Antimicrobials -3
Listerine®x antiseptic mouth rinse is the first and only ADA approved OTC product that reduces and prevents plaque and gingivitis when used in conjunction with daily brushing and flossing.44, 45This essential oil mouth rinse kills bacteria and opportunistic microorganisms within 30 seconds.46 Additional mechanisms of action for Listerine® have recently been elucidated. First, Listerine® has been shown to alter cell surface structure, leading to loss of cell wall integrity, cell lysis and death. These alterations also include changes in cell surface functions, most notably, decreased cellular attachment and aggregation.47 Second, Listerine® inhibits the ability of bacteria to coagulate, thus reducing plaque accumulation.48Third, full strength Listerine® prevents cell growth in early colonizing plaque bacteria, and when diluted (e.g. to sub lethal doses), is still capable of slowing the growth of these same organisms.49 In addition, this mouth rinse is free from side effects, does not promote microbial resistance and does not disrupt the balance of the oral ecosystems.
