History of Listerine® Mouthwash | LISTERINE®

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The LISTERINE® History at a Glance

When Dr. Joseph Lawrence came up with his unique formula for LISTERINE^® mouthwash, he made sure to pay an homage to Dr. Joseph Lister, the English surgeon that pioneered antiseptic surgical methods, leading to more patients surviving than ever before.

Since its launch, LISTERINE^® has been subjected to research and clinical trials by different experts and is now recognized for effectively helping prevent plaque deposition and gingival inflammation.

The powerful swish that kills 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis for a cleaner, healthier mouth has come a long way. We have Inherited Dr. Lister’s desire to “help as many people as possible,” and continue our research to protect people’s mouths.

Demonstration of Listerine®'s Crystal Block Technology for tooth sensitivity

2018

Crystal Block Technology: Technology that physically block tooth sensitivity at its source**

**Via blocked dentin tubules

Cool_mint

2011

LISTERINE^® ZERO Alcohol

Total_care

2009

Rapid Fusion Technology: technology that boosts fluoride uptake in tooth enamel

Ultra_clean

1987

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs accepts LISTERINE^®

ADA-new-1

1985

Antiplaque and antigingivitis ADA guidelines developed

Teeth covered in plaque

1960S

Plaque is recognized as the primary cause of caries and periodontal disease

1956

1956

Fluoride determined to reduce the development of caries

Dental Floss Nylon. Old. Vintage.

1940S

Johnson & Johnson starts producing floss from nylon

Glass bottle of original Listerine® Antiseptic mouthwash.

1914

LISTERINE^® becomes available to consumers over-the-counter

Pocket silk dental floss

1898

Glass bottle of original Listerine® Antiseptic mouthwash.

One of the first bottles of Listerine Original Antiseptic Mouthwash

1879

LISTERINE^® is developed as a surgical antiseptic

1865

1865

Joseph Lister used carbolic acid spray as a surgical antiseptic