What Is Mouthwash?
Mouthwash, sometimes called mouth rinse or oral rinse, is a liquid held, swished and/or gargled 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 and plaque-prevention benefits.
Antiseptic mouthwash is the most common type of mouthwash. Other types of mouthwash include varieties with fluoride; alcohol-free options; ones with 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®.

Brushing only reaches 25% of your mouth.
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.
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01
Pour 20 milliliters (4 teaspoons) of LISTERINE® Antiseptic rinse into a cup.
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02
Empty the cup into your mouth. Don’t dilute the solution with water.
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03
Swish for a full 30 seconds (try counting to 30 in your head or using a stopwatch). Don’t worry if you can’t get to 30 seconds the first time – it gets easier each time you try.
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04
During rinsing, gargle in your mouth.
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05
Spit the solution out in the sink.
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06
TIP: To keep breath fresh on the go, pick up a pack of LISTERINE POCKETMIST® Spray Mist, available in FRESHBURST® and COOL MINT® flavors.
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 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.