however contain artificial sweeteners
Most LISTERINE® mouthwashes contain fluoride.
Other
LISTERINE® is formulated to prevent certain oral health issues and maintain good oral health. It is not indicated for toothache. We recommend you seek the help of your dental health care professional if you’re experiencing a toothache.
LISTERINE® mouthwash is not recommended for oral infections. We recommend you seek the help of your dental health care professional if you have an infection in your mouth.
We’re really sorry to confirm that due to low regional demand, LISTERINE® Original has been discontinued and is no longer distributed in the UK and Ireland markets.
No, LISTERINE® does not replace flossing but it should be used alongside brushing and flossing as part of a 3 step oral care routine.
We do not recommend gargling with LISTERINE® mouthwash.
LISTERINE® mouthwash is not recommended to help kill viruses. We recommend you seek the help of your health care professional should you be experiencing a viral infection.