Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 7/16/2005

Question
I recently purchased the New Listerine Whitening Pre-Brush and I would like to ask you a question:.

Before I purchased this my daily dental routine was to Brush my teeth, Swish with Listerine(The Normal Listerine) And Then Floss Twice a Day.

Well, Since I purchased this I was wondering should go about my routine as follows:

Listerine Whitening Pre-Brush
Brush
Listerine (Normal)
Floss..

Just curious to be sure I am not using too much of the substance!

Thanks!!

Answer
Dear Tammy,

You are to be commended for your excellent oral hygiene! Getting my patients to brush and floss regularly is one of the most frustrating and thankless tasks, since they seldom implement the practice nearly as well as I'd like.

However, I hope it won't be a disappointment when I say that the regular use of an antiseptic mouth rinse seldom makes a significant difference in the quality of oral hygiene. I don't as a matter of general policy recommend that my patients use one mouthwash, much less two.

It is true that antiseptic mouthwashes can "kill germs by millions on contact" as Listerine has historically claimed. However, this does not provide benefit above that of normal physical means (brushing and flossing) of removing bacterial dental plaque. The reason has to do with the speed by which bacteria re-establish their numbers in the mouth, and the inability of most antiseptic mouthwashes to provide prolonged antimicrobial activity.

In fact, the various manufacturers of Listerine (ownership of the brand has changed many times over its greater than 100-year history) have made a kind of career of making unsubstantiated claims for its product, and then being censured by the government for false advertising. The most recent event was a federal court judge's edict to desist from claims that Listerine is "as effective as flossing" as part of an oral hygiene program. (SEE: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6799764/  )

Although the use of mouthwash products generally provides little benefit, it usually presents little risk other than what may be considered an unnecessary expense. However, there is the small number of patients who will develop a contact sensitivity to one of the ingredients. Listerine also contains high levels of alcohol, which can, along with other ingredients, cause irritation and inflammation of the gums and other soft tissues in particularly sensitive individuals. When viewed in the context of the lack of overall benefit from this product, any risk might be considered excessive.

To sum up, I think that proper brushing and flossing, together with regular professional dental care, is sufficient to maintain and promote good oral health. If additional measures need to be taken, they will be recommended by your dentist. It is unlikely that any of these measures will be the use of Listerine products.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY