Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is a common condition that can lead to more serious gum disease and tooth loss if left untreated. Listerine mouthwash has been clinically proven to kill the germs that cause gingivitis and help prevent and reduce its symptoms when used properly. In this article, we’ll look at how Listerine works and which formulations of Listerine are most effective for killing the bacteria that cause gingivitis.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. It’s caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque buildup irritates the gums and causes inflammation. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that create more irritation and damage to the gums.
If gingivitis isn’t treated promptly, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports the teeth. Eventually, periodontitis can cause tooth loss if not properly treated.
How Listerine mouthwash fights gingivitis
Listerine contains essential oils that have antimicrobial properties to kill bacteria. When used alongside brushing and flossing, Listerine reaches areas that might be missed by brushing, helping to disinfect the entire mouth.
The active ingredients in Listerine work in two main ways to combat gingivitis:
Kills bacteria
Listerine Original, Cool Mint, Freshburst, and Soft Mint flavors contain four essential oils – eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol. Together, this combination inhibits or kills bacteria that cause plaque buildup and gingivitis.
Studies show that Listerine can kill up to 52% of bacteria in the mouth when used for 30 seconds twice daily. This significantly reduces the overall bacteria load on teeth and gums.
Prevents plaque buildup
By reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth, Listerine also inhibits the bacteria’s ability to stick to surfaces and form plaque. With regular use, Listerine reaches spots that might be missed by brushing and flossing alone to help prevent a buildup of plaque.
Listerine formulations proven to kill gingivitis bacteria
Multiple clinical studies have shown Listerine’s effectiveness at killing bacteria that cause gingivitis. Here are the main Listerine formulations proven to reduce gingivitis:
| Listerine Product | Key Ingredients | Evidence for Reducing Gingivitis |
|---|---|---|
| Listerine Antiseptic Original | Eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, thymol | Showed significant gingivitis reduction in multiple studies |
| Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic | Same key ingredients as Original | 21.6% gingivitis reduction in 6 months in clinical study |
| Listerine FreshBurst Antiseptic | Same key ingredients as Original | Up to 52% plaque reduction compared to brushing alone in studies |
| Listerine Soft Mint Antiseptic | Same key ingredients as Original | Up to 52% plaque reduction compared to brushing alone in studies |
| Listerine Zero Alcohol Mouthwashes | Essential oils (varies by flavor), cetylpyridinium chloride | Up to 23.6% gingivitis reduction compared to control rinse in study |
| Listerine Ready! Tabs Antiseptic | Same key ingredients as Original liquid | Reduced plaque by 52% more than brushing alone in studies |
As the table shows, multiple formulas of Listerine in both liquid and tablet form have been clinically proven to kill bacteria that cause gingivitis and reduce inflammation of the gums.
Original Listerine Clinical Studies
The original Listerine Antiseptic formula has been the most extensively studied for fighting gingivitis. In a systematic review published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2014, researchers analyzed data from six clinical trials on the original Listerine Antiseptic and gingivitis.
They found consistent evidence that rinsing with the original Listerine twice daily in addition to brushing reduced gingivitis by about 20% compared to brushing alone after 3-6 months. The reduction was statistically significant.
One of the included studies followed 192 young adults with mild to moderate gingivitis over 6 months. The Listerine group had a 21.6% greater reduction in gingivitis than the control group who brushed without using Listerine.
The original Listerine formula contains 21.6% alcohol, which some users find too strong. But the review found the alcohol level was not a factor in Listerine’s anti-gingivitis effects. The essential oils were responsible for killing the bacteria.
Cool Mint and FreshBurst Listerine
The Cool Mint and FreshBurst formulations of Listerine contain the same essential oils as the Original formula but with added flavors to improve taste.
One study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology had 290 participants with gingivitis use either Listerine Cool Mint or a control rinse twice daily for 6 months along with their regular brushing. The Listerine group had statistically significant reductions in gingivitis, plaque, and bleeding compared to the control group after 6 months.
Another study on Listerine Antiseptic FreshBurst had participants rinse with FreshBurst or a control rinse for 30 days. The FreshBurst group had average plaque reduction of 52% compared to the control group.
Listerine Zero and Ready!Tabs
Listerine Zero alcohol formulas and Ready! Tabs contain the same essential oils as original Listerine without the alcohol.
A study on the Zero products tested them against an alcohol-free control rinse in reducing gingivitis over 6 months. The Zero rinses reduced gingivitis by 17.3% to 23.6% more than the control, demonstrating antimicrobial activity even without alcohol.
Ready!Tabs used for 4 weeks were found in one study to reduce plaque by 52% more than toothbrushing alone, showing similar bacteria-fighting action to the liquid.
Proper use of Listerine for gingivitis
To get the full gingivitis-fighting benefits found in studies, Listerine Antiseptic should be used properly alongside regular brushing and flossing. Here are some tips for using Listerine to help prevent and reduce gingivitis:
– Swish with 20 ml (about one capful) undiluted Listerine for 30 seconds twice daily, morning and night. Spit out after swishing.
– Use Listerine after brushing and flossing your teeth. It serves as an additional disinfecting oral rinse.
– Reach all areas of the mouth – swish vigorously between teeth and over the gums where bacteria can hide.
– Allow at least 30 minutes between using Listerine and eating or drinking for maximum bacteria kill rate.
– Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to avoid damaging gums.
– Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
– See your dentist regularly to have plaque buildup removed professionally.
– Continue using Listerine twice daily even after gums appear healthier to prevent gingivitis from recurring.
Conclusion
Research shows that using an antiseptic mouthwash containing essential oils like Listerine along with proper brushing and flossing provides an effective way to kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Listerine Original, Cool Mint, FreshBurst, and Zero formulas have all demonstrated significant plaque and gingivitis reduction abilities in clinical studies when used correctly. If you are prone to gingivitis or already have mild inflammation, adding a twice-daily Listerine rinse to your oral care routine can help kill bacteria, reduce plaque, and promote healthier gums.