How to Use Mouthwash
Using mouthwash seems like it should come naturally, but proper use is often overlooked. Here are some quick tips on when to use mouthwash, how much mouthwash to use in a rinse, and how long to rinse for. Follow this simple mouthwash routine for the best results.
Pour 20 milliliters (4 teaspoons) of LISTERINE® Antiseptic rinse into a cup.
Empty the cup into your mouth. Don’t dilute the solution with water.
Swish for a full 30 seconds (try counting to 30 in your head or using a stopwatch).
During rinsing, swish in your mouth.
Spit the solution out in the sink.
TIP: To keep breath fresh on the go, pick up a pack of LISTERINE POCKETMIST® Spray Mist, available FRESHBURST® and COOL MINT® flavors.
Brushing only reaches 25% of your mouth.
What Is Mouthwash?
Mouthwash, sometimes called mouth rinse or oral rinse, is a liquid swished in the mouth. While not a replacement for brushing or flossing, using certain types of mouthwash twice a day every day can provide anti-cavity, germ-killing or plaque-prevention benefits.
Antiseptic mouthwash is the most common type of mouthwash. Other types of mouthwash include varieties with fluoride; alcohol-free options; some natural ingredients; and mouthwashes formulated to target specific oral care issues, such as canker sores. Read this simple guide to select and learn how to use mouthwash after brushing and flossing as recommended by the experts at LISTERINE®.
What Does Mouthwash Do?
Mouthwash, such as LISTERINE® Antiseptic, has multiple uses, but its primary purpose is to rinse to kill 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis after brushing and flossing. Apart from this, incorporating mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine offers numerous benefits, including maintaining healthy teeth and gums while keeping your oral hygiene in check. Here are some other benefits of using different LISTERINE® mouthwashes:
Freshens breath by killing 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath
Helps prevent cavities and fight tooth decay
Helps fight early gum disease/gingivitis
Reduces plaque buildup
Reaches areas of the mouth that brushing and flossing alone may miss
Restores minerals to enamel
As confident as you deserve to be about the good shape you keep your mouth in, be sure to continue to schedule appointments with your dentist at least every 6 months. If left untreated, plaque can progress into tartar and can only be removed by professional tools used at dentist cleanings.
Toothbrushes with soft bristles, or electric toothbrushes
Fluoride toothpaste
LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash kills germs that cause bad breath, plaque and early gum disease
Dental floss to clean between teeth.
To keep breath fresh on the go, pick up a pack of LISTERINE POCKETPAKS® breath strips or LISTERINE POCKETMIST® spray mist.
Keep Up with Dentist Visits
As confident as you deserve to be about the good shape you keep your mouth in, be sure to continue to schedule appointments with your dentist at least every 6 months. If left untreated, plaque can progress into tartar and can only be removed by professional tools used at dentist cleanings.
Use Smart Tools
Toothbrushes with soft bristles, or electric toothbrushes
Fluoride toothpaste
LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash kills germs that cause bad breath, plaque and early gum disease
Dental floss to clean between teeth.
To keep breath fresh on the go, pick up a pack of
LISTERINE POCKETPAKS® breath strips or
LISTERINE POCKETMIST® spray mist.
