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Our History:

A Story of Pioneering Mouthwash Research

LISTERINE® is the #1 dentist-recommended mouthwash brand. We are pioneers in the science of mouthwash research and have a long history, but do you know where our name comes from?

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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.

Listerine® mouthwash bottles over the years
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
LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE FRESH MINT Anticavity Mouthwash
2009

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

LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® COOL MINT® Antiseptic Mouthwash front
1987

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs accepts LISTERINE®

ADA
1985

Antiplaque and antigingivitis ADA guidelines developed

Teeth covered in plaque
1960S

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

Vintage black and white photo of students in a classroom
1956

Fluoride determined to reduce the development of caries

Nylon Dental Floss
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

Portrait of Dr. Joseph Lister
1865

Joseph Lister used carbolic acid spray as a surgical antiseptic