LISTERINE® USAGE GUIDELINES AND COVID-19
Date last reviewed: 6/15/2022
LISTERINE® is a global brand of antimicrobial mouthwashes marketed for various oral care benefits.
LISTERINE® is not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label. We are aware of several completed and ongoing, independent clinical trials where products from the LISTERINE® brand are being assessed in patients with COVID-19. However, while the results of the [COVID-19] Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 Oral Viral Load With Prophylactic Mouth Rinse trial published in the British Dental Journal were directionally positive for LISTERINE® mouthwash in reducing viral load of COVID-19 in the oral cavity for up to two hours, our scientific opinion is that the current clinical evidence is not sufficient to support a conclusion that the use of LISTERINE® mouthwash is helpful against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a company firmly rooted in science, we are committed to advancing research in public health.
For Inquiries in North America (US and Canada):
LISTERINE® Antiseptic is an antimicrobial mouthwash that is clinically proven to kill germs that cause bad breath, plaque and the early gum disease, gingivitis.
If prompted on how we are supporting the area of investigation:
LISTERINE® scientists are currently providing support for an ongoing, investigator-initiated and independent clinical trial [with the UK’s NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)]. We continue to be active participants in the scientific exchange on this and any topic related to our products.
If asked for more information:
The British Dental Journal is the first clinical data published in a peer-reviewed journal that suggests a potential benefit in the oral cavity after rinsing with Listerine as a means to mitigate environmental exposure of SARS-CoV-2 in a healthcare office-setting, however, please refer to all the limitations pointed out by the authors in Farmaha et al 2023 article, published in the British Dental Journal.
For more information view the study here: British Dental Journal
LISTERINE® Antiseptic is not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label. Although there are recent lab-based reports (in vitro studies) of some LISTERINE® Mouthwashes having activity against enveloped viruses, including coronavirus, the available data is insufficient, and no evidence-based clinical conclusions can be drawn with regards to the anti-viral efficacy of LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash at this time.
LISTERINE® Antiseptic is clinically proven to kill 99.9 % of germs that cause bad breath, plaque and gingivitis.
LISTERINE® Antiseptic is not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19 and should be used only as directed on the product label. Although there are recent lab-based reports (in vitro studies) of some LISTERINE® Mouthwashes having activity against enveloped viruses, including coronavirus, the available data is insufficient, and no evidence-based clinical conclusions can be drawn with regards to the anti-viral efficacy of LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthwash at this time.
Consumers should follow the preventive measures issued by the World Health Organization including maintaining social distance and practicing good hygiene such as washing hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
No. LISTERINE® mouthwash is not intended to be used, nor would it be beneficial as a hand sanitizer or surface disinfectant.
No. Always read the product label to ensure the product is right for you and use the product as directed. LISTERINE® mouthwash is only intended to be used to help prevent common oral health problems like bad breath, plaque, cavities, gingivitis and tooth stains. LISTERINE® mouthwash is not intended to be gargled in the throat, but rather, swished in the mouth. LISTERINE® has many products to choose from.
No. LISTERINE® mouthwash products are only intended to be used to help prevent common oral health problems like bad breath, plaque, cavities, gingivitis and tooth stains. Please consult with your doctor on how to treat, prevent or relieve the pain of a sore throat.
No. Listerine® Antiseptic is a daily mouthwash which has been proven to kill 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. Listerine® Antiseptic mouth rinse is not intended to reduce the risk of, prevent or treat COVID-19 infections. Consumers should follow the preventative measures issued by public health authorities including maintaining social distance and practicing good hygiene such as washing hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
LISTERINE® Antiseptic is a daily mouthwash that is clinically proven to kill germs that cause plaque, bad breath and the early gum disease gingivitis. LISTERINE® Antiseptic kills up to 99.9% of germs that cause early gum disease left behind after brushing.
There are many LISTERINE® products that provide different oral care benefits.
LISTERINE® brand has a portfolio of products intended to help prevent common oral health problems like bad breath, plaque, cavities, gingivitis and tooth stains. LISTERINE® products can be helpful in maintaining oral hygiene between dental visits.
Please always read the product label to ensure the product is right for you and use the product as directed.
Mask breath, or the “foul” breath you might notice while wearing a mask, is likely just bad breath that was present all along. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people may notice their bad breath while wearing a mask since the foul smell can get trapped quite easily. If you’re one of the many people experiencing mask breath, LISTERINE® can help you find relief, as it effectively kills 99.9% of bad breath germs when used properly. More information around bad breath prevention can be found here.