Should You Use Listerine?

@X18PRS (114)
Canada
August 15, 2010 12:20pm CST
I saw a commercial for it on TV the other day, and it was talking about all the benefits of using it. I have never really used it consistently. I mean, I brush my teeth at least 2-3 times a day. But, according to the commercial, they say you are pretty much guaranteed to miss certain areas no matter how well you brush. I completely agree with that, but I would think that the ingredients in Listerine are pretty harsh on your mouth. So, I have never really used it because of those concerns. I have also read many articles discouraging the use of it. But, then I think about how it is still available on the market and how many people still use it without the side effects. So, I don't know what to think. I mean it seems safe, but then who knows? What are your opinions? Do you share the same concerns?
1 person likes this
10 responses
@wiggles18 (2506)
• Canada
15 Aug 10
No, I would rather not swish chemicals around my mouth. I find after I drink some water, or green tea in the morning, that my mouth is clean enough.
@X18PRS (114)
• Canada
15 Aug 10
I agree! On top of that, green tea has many antioxidants to keep healthy. And, it has been recommended by dentists to drink for oral hygiene!
• United States
15 Aug 10
I love green tea. It tastes better, gives more benefits, and is much safer than Listerine, in my opinion.
@wiggles18 (2506)
• Canada
16 Aug 10
And, listen to this, over the last 5 years, I have been drinking green tea in large quantities, being careless about my oral health (not flossing, not using Listerine, brushing teeth without toothpaste, sometimes only brushing 2-3 times a week), and I haven't had a single cavity or tooth ache! Green tea is wonders for your teeth, and whole body!
@hexeduser22 (7253)
• Philippines
16 Aug 10
I didn't know that there are some negative feedbacks to listerine with regards to health issues. I think I still would use listerine unless they issued a warning publicly that its not good for us
• United States
16 Aug 10
I use Listerine and I have not had any problems. I have not had any cavities. I brush two to three times, but I also know that at times, I suffer from bad breath. Listerine kills my bad breath.
@series6 (294)
• Philippines
16 Aug 10
how about using a bleach guys? anyone tried using this a bleach?
• United States
16 Aug 10
I've been using listerine for years, and I haven't had a problem with it. I think it works great the only thing that I found wrong was when you use it more than twice a day as they direct, it starts to literally strip your gums. Which is gross to have peeling gums, but I noticed that only happend when I used it more that directed. Its great product though it has to be, I don't go to the dentist often at all but whenever I do the dentist never sees anything wrong no cavaties or anything of that nature gingivitis nothing like that, so it's a great product.
@priyayogi (222)
• India
16 Aug 10
NO, i don't know that. but i hear one time. i brush my teeth at least 2 times in daily. i have never used it consistency. so,i have really used it because of those concerns.
@Qaeyious (2357)
• United States
15 Aug 10
It does aggravate a condition called "dry mouth" where the saliva production is not enough to keep the mouth healthy. I use hydrogen peroxide on occasion under a doctor's advice, but it is quite diluted and doesn't hurt my mouth like the original Listerine does. Are those flavored Listerines just as strong?
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
15 Aug 10
I use it as it helps gum disease. I know what you mean by strong ingredience...there was an email going around how you could use it as a bug repellent!
@jules67 (2788)
• Philippines
16 Aug 10
I had used it for quite a while. And yes, I agree with you, some ingredients could be a little harsh and you could that, the after effect. I had tried other brands as well and they seem to be pretty much milder than Listerine. A lot of people have been resorting to organics. One could use water with salt to gargle ones mouth. I think that it is cheaper and much safer.
• United States
15 Aug 10
I had tried Listerine a few times, and while I suffered no harm from it, I wasn't really satisfied either. Overall, the strong taste to it threw me off a bit. It was overpowering. Also, you're not supposed to swallow it, and I'm not so sure something I can't swallow should be in my mouth at all.