RDHs / Dentists - Is using Listerine too much a problem?!
Question: I've really gotten into using Vanilla Mint Listerine and have started using it 4x a day... I like the fresh taste and clean feeling it gives me. Is it bad to disinfect my mouth that often though? The bottle says to use it once in the AM and once in the PM, but it doesn't say anything about using it more than that.
Answers: I've really gotten into using Vanilla Mint Listerine and have started using it 4x a day... I like the fresh taste and clean feeling it gives me. Is it bad to disinfect my mouth that often though? The bottle says to use it once in the AM and once in the PM, but it doesn't say anything about using it more than that.
You definitely want to continue using Listerine two times a day. Mouthwashes without alcohol aren't nearly as effective as Listerine is. Compared to a control rinse, Listerine was statistically much more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis.
However, overuse of Listerine can lead to intra-oral lesions and soft tissue irregularities. Also, keep in mind Listerine kills both good and bad germs in your mouth. By using it too much, you're killing the healthy, protective flora and promoting yeast overgrowth.
Using Listerine twice a day will be enough to give you 24 hour protection against germs that cause plaque and gingivitis, yet won't cause any damage to your mouth. Using it more than 2x a day, however, will be detrimental to your mouth's health.
YOU sound like a very intelligent person who wants "excellent hygiene." Thus, you must NOT use too much of any products. The old basic "baking soda" for brushing the teeth AND the hydrogen peroxide (don't swallow) are still the most effective products. These products also go "beneath" the gum line. For your best health, they "boil" out the bacteria that can't be reached by you. I wish you well.
KELLY,
ANY BRAND SUCH AS LISTERINE WHICH CONTAINS UP TO 26% ALCOHOL WILL EVENTUALLY CASUSE HARM TO THE ORAL MUCOSA.
OTHER BRANDS WHICH DO NOT CONTAIN ALCOHOL ARE BENEFICIAL IN GIVING YOU FRESH BREATH W/O THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL.
I agree with the answer above in all caps. Listerine is 27% alcohol and is not good for you; it can actually aggravate bad breath because alcohol is a drying agent. Did you know that someone actually got drunk on Listerine and got arrested? That's how much alcohol is in it. Read these articles about Listerine:
Acid in Listerine can erode the enamel in your teeth
http://blog.therabreath.com/?p=22
Drunk as a skunk, but very clean smelling (woman gets drunk on Listerine)
http://blog.therabreath.com/?p=46
Alcohol in mouthwashes can lead to false positives in breath tests
http://blog.therabreath.com/?p=44
What I do suggest though is using Therabreath Oral Rinse, a non-alcholic mouthwash that really works. It gives oxygen to your mouth so that the anaerobic bacteria doesn't multiply (this is the bacteria that causes bad breath) Therabreath is all natural and even has aloe vera so you can use it all you want. You don't have to gag and cry for a mouthwash to be effective. If it makes you smell good, it should make you feel good.