Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash

Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash is an antiseptic oral rinse formulated to kill germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. Used twice daily, it complements brushing and flossing to provide a fresher, cleaner mouth and improved oral health.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Antiseptic Germ-Killing Action:
  • Core Benefit: Kills up to 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis.⁴
  • Active Ingredients: Contains a unique blend of four essential oils: Eucalyptol, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, and Thymol, which work synergistically to penetrate plaque biofilm.⁵
• Fights Bad Breath:
  • Immediate Effect: Delivers instant fresh breath, eliminating the germs that are the root cause of halitosis.
  • Long-Lasting Freshness: Provides confidence of fresh breath that lasts for hours.⁶
• Prevents & Reduces Plaque:
  • Beyond Brushing: Reaches areas that brushing alone might miss, helping to prevent and reduce plaque buildup on teeth and along the gumline.⁷
  • Gum Health: Supports healthy gums by targeting plaque-causing germs.⁸
• Fights Gingivitis:
  • Gum Disease Prevention: Clinically proven to help prevent and reduce gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease characterized by inflamed, bleeding gums.⁹
• Refreshing Cool Mint Flavor:
  • Sensory Experience: Delivers a powerful, invigorating “cool mint” sensation that leaves the mouth feeling clean and refreshed.¹⁰
• ADA Accepted (in relevant regions):
  • In many regions (like the US), it is accepted by dental associations for its effectiveness against plaque and gingivitis.¹¹
• Alcohol-Containing Formula:
  • The traditional Cool Mint variant contains alcohol (typically around 21.6% to 26.9% in different formulations). (Note: Alcohol-free “Listerine Zero” and “Listerine Cool Mint Milder Taste” variants are also available).¹²

Product Details:

• Formulation/Consistency: A clear, blue liquid oral rinse.
• Key Ingredients:
  • Active Ingredients: Eucalyptol, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, Thymol (essential oils).¹³
  • Inactive Ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Sorbitol, Poloxamer 407 (a dispersant), Benzoic Acid (preservative), Sodium Saccharin (sweetener), Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Flavor, Green 3 (colorant).¹⁴
• Scent/Flavor: Distinctive and strong cool mint flavor.
• Packaging: Typically comes in clear plastic bottles with a child-resistant cap.¹⁵
• Sizes: Available in various sizes, commonly 250ml, 500ml, 1L, and 1.5L.¹⁶

How to Use:

• Frequency: Recommended for use twice daily, in the morning and evening, after brushing and flossing.¹⁷
• Dosage: Pour 20 milliliters (approximately 4 teaspoonfuls) into a clean glass.¹⁸
• Rinse: Swish the full strength (undiluted) mouthwash around your teeth and gums for a full 30 seconds.¹⁹
• Spit Out: Spit the solution out into the sink.²⁰ Do not swallow.
• Post-Rinse: Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth with water for at least 30 minutes after using to maximize effectiveness.
• Not for Children: Not recommended for use by children under 12 years of age.²¹

Other Considerations:

• Burning Sensation: Due to its alcohol content and essential oils, some users may experience a temporary burning or tingling sensation in the mouth.
• Dry Mouth: The alcohol content can potentially contribute to dry mouth (xerostomia) in some individuals. Alcohol-free versions are available for those with this concern.
• Oral Microbiome: While effective at killing harmful bacteria, its broad-spectrum action means it doesn’t discriminate between beneficial and harmful bacteria, which can affect the overall oral microbiome balance.