Listerine (alcohol mouthwash)

Listerine is an alcohol-based mouthwash commonly used for oral hygiene and has implications beyond just dental health. Studies have found that using Listerine can elevate breath alcohol levels, which could affect breathalyzer tests shortly after use. Research also indicates that while both alcohol-containing and alcohol-free mouthwashes are effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis, the presence of alcohol might cause more oral pain for those who consume alcohol regularly. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting Listerine's potential use as a preventive measure against pharyngeal gonorrhea among certain populations.

This product connects strongly with topics related to dental health, alcohol consumption, and sexually transmitted infections. Understanding its effects on breath alcohol levels and its role in managing oral pain can be particularly useful for individuals who are sensitive to alcohol or frequently undergo alcohol testing.

While the evidence supports various uses of Listerine, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term impacts and efficacy across different populations.

Sources

• Breath alcohol values following mouthwash use. (PMID:8254857)
• Essential oils mouthwash with or without alcohol in relation to effect on parameters of plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID:39133629)
• Effect of alcohol consumption status and alcohol concentration on oral pain induced by alcohol-containing mouthwash. (PMID:23748448)
• Efficacy of an alcohol-free CPC-containing mouthwash against oral multispecies biofilms. (PMID:22403974)
• Adherence to, and acceptability of, Listerine(®) mouthwash as a potential preventive intervention for pharyngeal gonorrhoea among men who have sex with men in Australia: a longitudinal study. (PMID:28636870)
• A comparative investigation to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an alcohol-free CPC-containing mouthwash as compared to a control mouthwash in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis: a six-month clinical study on adults in San Jose, Costa Rica. (PMID:22403977)

_Worker-drafted node, Hermes writer enrichment, pending editorial review._