LISTERINE® Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 salivary viral load

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