Listerine® mouthwash bottles over the years

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.


The LISTERINE® History at a Glance

2022

LISTERINE® envisions a more sustainable future & launches LISTERINE® COOL MINT® Zero Alcohol Mouthwash Concentrate using 60% less plastic than a 500mL LISTERINE® bottle

Bottle of Listerine® Cool Mint® Zero Alcohol Mouthwash and Listerine® Mouthwash Concentrate bottles
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

Bottle of Listerine® Total Care Fresh Mint Mouthwash
2009

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

1987

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs accepts LISTERINE®

Bottle of Listerine® Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash
American Dental Association (ADA) Accepted logo
1985

Antiplaque and antigingivitis ADA guidelines developed

1960S

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

Teeth covered in plaque
Vintage black and white photo of students in a classroom
1956

Fluoride determined to reduce the development of caries

1940S

Johnson & Johnson starts producing floss from nylon

Nylon Dental Floss
Glass bottle of original Listerine® Antiseptic mouthwash
1914

LISTERINE® becomes available to consumers over-the-counter

1898

Johnson & Johnson introduces silk dental floss

Pocket silk dental floss
One of the first bottles of Listerine Original Antiseptic Mouthwash
1879

LISTERINE® is developed as a surgical antiseptic

1865

Joseph Lister used carbolic acid spray as a surgical antiseptic

Portrait of Dr. Joseph Lister