The story of LISTERINE® Mouthwash, Canada's most popular over-the-counter mouthwash dates back over 130 years to the early days of modern medicine.
LISTERINE® Antiseptic was developed in 1879 by Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Wheat Lambert. It was named after Dr. Joseph Lister, who pioneered the idea of using disinfectants in hospitals during surgery. In 1865, Dr. Lister became the first person to perform an antiseptic surgery. His work paved the way to the modern antiseptic operating room and a significant downturn in patient mortality in the 19th century.
It wasn't until 1994 that plastic bottles were introduced, replacing the traditional glass bottles that dentists and customers had come to know for over 100 years. And in 2008, LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE® Mouthwash was launched in Canada as the most complete LISTERINE® yet, killing plaque, gingivitis and bad breath germs while also restoring enamel, preventing cavities and fighting tartar.
A lot has happened since Dr. Lister's first antiseptic surgery in 1865. LISTERINE® Mouthwash has been used by more than 1 billion people worldwide to help improve oral health, and over 50 clinical studies have been conducted affirming its efficacy.
Have you ever wondered what's in it or why it gives you that invigorating feeling? The secret behind the science are the three essential oils which form the active ingredients in LISTERINE® Antiseptic:
- Eucalyptol
- Menthol
- Thymol
These three essential oils are what power LISTERINE® Antiseptic to kill the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. LISTERINE® Antiseptic penetrates and disrupts plaque biofilm to help keep your mouth healthy and clean when used in conjunction with brushing, flossing and regular professional care.
In fact, LISTERINE® Antiseptic has been proven to:
- Fight and kill the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath
- Kill the germs in your mouth and significantly reduce bacteria that enter the bloodstream
- Provide up to 12 hours of protection from bad breath bacteria
- Kill the germs that cause sore throats due to colds
- LISTERINE® Fluoride also contains fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel
- LISTERINE® Advanced also contains WHITENOL® to help keep teeth white
- LISTERINE® Tartar Control also contains zinc chloride to fight stain-causing tartar build up
- LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE® also contains fluoride to prevent cavities and zinc chloride to fight stain-causing tartar build up
- LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE® FOR SENSITIVE TEETH™ also contains fluoride to prevent cavities and potassium nitrate to reduce
the pain of sensitive teeth