Frequently Asked Questions | LISTERINE® UK

Skip to main contentFrequently Asked Questions

How to use LISTERINE® Mouthwash

When to use LISTERINE® mouthwash?

It is recommended to use LISTERINE® mouthwash twice a day after brushing. Please see directions of how to use LISTERINE® on the product label.

Back to top

Do you use LISTERINE® before or after brushing?

We recommend using LISTERINE® mouthwash twice daily, as this reflects the most recent scientific evidence available to us.

Our research consistently suggests that using a fluoride mouthwash with plaque-reducing ingredients to rinse after brushing is an effective way to control plaque to maintain good gum health, and helps strengthen teeth.

Scientific research also shows that using fluoride containing mouthwash, rather than rinsing with non-fluoride mouthwash or water after brushing, can help protect and maintain the levels of fluoride you get from your toothpaste.

If you have any further concerns regarding your oral health, we advise that you follow the advice of your dentist or dental professional for your specific oral healthcare needs.

Back to top

Can you use LISTERINE® mouthwash when pregnant?

Although oral hygiene is important, we have not studied the effects of LISTERINE® use whilst pregnant. Before using any product whilst pregnant, we would advise that you seek advice from your doctor, midwife or dentist.

Back to top

Are there benefits to using LISTERINE® every day?

LISTERINE® is especially effective when used daily morning and night when used as part of your oral health care routine. Check out the benefits of each of our mouthwashes here.

Back to top

Are you supposed to rinse your mouth after LISTERINE®?

The effects of rinsing the mouth following LISTERINE® mouthwash use has not been studied. We therefore do not recommend rinsing the mouth following LISTERINE® mouthwash use.

Back to top

What if you swallow LISTERINE®?

If you swallowed mouthwash accidentally, please seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Back to top

How many times a day should I use LISTERINE®

For best results, LISTERINE® mouthwash should be used twice a day. Please see directions of use on the product label.

Back to top

Should I use LISTERINE® every day?

For best results, LISTERINE® mouthwash should be used twice a day. Please see directions of use on the product label.

Back to top

Should LISTERINE® be diluted?

We have not studied the effects of using LISTERINE® mouthwash that has been diluted. We therefore do not recommend diluting LISTERINE® mouthwash prior to use.

Back to top

LISTERINE® Mouthwash

Why does LISTERINE® taste strong?

Some of our LISTERINE® mouthwash contain alcohol, it can lead to a strong taste for some users. We do have milder tasting variants which are alcohol free. Naturals Enamel Protect and Naturals Gum Protect as neither contain alcohol.

Try:

Nightly Reset

Total Care Milder Taste or

Cool Mint Milder Taste or

Advanced White Milder Taste.

Naturals Gum Protect

Naturals Enamel Protect

Back to top

How often should you use LISTERINE® mouthwash?

LISTERINE® mouthwash should be used twice a day. Please see directions of use on the product label.

Back to top

Is LISTERINE® safe to drink?

LISTERINE® mouthwash is intended to be rinsed around the mouth and then spat out. Do not swallow LISTERINE® mouthwash.

If you accidentally swallowed mouthwash, seek medical help.

Back to top

Is LISTERINE® Zero an antiseptic?

Yes! LISTERINE® Zero is an antiseptic mouthwash (now known as LISTERINE® Milder Taste) contains 4 essential oils which help fight plaque bacteria.

Back to top

Is LISTERINE® Zero as effective as alcohol containing LISTERINE®?

Both Milder Taste and alcohol containing LISTERINE® mouthwashes with essential oils are proven to help clean teeth by reducing plaque bacteria in clinical studies.

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® prevent or treat COVID-19?

No, LISTERINE® is not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label. For more information, please click here.

Back to top

How to check LISTERINE® expiry date?

You can find the expiration date printed on the back of:

LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Gum Treatment

LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Sensitive

All other LISTERINE® products are safe for use up to 12 months after opening.

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® gum treatment work?

LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Gum Treatment has been proven to promote healthy gums in as little as two weeks.

Back to top

Is LISTERINE® an antibacterial mouthwash?

Yes! Our LISTERINE® mouthwashes contain essential oils to fight plaque bacteria making them antibacterial mouthwashes.

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® expire?

You can find the expiration date printed on the back of:

LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Gum Treatment

LISTERINE® Advanced Defence Sensitive

All other LISTERINE® products can be used up to 12 months after opening.

Back to top

How LISTERINE® Mouthwash Works

What does LISTERINE® do for your teeth and gums?

Some LISTERINE® mouthwash contain fluoride to help strengthen teeth, and our essential oil containing mouthwashes help reduce plaque bacteria to maintain healthy teeth & healthy gums.

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® whiten teeth?

LISTERINE® Advanced White Milder Taste is proven to whiten teeth , it’s able to remove stains from teeth and prevent them so you can have whiter teeth in just 1 week.

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® prevent tartar build up?

LISTERINE® Stay White, LISTERINE® Total Care and LISTERINE® Total Care Milder Taste help to reduce tartar build up and can help maintain naturally white teeth.

Back to top

Ingredients

Does LISTERINE® have sugar?

LISTERINE® mouthwashes do not contain sugars. They do however contain artificial sweeteners

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® Mouthwash contain fluoride?

Most LISTERINE® mouthwashes contain fluoride.

Back to top

Other

Which LISTERINE® is best for toothache?

LISTERINE® is formulated to prevent certain oral health issues and maintain good oral health. It is not indicated for toothache. We recommend you seek the help of your dental health care professional if you’re experiencing a toothache.

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® kill infection?

LISTERINE® mouthwash is not recommended for oral infections. We recommend you seek the help of your dental health care professional if you have an infection in your mouth.

Back to top

Why is LISTERINE® Original not available to buy?

We’re really sorry to confirm that due to low regional demand, LISTERINE® Original has been discontinued and is no longer distributed in the UK and Ireland markets.

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® replace flossing?

No, LISTERINE® does not replace flossing but it should be used alongside brushing and flossing as part of a 3 step oral care routine.

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® kill bacteria in your throat?

We do not recommend gargling with LISTERINE® mouthwash.

Back to top

Does LISTERINE® kill viruses?

LISTERINE® mouthwash is not recommended to help kill viruses. We recommend you seek the help of your health care professional should you be experiencing a viral infection.

Back to top

Tag » What Happens If You Swallow Listerine