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Health

Rinser for the oral cavity Listerine: composition, types, how to rinse

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 10.08.2022
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To date, everyone knows that for teeth health they need to be cleaned twice a day with toothpaste. However, not everyone knows that with the help of paste and brush it is possible to clean only a part of the oral cavity. The gum remains intact, the mucous membrane of the cheeks, the tongue, the sky. But large clusters of microorganisms are found on them too. Without an effective mouthwash, it will not be possible to maintain the oral cavity in a healthy state. Mouthwash Listerine effectively cleans and destroys bacteria, eliminates unpleasant odor and refreshes mouth breathing. Form Listerine - mouthwash in a plastic bottle in volume of 250 or 500 ml, depending on the rinse aid series.

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Indications for the use of rinser Listerine for the mouth

The very first and most important indication for the use of Listerine is the need to improve the effectiveness of oral hygiene. It is necessary to form a habit of using the rinse aid as well as to brushing your teeth. After all, in addition to teeth in the mouth there is a gum, surrounding teeth, the mucous membrane covering cheeks, sky, lips, and tongue, which are the most important structures of the oral cavity. If you do not purify the above-mentioned formations, the same microorganisms will accumulate on them, which we so carefully clean out of the teeth with the help of paste and brush. Only working in the complex, paste, brush and rinse will give the desired effect. Thus, the likelihood of going to the dentist about the treatment of teeth and mucous membrane will drop dramatically. The only reason for visiting a dentist is to conduct professional oral hygiene.

If you started using Listerine after the appearance of caries or periodontitis, the drug will successfully cope with this task. The rinse aid is used to treat and prevent gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. With these diseases, plaque accumulates on the teeth, gum disease (gingivitis), destruction of ligaments and bones around the tooth (periodontitis). Therefore, eliminating plaque and inactivating the enzymes of bacteria, the rinse agent exhibits a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Listerin also successfully copes with the disinfection of the products of the vital activity of bacteria and the elimination of their residues.

Use of rinser Listerine as an antiseptic is widely used for stomatitis of different origin. Stomatitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of cheeks, palate, lips and tongue. Their manifestations can be spots, blisters, erosion and ulcers. When these lesions occur, the mucous membrane is injured, redness, itching, and pain appear. The rinse aid, which contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components, protects the damaged mucosa from additional injuries and ingestion of microbial agents, reduces redness, itching and pain. This mechanism of action allows you to very quickly cope with inflammatory and traumatic diseases in the oral cavity. However, it is worth noting that with severe injuries and neglected inflammatory processes, the use of a conditioner should be in the background. In the main role should be specialized care provided by a qualified doctor.

In caries, the use of Listerine is very appropriate, since it is able to actively combat many strains of bacteria, viruses and fungi that inhabit the oral cavity. The rinse aid flushes out a small layer of plaque and cleans the tooth surfaces of food residues. The drug suppresses the activity of enzymes that produce microorganisms of plaque, thereby stopping the destruction of hard tissues of the teeth.

This tool of hygiene is recommended by most dentists for the prevention of tooth decay. The presence of ethanol in Listerine accelerates the dissolution of plaque, which minimizes the probability of carious lesions of hard tissues.

Another indication for the use of Listerin is halitosis or in common people - bad breath. Since it can arise depending on various reasons, the conditioner has several mechanisms of influence on it. If a bad smell is caused by an abundant plaque on the teeth and leftovers of food in the mouth, Listerine partially cleans them. If the cause is in gingivitis or periodontitis, then this remedy reduces inflammation in the gum.

Often an unpleasant odor arises against a background of diseases of the ENT organs or the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, of course, we can not eliminate the cause with the help of a conditioner, but to remove the odor for a while is still real. Due to the content of menthol and eucalyptol in its composition, the rinse aid improves breathing, neutralizes bad breath and leaves a feeling of freshness after its application.

In addition to these indications, Listerine is designed to combat the unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth. It can be associated with both diseases of the tongue and gums, and with other organs in the oral cavity. Unsatisfactory hygiene of the tongue, pathology of taste buds, violation of innervation - all this can lead to a violation of the perception of taste. If during the examination it became clear that the cause is poor hygiene of the tongue, then Listerine will be an excellent remedy. Since plaque and food particles accumulate on the tongue papillae, provoking an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth, this condition is effectively eliminated with a rinse aid. The situation is more complicated with a change in the sense of taste, which can diminish, sharpen, distort, or be completely absent. In this case, there is a possibility of persistent pathologies of the language, which require the intervention of experienced doctors and the appointment of special medicines.

Pigmented spots or unattractive color of teeth are also an indication for the use of Listerine solutions. Sodium Fluoride, as one of the main components of the conditioner, gently cleanses and strengthens hard tooth tissues. The effectiveness of the solution is proven and is 2-4 weeks, depending on the individual characteristics.

Rinse aid composition

The composition of rinser Listerin includes compounds based on essential oils, ethanol, fluoride and additional components, which in combination have antiseptic, antibacterial and protective effects. Each substance has its own characteristics, due to which a powerful effect is achieved. Active ingredients in the rinse aid include thymol, eucalyptol, menthol and methyl salicylate.

Timol at a concentration of 0.064%, has bactericidal, antiparasitic, antiviral and antimycotic action. Eucalyptol is 0.092% of the total amount of rinse and has a pronounced irritant effect. Due to this property, he successfully fights against many kinds of bacteria, fungi and viruses that are contained in the oral cavity. This drug is actively used in otorhinolaryngology and pulmonology, which allows using it also to prevent the diseases of the lungs and ENT organs.

Next in the list of active ingredients is menthol, whose concentration is 0.042%. Being a derivative of mint essential oil, menthol has a stimulating, vasodilating and antiallergic effect. The described properties improve the metabolism and reduce irritation of the receptors, which makes Listerin hypoallergenic. Antiseptic action is also observed in menthol, but it is less pronounced.

Another methyl ester derivative is methyl salicylate in a concentration of 0.06%. It is known in medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are successfully used in various lines of mouthwashes. And the last main element, which is part of the drug - ethanol, the percentage of which varies depending on different series of rinses from 21.6 to 26.7%. It acts as a connecting link of the above-described active substances and promotes their better intake into the oral mucosa.

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the effect of sodium fluoride on hard dental tissues. Its unique properties help strengthen enamel due to the formation of fluorapatite. This compound has a higher strength than hydroxyapatite, due to which it is possible to speak of the anti-carious effect of sodium fluoride. Also, this compound reduces the sensitivity of teeth, which can occur with periodontitis, periodontitis, increased sensitivity of teeth or hyperesthesia.

Kinds of solutions for rinsing

Johnson & Johnson produces six kinds of Listerine rinses, which are divided according to the indications for therapeutic and preventive. Therapeutic group of rinsers includes three types and is used for the appearance of diseases of the oral cavity. This group includes Listerin Expert "Protection against caries", Listerin Expert "Gum protection", Listerin "Green tea" and Listerin Expert "Expert whitening".

Listerine Expert "Protection against caries" consists of the above described components, which have remineralizing properties and protect enamel from cariogenic bacteria. However, this kind of rinse aid contains one more component - xylitol. It is a natural alcohol that not only fights bacteria in the mouth, but also stabilizes the acid-base balance. The latter property is very detrimental to all conditionally pathogenic microorganisms of the oral cavity and deprives them of any opportunity to manifest their vital functions. Also, xylitol reduces acid formation by oral microbes, which plays a key role in the fight against dental caries.

Listerin Expert "Gum protection" is another type of therapeutic group of rinsers and is aimed at combating microorganisms in the oral cavity as a whole and in the gingival pockets in particular. Aggressiveness of bacteria of subgingival pockets is much higher than cariogenic microbes or bacteria of the oral mucosa. Due to the unique composition of the rinse aid, it successfully fights against all the listed microorganisms and protects the gum area from excessive bacterial load.

Listerin "Green tea" is a novelty of the therapeutic group of solutions. It contains an extract of green tea leaves, which is a natural antioxidant. Providing a tonic effect, green tea improves metabolic processes in the soft tissues of the oral cavity. It also strengthens the walls of small caliber vessels, which reduces the likelihood of stagnant phenomena and the appearance of inflammation. As an antioxidant, the extract reduces the amount of free radicals that have a damaging effect on mucosal cells. It is most often recommended for use with edema and bleeding gums, with gingivitis, periodontitis.

And the last representative in this group is Listerin Expert "Expert whitening". The rinse aid has a whitening effect and prevents the appearance of new spots due to the increased amount of fluorides. Substances containing fluorine expel from the enamel compounds more fragile elements and are built into their place. Cleansing and strengthening the structure of the enamel, sodium fluoride does not injure it, as it happens in the case of using abrasive components.

In the prophylactic group of solutions for oral hygiene are also three types: Listerin "Fresh mint" and Listerin TOTAL CARE. Feature of this group is the lack of alcohol in the product. This allows you to use this line of rinsers to prevent children, the elderly and pregnant women.

Listerine "Fresh mint" is a soft solution for daily oral hygiene. The rinse aid refreshes the breath, disinfects the mouth and prevents excessive deposition of plaque. Suitable for maintaining hygiene, as well as in complex care of the oral cavity.

Listerine TOTAL CARE is a 6 in 1 rinse aid that contains all the basic properties of the previous rinses. This series of solutions successfully fights with cariogenic bacteria and problems with the gum. Listerin TOTAL CARE provides antiseptic oral care, has a whitening effect and gives a refreshing odor of the mouth. This type of rinse can be used for the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity, and to prevent their occurrence.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Listerine

Listerin is applied externally in the form of rinses of the oral cavity. It does not enter inside, therefore it acts mainly locally. The rinse aid is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, viruses and fungi. Its bactericidal action is caused by the destruction of proteins and the cell wall of microbes. The solution has a tonic effect, strengthens the processes of local circulation. Irritant effect on the receptors of the oral mucosa, which reduces pain sensitivity. This is an easy analgesic effect of the solution. Also, Listerine is able to dilate blood vessels, thereby increasing metabolic processes in mucosal cells. The rinse aid indirectly affects the bronchopulmonary system - it expands the bronchi and intensifies the ventilation of the lungs. This effect also affects the paranasal sinuses, in which air circulation improves.

Due to the fact that the drug is applied externally, only a small part of the rinse aid enters the blood. Suction of the solution from the oral cavity occurs through the mucosa predominantly in the hyoid area, which contains a large network of surface-located vessels. Ingredients are metabolized in the liver and secreted by the kidney system in the form of low-active substances.

Dosing and Administration

The use of Listerin is like another rinse and is quite simple. The solution is applied after brushing the teeth twice a day or as needed. When the solution is first used, it is necessary to open the lid of the vial. By turning the cover anti-clockwise, the container can be easily opened, after which it is necessary to measure 15-20 ml, or 3-4 teaspoons of Listerine. One of the most important rules for achieving the desired effect is not to dilute the solution with water. If this is done, then the concentration of antibacterial components will decrease, as a result of which the use of a rinse aid in this form will not be effective enough.

After the required amount of Listerine has been measured, you should immediately rinse, which lasts 30-50 seconds depending on the type of Listerine. It is not always possible to rinse your mouth all 30-50 seconds, you can start with 10 and even with 5 seconds, gradually increasing the rinse time. This is a matter of habit, so in time, the solution will not seem so burning, and there will be an opportunity to rinse your mouth full. After rinsing your mouth, you should spit the rinse aid, after which you do not eat or even drink water for half an hour. During this period, the components of Listerine will fully affect the teeth and mucous membrane of the mouth, which will provide a reliable protection against germs for the whole day or night.

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Use during pregnancy

All rinsers of the Listerine series contain natural plant components, are hypoallergenic, which allows them to be used during pregnancy. It is necessary only to adhere to several rules and this will be the key to the success of the healthy oral cavity of pregnant women. To begin with, the use of any means of hygiene and medication requires the approval of a physician. Consultation specialist - is to protect the woman's body from undesirable effects and neglect it is not necessary. The second rule is to use only alcohol-free solutions. These include Listerin Expert "Protection against caries", Listerin "Fresh mint" and Listerin TOTAL CARE. In the oral cavity there is a sublingual zone, which by its ability to suck competes with intravenous injection. The use of an alcohol-containing rinse solution can exert a toxic effect by direct exposure through the sublingual zone to the blood. It is also necessary to remember the hygiene of the oral cavity after nausea and vomiting, since during pregnancy such conditions occur frequently. The oral cavity is polluted more intensively than usual, since acid from the stomach gets on the enamel of the teeth, the mucous membrane and causes their damage. Therefore, after such conditions, you should use the Listerine conditioner, which will serve as a reliable protection for all components of the oral cavity.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of Listerine is hypersensitivity to the components of the rinse, dry mouth or xerostomia, children's age to 6-12 years (depending on the type of rinse aid).

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Side effects and contraindications

In case of using the Listerine conditioner, such side effects as dry mouth, burning of the mucous membrane, allergic reactions to the solution, change in the perception of taste, hypersalivation are possible. As you know, there are no drugs without side effects and Listerine is no exception. The rinse aid contains a sufficiently high concentration of alcohol in order to cause dryness and burning sensation in the mouth. This side effect is not observed in all, but it is quite common.

Allergic reactions to the components of the rinse aid composition can arise absolutely any and no one is immune from this. Despite the fact that the bulk of its composition is natural components on a plant basis, a reaction to the solution still occurs. This is primarily due to the high level of allergization of mankind, urbanization, bad habits, hazardous working conditions in production, low quality food.

Changing the perception of taste can be associated with excessive use of the solution and diseases of the tongue. Hypersalivation or increased salivation occurs most often as a result of dryness or burning in the mouth. Salivary glands, trying to protect the mucous membrane from the effects of the solution on it, increase the production of saliva. In this case, it is necessary to stop using Listerin and contact your dentist.

Overdose

Cases of an overdose of Listerine were not found, although it is necessary to beware of alcohol-containing solutions. Despite the fact that drugs are more effective at the expense of active absorption of alcohol through the mucous membrane, they can also have a negative effect. Do not forget that each person has individual properties of the body. Therefore, if a person has serious diseases of internal organs and systems or special conditions (pregnancy, special working conditions, hormone therapy, etc.), it is important to consult a therapist or dentist before using the conditioner.

Interactions with other drugs

Rinser Listerin contains components of predominantly plant origin, which makes it compatible with other products. Pay attention only to the content of fluoride in the rinse aid and in the paste, as exceeding the norms of fluoride will negatively affect the enamel of the teeth and the health of the body. At high concentrations of fluoride, non-carious lesions of hard tissues of the teeth - fluorosis - can occur. It is a disease of the teeth in which enamel and dentin are destroyed, brown spots on the teeth, erosion and other defects are formed. To avoid this, it is necessary to consult the doctor about the concentration of fluoride in hygiene products, medicines and food.

Storage conditions

The rinse aid must be stored out of the reach of children. It is dangerous due to the content of alcohol and sodium fluoride. The ingestion of alcohol into the mouth of a small child can harm still unformed structures. Also, do not forget that a child can drink a solution of attractive color and get poisoned. Sodium fluoride also has a toxic effect on the body, so children are advised not to use up to 6 years of even fluoride-containing pastes, not to mention rinsing. The ingestion of a child's rinse aid can lead to severe toxic damage to the internal organs and the central nervous system.

Shelf life

The expiration date of the Listerine conditioner is 3 years from the moment of its manufacture.

Reviews

Most reviews characterize Listerine as a versatile and effective conditioner for daily use. Many people note the discomfort of the sharp, in their opinion, taste of the solution, however, with its regular application, negative feelings go away. One of the main advantages of this rinse is considered a persistent refreshing effect. Since some foods have a strong odor, inactivation is not an easy task, which Listerin does an excellent job. Moms and dads respond positively to this rinse aid, because small children can not open the bottle by themselves. But if the child has grown a little, as parents write, it is very convenient to use the whole family with one rinse aid, since from the age of 6 it can be used in children. Another important advantage is the positive effect on the system of ENT organs, as during the mouth rinsing inevitably the solution captures and the area of the throat. Antiseptic action of Listerin on the tonsils and the posterior surface of the pharynx protects the mucous membrane of the organs from the accumulation of bacteria, thereby conducting the prevention of many diseases.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Rinser for the oral cavity Listerine: composition, types, how to rinse" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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