AH-HAH no wonder I still have my teath in my head!

Interesting New Use For Mouthwash
Hate to floss? A lot of folks never do it despite the admonitions from their dentist. Turns out, that's okay as long as you use mouthwash--specifically Listerine. Reuters reports that a new study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association concluded that regular use of the antiseptic mouthwash Listerine has the same benefit as flossing.



Huge disclaimer here: The study was conducted by Pfizer, the company that sells Listerine. Still, the findings were conclusive enough that the ADA is allowing Pfizer to publicize the fact that Listerine may work as well as dental floss. The company plans to begin with television advertisements. Study author Christine Charles, who is also the director of oral care at Pfizer, is quick to point out that people should ideally brush, floss, and use Listerine for good oral health. "We definitely don't want people to toss the floss," she told Reuters. Flossing regularly removes the plaque that can cause gum disease.


The Pfizer study included 326 people who had mild to moderate gingivitis, which is gum inflammation. All of them were told to brush their teeth. Some were instructed to then floss, while the rest used Listerine without flossing. The people who used Listerine showed the same improvement in plaque and gum inflammation as those who flossed. A second study of 301 participants showed similar results, except those using Listerine had an even greater reduction in plaque after three to six months of use. How does Listerine do this? Charles told Reuters it contains essential oils that get between teeth and kill the germs that brushing does not reach.


From drugs.com via wmconnect



And here is the propaganda from Pfizer which I don't think will mind if I provide them with a little free publicity.


PDR Drug information for

LISTERINE® Antiseptic (Pfizer Consumer Healthcare)




Active Ingredients: Thymol 0.064%, Eucalyptol 0.092%, Methyl Salicylate 0.060% and Menthol 0.042%.

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Alcohol 26.9%, Benzoic Acid, Poloxamer 407, Sodium Benzoate, and Caramel.


Indications: Use Listerine® Antiseptic twice daily to help:


Prevent & Reduce Plaque
Prevent & Reduce Gingivitis
Fight Bad Breath
Kill Germs Between Teeth


Actions: Listerine® Antiseptic has been shown to help prevent and reduce supragingival plaque accumulation and gingivitis when used in a conscientiously applied program of oral hygiene and regular professional care. Its effect on periodontitis has not been determined. Listerine is the only leading nonprescription mouthrinse that has received the American Dental Association's Council on Scientific Affairs Seal of Acceptance for helping to prevent and reduce plaque and gingivitis.


Directions: Rinse full strength for 30 seconds with 20 ml ( 2 / 3 fl. ounce or 4 teaspoonfuls) morning and night. If bad breath persists, see your dentist.


Warnings : Do not administer to children under twelve years of age. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Do not swallow. In case of accidental ingestion, seek professional assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Cold weather may cloud Listerine. Its antiseptic properties are not affected. Store at 59° to 77°F.