What was Listerine originally used for?

Abstract. Listerine, a mouthrinse composed of a mixture of essential oils, was created in 1879 and was originally formulated as a surgical antiseptic. In spite of its known antimicrobial properties it was thought of as a product in search of a use and promoted as a deterrent for halitosis and as a floor cleaner.

What was Listerine originally intended for?

Listerine, for instance, was invented in the nineteenth century as powerful surgical antiseptic. It was later sold, in distilled form, as both a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhea.

Was Listerine used as a floor cleaner?

Louis chemist named Joseph Lawrence invented Listerine. The alcohol-based formula was sold as a surgical antiseptic as well as a treatment for cleaning cuts, scrapes, and other wounds. It was also marketed to dentists for oral care. Later, it was pitched as a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhea.

Was Listerine a cure for gonorrhea?

The small study, published Dec. 20, did not find evidence that Listerine actually cures gonorrhea, but it did find that the over-the-counter mouthwash kills enough of the bacteria to render the disease absent from the mouths of about half of those infected.

When was Listerine a floor cleaner?

In 1879, Listerine was named after him. It was originally developed as a surgical antiseptic, but that's a pretty small market. To increase sales, they began marketing it as a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhea. That brought company revenues to about $115k, but marketers had another idea in the 1920s.

10 Surprising Uses of Listerine Mouthwash You’ve Never Heard Of

Is Listerine a toilet cleaner?

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

If you run out of toilet bowl cleaner, Listerine basically does the same job. If you pour a little bit around the rim of your toilet bowl and scrub, it'll disinfect and deodorize the surface, just like a normal toilet bowl cleaner would.

Can I use Listerine to clean a cut?

For small scratches, cuts, and blisters, apply a cotton ball, q-tip, or paper towel soaked in mouthwash to the wound. The antibacterial properties of mouthwash can act as an alternative if you don't have ointment. Surprisingly, a dab of sugar-free mouthwash combined with water can clean windows.

Can Listerine prevent STD?

Antibacterial mouthwash does not reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in men taking Pre-Exposure-Prophylaxis (PrEP). On the contrary, there could be an increased risk of contracting a gonorrhea infection in the throat.

Is Listerine good for throat infection?

When used daily, antibacterial mouthwash can actually help control the amount of bacteria in the mouth by killing the bacteria in the mouth but they are not effective in relieving a sore throat if it is of a viral cause.

Can Listerine help strep throat?

Can LISTERINE^® mouthwash prevent sore throat? 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.

Is Listerine good for armpits?

Well, Listerine is great for fighting underarm odors whenever you are in a pinch! Simply pour some Listerine onto a cotton ball and gently dab it under your arms.

Can you put Listerine on your face?

An antiseptic mouthwash makes a wonderful astringent for cleansing your face. Check the ingredients to make sure it does not contain sugar, then use as follows. Wash your face with warm, soapy water and rinse. Dab a cotton ball with mouthwash and gently wipe your face as you would with any astringent.

Why is brown Listerine so strong?

It also once was used to treat dandruff before becoming widely known for its oral hygiene properties. Containing mostly water and alcohol, it's the essential oils found in eucalyptus, mint, wintergreen, and thyme that make Listerine so powerful. There are surprising uses for Listerine that go beyond mouthwash.

Does Listerine do anything?

Using mouthwash helps reduce the bacteria in your mouth, which reduces the amount of dental plaque that forms. Regular use of mouthwash helps prevent periodontal disease and, if the mouthwash contains fluoride, reduces cavities when used correctly.

What was Lysol originally used for?

The first Lysol Brand Antiseptic Disinfectant was introduced in 1889 by Gustav Raupenstrauch to help end a cholera epidemic in Germany. The original formulation of Lysol contained cresols. This formulation may still be available commercially in some parts of the world.

What happens if you drink Listerine?

Drinking large amounts of mouthwash may cause symptoms similar to drinking large amounts of alcohol (drunkenness). Swallowing large amounts of methyl salicylate and hydrogen peroxide may also cause serious stomach and intestine symptoms. It can also lead to changes in the body's acid-base balance.

Does Listerine whiten teeth?

If you want to prevent cavities and ensure fresh breath, all while having a bright white smile, you can use a teeth whitening mouthwash from Listerine^® that seamlessly fits in your daily dental routine. If you've tried all kinds of teeth whitening remedies and didn't see any results, this mouthwash is for you!

Can you put peroxide in your mouth?

Hydrogen peroxide rinse is a mild antiseptic used in the mouth to help relieve minor mouth irritation (such as due to canker/cold sores, gingivitis, dentures, orthodontic appliances). It works by releasing oxygen when it is applied to the affected area.

What cures a sore throat instantly?

Should you brush your teeth after giving oral?

Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms and make them more likely to break. Brush your teeth or floss 2 hours before or after having oral sex without a latex condom or dental dam. Bacteria and viruses can enter your bloodstream through tiny cuts on your gums caused by flossing and brushing.

Does mouthwash help with HPV?

Basic Research on Mouthwash and STIs

That study didn't look directly at the impact of mouthwash use on HPV infection. Researchers, however, did find an increased risk of HPV in people who used mouthwash for treating oral symptoms.

Can mouthwash clean a toilet?

Clean your toilet

Dirty, dingy bowl? No problem. Several cleaning experts recommend pouring a quarter cup of mouthwash into your toilet and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes. Swish and scrub for a bit and voila — a shiny, happy toilet.

What do you do with expired Listerine?

If your mouthwash reaches the expiration date or is at least two years beyond the manufacture date, trash it. Even if the expiration date has not been reached and the texture changes, you need to throw it away. Furthermore, if the mouthwash does not look normal, do not hesitate to throw it away.

Why is it called Listerine?

Listerine, named for Sir Joseph Lister, founder of the practice of antiseptic medicine, was first formulated in St. Louis, MO in 1879 by Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Wheat Lambert.

Can I put Listerine on my cold sore?

Exposure to Listerine for 30 seconds had an antiviral effect against herpes simplex type-1 and type-2 (96.3% and 100% reduction in infectious virus, respectively) and influenza A (100% reduction).