Can gargling with antibacterial mouthwash like Listerine inhibit strep throat infection? What is the science behind the use of salt water for sore throat relief? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive article.

Strep Throat: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, also known as group A Streptococcus. It is characterized by a sore, irritated throat, accompanied by swelling of the tonsils and the presence of white or yellow spots or a coating on the throat and tonsils. Strep throat is most common among school-age children and can also cause headaches, stomachaches, nausea, vomiting, and listlessness. Unlike a typical sore throat, strep throat does not usually include cold symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or a runny or stuffy nose.

To diagnose strep throat, a healthcare provider will perform a throat culture or strep test. This involves taking a sample from the back of the throat using a swab, which is then cultured in a laboratory to detect the presence of group A Streptococcus bacteria. If the culture is positive, the person has a strep throat infection. If the culture is negative, the sore throat is likely caused by a virus rather than bacteria.

Osmosis and the Role of Salt Water in Sore Throat Relief

One of the common home remedies for sore throat is gargling with salt water. The reason behind this is the principle of osmosis. Bacteria, including the ones that cause strep throat, are one-celled organisms that contain fluid. When exposed to a highly concentrated salt solution, such as saltwater, the fluid inside the bacteria moves across the cell membrane into the saltwater, in an effort to equalize the concentration on both sides. This process, known as osmosis, effectively dehydrates the bacteria and can help alleviate the throat infection.

Additionally, gargling with salt water can help reduce the swelling or edema in the throat. The salt water, being more concentrated than the fluid in the swollen throat tissue, causes the excess fluid to move out of the tissue and into the saltwater solution, reducing the swelling and providing relief.

Gargling with Antibacterial Mouthwash for Strep Throat

The question arises: can gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash, such as Listerine, help inhibit a strep throat infection? The answer is not entirely clear, as the existing research on this topic is limited and somewhat inconclusive.

Potential Benefits of Gargling with Antibacterial Mouthwash

• Antibacterial mouthwashes like Listerine contain active ingredients, such as essential oils and alcohol, that can have a disinfecting and antimicrobial effect on the bacteria in the throat.
• Gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash may help reduce the bacterial load in the throat, potentially aiding in the recovery process.
• Some studies have suggested that Listerine and other mouthwashes can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacteria responsible for strep throat, in laboratory settings.

Limitations and Cautions

• The effectiveness of gargling with antibacterial mouthwash for treating strep throat has not been conclusively demonstrated in clinical studies.
• Mouthwashes are not a substitute for prescription antibiotics, which are the recommended treatment for strep throat to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.
• Gargling with mouthwash should not replace seeking medical treatment for a suspected strep throat infection.
• Overuse or improper use of antibacterial mouthwash can potentially lead to antibiotic resistance in bacteria, which is a growing concern.

Seeking Medical Treatment for Strep Throat

While gargling with salt water or antibacterial mouthwash may provide some relief for sore throat symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention if strep throat is suspected. Doctors will likely prescribe antibiotics, which can help reduce the length of the illness and prevent serious complications. Antibiotics also help reduce the time a person remains contagious, preventing the spread of the infection to others.

Preventing the Spread of Strep Throat

To prevent the spread of strep throat, it is essential to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding sharing personal items like cups, utensils, and towels. Individuals with strep throat should stay home from school or work until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are feeling better.

Conclusion

In summary, while gargling with antibacterial mouthwash may have some potential benefits for sore throat relief, it is not a substitute for seeking medical treatment for a suspected strep throat infection. Proper diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent complications and reduce the spread of the infection. Maintaining good hygiene and staying home when sick can also help control the spread of strep throat.

Why does gargling with salt water speed healing of throat/mouth stuff? : askscience

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmosis

From http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4607558_gargling-salt-water-sore-throat_.html

“Osmosis and Bacteria

The first school of thought regarding gargling with salt water follows the premise that most cases of sore throat are caused by bacteria. If you can remember from middle school biology, bacteria are one-celled organisms that group together to cause some very hideous symptoms in humans. Although bacteria are sometimes helpful to the human body, they are the catalyst behind several human illnesses, including sore throats. These single-celled organisms are full of fluid, and the saltwater is highly concentrated, more so than the fluid inside the bacteria.

When gargling, the saltwater stays in contact with the bacteria long enough to start osmosis. The fluid inside the bacteria moves across its membrane into the briny salt water, until the concentration of fluid inside the bacteria is the same as outside. Of course, this leaves the bacteria sufficiently lacking in the fluid it needs to operate. Thus, the saltwater works to stop the throat infection by dehydrating the bacteria.

Osmosis and Edema Others believe that eliminating the bacteria with cold remedies like gargling with salt water, does nothing to relieve the swelling or edema in the throat. According to this school of thought, the immediate relief from gargling salt water wouldn’t come from killing the bacteria, but rather from eliminating the swelling. This theory uses osmosis the same way, however. It holds that while you are gargling, the salt water is in contact with the swollen throat. The fluid in the throat tissue causing the edema or swelling is of a lower concentration than the briny salt water.

Therefore, the edema fluid passes through the throat tissue into the brine until the fluid on both sides of that tissue is of the same concentration. Since the soreness is caused by the edema and the edema by the fluid buildup, eliminating the fluid eliminates the sore throat. “

As to changing PH, sodium chloride (table salt) doesn’t do that surely?

Strep Test: Throat Culture (for Parents) – Humana

What It Is

A throat culture or strep test is performed by using a throat swab to detect the
presence of group A streptococcus bacteria, the most common cause of strep
throat. These bacteria also can cause other infections, including scarlet fever, abscesses,
and pneumonia.

A sample swabbed from the back of the throat is put on a special plate (culture)
that enables bacteria to grow in the lab. The specific type of infection is determined
using chemical tests. If bacteria don’t grow, the culture is negative and the person
doesn’t have a strep throat infection.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the back of the throat and the
tonsils, which become irritated and swell, causing a sore throat that’s especially
painful when swallowing. White or yellow spots or a coating on the throat and tonsils
also might be present, and the lymph nodes along the sides of the neck may swell.

Strep throat is most common among school-age children. The infection may cause
headaches, stomachaches, nausea, vomiting, and listlessness. Strep throat infections
don’t usually include cold symptoms (such as sneezing, coughing, or a runny or stuffy
nose).

While symptoms of strep throat can go away within a few days without direct treatment,
doctors will prescribe antibiotics to help prevent related complications that can
be serious, such as rheumatic fever. Taking antibiotics reduces the length of time
a person is contagious.

Why It’s Done

The throat culture test can help find the cause of a sore throat. Often, a sore
throat is caused by a virus, but a throat culture will see if it’s definitely caused
by strep bacteria, helping doctors decide on the proper treatment.

Preparation

Encourage your child to stay still during the procedure. Be sure to tell the doctor
if your child has taken any antibiotics recently, and try to have your child avoid
antiseptic mouthwash before the test as this could affect test results.

The Procedure

A health professional will ask your child to tilt his or her head back and open
his or her mouth as wide as possible. If the back of the throat cannot be seen clearly,
the tongue will be pressed down with a flat stick (tongue depressor) to provide a
better view. A clean, soft cotton swab will be lightly brushed over the back of the
throat, over the tonsils, and over any red or sore areas to collect a sample.

You may wish to hold your child on your lap during the procedure to prevent movement
that could make it difficult for the health professional to obtain an adequate sample.

What to Expect

Your child may have some gagging when the swab touches the back of the throat.
If your child’s throat is sore, the swabbing may cause brief discomfort.

Getting the Results

Throat culture test results are generally ready in 2 days.

Risks

Throat swabbing can be uncomfortable, but no risks are associated with a throat
culture test.

Helping Your Child

Explaining the test in terms your child can understand might help ease any fear.
During the test, encourage your child to relax and stay still so the health professional
can adequately swab the throat and tonsils.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about the throat culture strep test, speak with your doctor.

The efficacy of antimicrobial mouth rinses in oral health care

There is growing public recognition of the importance of oral health, as symbolized by the theme. “Oral Health for a Healthy Life” proposed for the 1994 World Health Day. In this report, the efficacy of antimicrobial mouth rinses, mainly Listerine, was reviewed by three investigators who are working as a microbiologist, a microbiologist, a dentist, and a dental hygienist participating in oral health care. Listerine, an antimicrobial mouth rinse, completely killed microorganisms in 10 to 30 seconds; the microbes includes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Helicobacter pylori, Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Listerine was also weakly effective in inactivating human immunodeficiency viruses. Bacteria in samples collected from human dental plaque and saliva were completely killed within 30 seconds when exposed to Listerine. When saliva samples were collected from subjects who had rinsed their mouths with 20 ml of Listerine or 1:50 diluted povidone-iodine, levels of viable anaerobic bacteria in the samples were reduced to 1%. When Listerine was used for oral surgery such as tooth extraction and periodontal surgery, the agent was effective in relieving toothache. This was probably due to a decrease in oral bacteria by the antimicrobial action of Listerine, leading to lowering the inflammatory response of the host. The use of antimicrobial mouth rinse during dental treatments such as endodontic treatment proved effective for more reliable infection control. In Japan, there are an increasing number of elderly and medically compromised hosts who are potentially at risk for developing pneumonia due to silent aspiration of microbes in the oral cavity and throat. For the aged with such potential risk, using of antimicrobial mouth rinse may be effective in preventing dental plaque accumulation when used in addition to the mechanical control of plaque, since they tend to have difficulty in brushing teeth by themselves. Indeed, the use of antimicrobial mouth rinse in these elderly people proved useful not only in preventing bacterial pneumonia, but also in improving their quality of life by preserving their oral health.

Be Careful in Your Cure for Strep Throat

Are there any other treatments besides antibiotics for strep throat?

– Wendi

Strep throat refers to an infection caused by bacteria called Group AStreptococcus pyogenes. Your parents probably told you the symptoms: fever; a very, very sore throat; swollen and tender lymph glands under the jaw; and a swollen and red area at the back of your throat that may have white dots. But those symptoms don’t always mean you have strep – they accompany many viral infections. One important clue: If you don’t have the usual symptoms of a viral infection – like a cough, runny nose, hoarseness, and eye irritation – it’s more likely to be strep.

The only way to really know if you have strep is to visit a doctor and get a culture taken. There are also some very rapid tests that give results within minutes, but these come up with a high percentage of false negatives. Standard cultures can take several days.

Many doctors will make a tentative diagnosis based on their observations and begin treatment pending the results from a culture. Penicillin is the gold standard treatment to kill the bacteria. Some doctors use other antibiotics, but they’re more expensive and less specific – adding to today’s problem of antibiotic resistance. Treatment is also begun right away because the symptoms can be so painful. Generally, you should feel some improvement within 24 to 48 hours after starting the antibiotics.

The reason why people try to catch strep and wipe it out right away is because there’s a chance it may trigger serious complications in the form of autoimmune reactions. We don’t know how to predict who’s at risk for these problems or why, but in some people, as the immune system attacks the bacteria, it goes on to attack the body’s own tissues, particularly in the joints, heart, and kidneys. One form of this reaction is rheumatic fever, a syndrome marked by painful and swollen joints, fever, nosebleeds, abdominal pain, and fatigue, beginning one to five weeks after the strep throat subsides. It can cause permanent damage to the valves of the heart, resulting in lifelong problems that may require surgical treatment. The probability of this is very small, but there has been a resurgence of rheumatic fever since the 1980s, possibly due to more virulent strains of the bacteria. Glomerulonephritis is a strep-triggered autoimmune kidney disease that can also be serious and lead to chronic kidney disease.

I think you can probably get over strep throat by using things like echinacea and garlic, and do just fine. Gargling with a solution made up of equal portions of water and hydrogen peroxide would also help. But there is always a small but real chance of autoimmunity from the strep infection. The low probability of that occurrence has to be balanced against the very great seriousness of the consequence.

Whatever you do, don’t let your doctor just hand over antibiotics when you show up with a red and painful throat. He or she should be reasonably sure that it looks like strep – and then have it confirmed through a bacterial culture. If you do take antibiotics, remember to take acidophilus culture along with them to maintain normal intestinal flora.

Can gargling with Listerine treat gonorrhea of the mouth?

Gut Check looks at health claims made by studies, newsmakers, or conventional wisdom. We ask: Should you believe this?

The claim:

Gargling with Listerine can eliminate gonorrhea throat infection, scientists reported on Tuesday in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Tell me more:

When Listerine was concocted in 1879, inventor Dr. Joseph Lawrence asserted that it could fight gonorrhea (and also clean floors). In all that time there have been no published studies of the claim. So scientists in Australia stepped up, partly because gonorrhea has become increasingly common: In Australia, rates have risen from 62 cases per 100,000 men in 2010 to 99 in 2015; in the US, from 98 cases per 100,000 in 2009 to 124 in 2015.

Scientists led by Dr. Eric Chow of the Melbourne Sexual Health Center ran two experiments. First they added Listerine Cool Mint or Total Care to lab dishes full of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria (fun fact: also discovered in 1879). Undiluted, both flavors left zero bacteria alive in the dishes after a minute of exposure. Even diluted 4-to-1 they killed most of the microbes.

advertisement

Then the researchers enrolled men who have sex with men, and who tested positive for gonorrhea in their mouth or throat, in a randomized clinical trial: 104 rinsed and gargled once with Cool Mint, 92 did so with saline. The men also received antibiotics, but “antibiotics don’t do as good a job of curing gonorrhea of the throat as at other sites of infection,” said Dr. Edward Hook of the University of Alabama, Birmingham, an advisor of the American Sexual Health Association, and an expert on sexually transmitted infections who was not involved in the study.

Five minutes later, 84 percent of the saline group still tested positive for gonorrhea on a throat culture. Only 52 percent of the Listerine users did. Testing negative “means there is no viable N. gonorrhoeae present on the swab,” Chow said.

advertisement

Listerine was much more effective at eliminating gonorrhea bacteria around the tonsils than further back, possibly because more of it reached the former: gargling well takes practice. “It was possible that not all men gargle[d] enough,” he said.

Listerine contains alcohol, but the researchers aren’t sure which ingredient was responsible for killing N. gonorrhoeae.

Really?

There’s a remote possibility that there were viable bacteria on the throat culture, but in amounts too small to detect. And testing people five minutes after they gargled doesn’t show whether Listerine had more than a short-lived effect.

On the other hand, in the lab bench study the microbes, once gone, stayed gone. And the finding that a single gargle eliminated gonorrhea bacteria in the throats of nearly half the men raises the possibility that doing it regularly might keep the microbes away and prevent gonorrhea transmission through oral sex.

“Their experiments suggest that the contents of Listerine do kill [gonorrhea] bacteria,” Hook said. “That’s quite interesting.”

Also important: Gonorrhea infections of the throat almost never produce symptoms, Hook said, not even a sore throat. Doctors rarely test for it, so people don’t know they have it. But, through unprotected oral sex, gonorrhea can cause genital and urethral infections, which do have symptoms, such as pain and discharge. That makes pharyngeal gonorrhea “a real public health problem,” Hook said.

The verdict:

The in vitro experiment plus the clinical trial make a strong case that Listerine can kill gonorrhea. To nail that down, a larger study will have to test people for longer to be sure infections are gone and to see what gargling technique is most effective.

Got Gonorrhea? Try Gargling With Listerine — No, Really

If four out of five TV doctors tell you something is true, chances are, there’s not any evidence to actually back up that claim. But now, for at least one of those claims, there is evidence—even if it took 137 years to get it. The manufacturers of Listerine have been claiming that the mouthwash can cure gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection that has been increasing in the U.S. the past two years, since 1879.

For reference, Rutherford B. Hayes was president then, the Civil War had only been over for 14 years, the first female lawyer argued before the Supreme Court, the first ice rink had just been established at Madison Square Garden, and Thomas Edison first demonstrated the incandescent lamp after perfecting the light bulb. (Or, for real history buffs, that was the year Henry Morton Stanley returned to the Congo to continue raping the country, having found “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” eight years earlier.)

That’s quite a claim for an era before antibiotics were available. But no one actually tried to prove it—until now. 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.

That means that a good gargle before engaging in oral sex may reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to the recipient, though additional research would need to confirm those findings before any medical professionals actually recommended that strategy. The study was not funded by Listerine manufacturers but rather by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

Gonorrhea is the second most common “notifiable disease”—those that are required to be reported to the CDC—in the U.S. and increased to 124 cases per 100,000 last year. It’s a leading cause of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain in women, according to the CDC. The bacterial infection also increases the risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

CHICAGO – JUNE 26: Pfizer’s Listerine is displayed in a Walgreens store June 26, 2006 in Chicago,… [+] Illinois. Johnson & Johnson is buying Pfizer Inc.’s consumer healthcare division, which includes Listerine, Sudafed, and Visine, for $16.6 billion. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

To test the claims about Listerine, scientists first used Listerine Cool Mint and Listerine Total Care, both 21.6% alcohol, in petri dishes with a colony of gonorrhea bacteria. They diluted the Listerine at different levels, from a 1:2 dilution to a 1:32 dilution, and compared its ability to kill the bacteria to saline. At dilutions of 1:2 and 1:4, the Listerine successfully wiped out the gonorrhea, unlike the saline.

Then, the researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 196 men who have sex with men. All the men received a standard treatment of antibiotics ceftriaxone and azithromycin, but 104 of them also gargled for one minute as far back in their throats as they could with 20 mL of Listerine Cool Mint. The other 92 gargled with saline.

Five minutes later, the scientists swabbed the men’s tonsils and the backs of their throats. Ultimately, only 58 of the men tested positive for gonorrhea in throat and tonsil swabs before gargling, so only these men’s results were analyzed: 33 who gargled with Listerine and 25 who gargled with saline.

Of these post-gargling swabs, 84% of the men who gargled with saline had a positive result for gonorrhea, but just 52% of the men who gargled with Listerine did. So half the men who gargled with Listerine for one minute no longer had detectable quantities of gonorrhea bacteria in their mouths.

This is good news, but several major caveats should be immediately noted: First, the study is very small. Second, the men were tested only 5 minutes after one minute of gargling, and the researchers did not test longer-term effects of Listerine on mouth bacteria. For all we know, the bacteria could have returned a day later, or an hour later or 10 minutes later.

Third, half the men who gargled with Listerine still tested positive for having detectable levels of gonorrhea bacteria in their mouths, so the short-term effect is only half effective based on this small group. Fourth, the study in no way suggests that Listerine can “cure” gonorrhea. Only prescribed antibiotics have been shown to treat the infection. Fifth, the intervention only addresses oral gonorrhea—no one is testing or suggesting using mouthwash in the genital area. That may not work out too well.

And yet, the findings, especially if confirmed in larger studies, do suggest that gargling with Listerine can reduce the risk of oral transmission of the STI, and that’s no small thing.

“If daily use of mouthwash was shown to reduce the duration of untreated infection and/or reduce the probability of acquisition of N. gonorrhoeae then this readily available, condomless and low-cost intervention may have very significant public health implications in the control of gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men,” the researchers wrote. “Interventions such as this are urgently needed in the context of rising rates of gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men and the likelihood that condom use may fall further as condom-free HIV preventions are more widely adopted.”

The authors recommend that future studies look at long-term effects and long-term use of Listerine, such as daily use over months. This study, then, was more of a proof-of-concept study that provides the evidence needed to justify additional larger, longer, more expensive and more involved studies. The longer lasting effects of Listerine in the petri dish experiment suggest the same may be possible in people.

“In addition, if the load of N. gonorrhoeae was reduced by the mouthwash after a single dose then one might expect that daily mouthwash over weeks would potentially reduce the viable number of N. gonorrhoeae, and hence reduce further transmission or reduce the mean duration of infection,” the authors wrote.

The researchers don’t know if it’s the alcohol content or another ingredient or combination of ingredients in Listerine that killed the bacteria. Therefore, gargling with, say, a shot of vodka before fellatio may not necessarily have any protective effect.

8 Natural Remedies to Heal Sore Throat – PURGGO Air Freshener for Cars

There are tons of prescription and off-the-counter drugs for a sore throat. However, we very much prefer the healthier natural home remedies – things you can put together in your own kitchen using common ingredients. Here are some of the most effective ones.

Salt and Water Mix

• Mix 1⁄4 teaspoon salt with 1 cup warm water
• Add 1 tablespoon of Listerine for that extra germ-killing punch (optional)
• Gargle and spit the solution

Gargles are common natural remedies for sore throats. Warmer ones tend to be more effective and make you feel better, so use warm water. Listerine is completely optional, and while this ingredient is not all natural, adding a tablespoon can help kill germs. Be sure to mix a fresh cup each time.

Lemon and Water Delight

Another great home remedy for a sore throat is lemon. Mix 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and gargle. This mixture helps to sooth swollen throat tissues, as it creates an acidic environment to fight bacteria and viruses.

Ginger and Honey Water

• 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger, or a few slices of raw ginger
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 3 tablespoons of honey

This DIY home remedy is simple. Just add hot water over the ginger. Then add honey and mix well. Honey is known as a natural remedy for sore throat as it coats the inflamed areas of the throat. It also has antibacterial properties that not only soothes swollen issue, but also prevents further infection. You can either gargle or drink the solution.

Hot Sauce and Water Mix

• 5 shakes of cayenne pepper
• A few shakes of hot sauce
• 1 cup water

Hot sauce adds a kick and is great for dishes. But did you know that it is also a natural remedy for sore throat? Add 5 shakes of ground cayenne pepper and a few shakes of hot sauce into 1 cup of hot water. Mix well and gargle.

This mixture is effective in soothing swollen and sore throat. Capsicum in hot peppers is known to alleviate pain and fight inflammation. This concoction will give your mouth and throat a slight burning sensation, but the relief afterwards is quickly felt. Trying gargling this every 15 minutes and observe the results.

Sage and Water Mix

• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1⁄2 teaspoon alum
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 3⁄8 cup vinegar
• 1⁄8 cup water

Mix all the ingredients well and gargle. This is a very traditional recipe, and is quite fragrant. Try it out if you get bored of the other simpler gargles.

Turmeric and Water Mix

• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of hot water

Turmeric is very common in Indian cuisine – mostly used to add flavor to dishes. However, turmeric is also a very powerful antioxidant and can fight many diseases, according to scientists. Of course, it’s great for alleviating sore throat.  Add turmeric and salt into hot water. Mix well and gargle.

Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass juice is another good natural remedy for sore throat. You can either drink it or gargle it. The chlorophyll-rich liquid helps prevent bacteria build up in the swollen areas, as well as ease the pain. According to studies, wheatgrass juice also helps to revitalize gums and stop toothaches, pretty cool!

Clove Tea

• 1 to 3 teaspoons powdered cloves
• 1 cup water

Cloves have great anti-inflammatory properties that can help not only to soothe sore throat, but also heal swollen areas. It also has excellent anti-bacterial properties. Add 1 to 3 teaspoons of powdered cloves to 1 cup of water, mix well and gargle.

Do you have any effective remedies for sore throat? Let us know in the comment below and we’ll be sure to feature your recipe!

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19

Contents:

Does rinsing with LISTERINE® kill the COVID-19 virus?
Can LISTERINE® Mouthwash be used for hand cleaning or surface disinfection because it contains alcohol?
How can LISTERINE® be used besides rinsing?
Can LISTERINE® prevent sore throat?
The LISTERINE® line includes products with antiseptic properties; are they capable of destroying the germs that cause COVID-19?
Which bacteria does LISTERINE® kill?
Does LISTERINE® kill viruses?
How can LISTERINE® help me during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Johnson & Johnson adheres to the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

The consequences of the global COVID-19 pandemic cannot be ignored. We encourage consumers to read and follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

At Johnson & Johnson, we are committed to helping individuals and communities around the world cope with the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our teams are actively working to ensure the production of consumer health products, including the LISTERINE® line of mouthwashes.

As the COVID-19 pandemic forces healthcare systems around the world to use all available resources, it is more important than ever to help people stay healthy and not have to go to already overwhelmed healthcare facilities. Since the population now pays special attention to personal hygiene, our mouthwash is in great demand. Our top priority is to continue to manufacture high-demand products and maintain supply while maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety.

Customers ask many questions about the effectiveness of LISTERINE® products against COVID-19. The most important thing for us is the health and safety of our customers. Below is a series of frequently asked questions with answers from the manufacturer LISTERINE®.

Back to top

Does rinsing with LISTERINE® kill the COVID-19 virus?

No. LISTERINE® is a daily mouthwash that has been proven to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria that cause bad breath, plaque and gum inflammation.LISTERINE® Mouthwash has not been tested for efficacy against coronavirus and not is intended to prevent or treat COVID-19. Consumers should follow the preventive measures recommended by the World Health Organization, including frequent hand washing, keeping distance from other people, and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.

Back to Contents

Can LISTERINE® Mouthwash be used for cleaning hands or disinfecting surfaces because it contains alcohol?

No.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Personal Hygiene recommends using hand cleaners that contain at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol is only found in some LISTERINE® products, and even in these, the alcohol concentration does not exceed 23.8%. LISTERINE® is not intended to be used as a hand sanitizer or surface disinfectant and will not be effective in such use.

Back to Contents

How can LISTERINE® be used in addition to rinsing?

LISTERINE® is intended for oral health only and helps combat oral health problems such as bad breath, plaque, tooth decay, gum disease and tooth stains.LISTERINE® is intended for rinsing the mouth, not the throat. There are many products in the LISTERINE® line. Always read the product label to make sure the product is right for you and use it as directed.

Back to Contents

Can LISTERINE® Prevent Sore Throat?

LISTERINE® is intended for oral health only and helps combat oral health problems such as bad breath, plaque, tooth decay, gum disease and tooth stains.Please consult your doctor about how to treat, prevent, or relieve sore throat.

Back to Contents

Which bacteria does LISTERINE® kill?

LISTERINE® is a daily mouthwash that has been clinically proven to kill bacteria that cause plaque, bad breath and gingivitis in the early stages of gum disease. LISTERINE® kills up to 99.9% of the bacteria left over from brushing your teeth that cause early gum disease.

There are many products in the LISTERINE® line that provide various benefits in oral care. You can find what is right for you.

Back to Contents

Does LISTERINE® Kill Viruses?

No. The effectiveness of LISTERINE® mouthwash against any strain of coronavirus has not been studied, even in a laboratory setting. LISTERINE® is a daily mouthwash that has been shown to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria that cause bad breath , plaque and gum disease.

There is insufficient data to date to support the conclusion that the use of LISTERINE ^® mouthwash can be effective in the fight against coronavirus, as further research is needed. As a R&D company, we will actively participate in relevant scientific discussions on this issue.

Back to Contents

How can LISTERINE® help me during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The LISTERINE® range contains products designed to support oral health and combat oral problems such as bad breath, plaque, tooth decay, gum disease and tooth stains.LISTERINE® can help maintain oral hygiene between dental visits. Check with your dentist or visit your dental clinic website for updated information on when dentists will be able to renew patient appointments.

Reduction of call center work.

Due to an evolving public health emergency, you may experience a delay in response when you contact our call center.We value your patience as we strive to provide the best possible level of service for you and your family during these challenging times.

The doctor told about mistakes in the treatment of a sore throat – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Attempts to self-treat a sore throat can lead to serious problems.

Aif.ru tells about this with reference to otorhinolaryngologist Vladimir Zaitsev. So, for example, excessive enthusiasm for inhalation can lead to an increase in throat swelling and suffocation.Steam inhalation is particularly undesirable.

“The danger of inhalation in such a situation is that due to heating, swelling increases, and a person can easily suffocate,” the expert notes. In addition, inhalation cannot be used at high – more than 37.5 degrees – the temperature of the patient. This can also cause swelling and choking.

Self-medication with antibiotics should be avoided for sore throat. Indeed, in the event that the disease is caused by viruses, antibiotics will not help.However, it is not worth going to the other extreme, fundamentally refusing to use antibiotics even with the appointment of a doctor. For example, with angina, antibiotic therapy is required. Vladimir Zaitsev recalls that angina can cause serious complications in the heart, kidneys and joints.

You can not use in the treatment of the throat and such a “folk” remedy as kerosene. This kind of “healing” is deadly. “Kerosene is a carcinogenic compound. You can neither gargle, nor lubricate, nor try to clean your throat with them.It should always be remembered that such manipulation causes the development of oncological diseases – cancer of the root of the tongue, cancer in the oral cavity, cancer of the tonsils, cancer of the larynx, “the doctor warns.

Gargling with soda, salt or iodine can also lead to disastrous results. For example. , salt dries out the mucous membrane of the back of the throat, and baking soda can increase the pain in the throat, while eating large quantities of onions, garlic or ginger with a sore throat can burn the mucous membranes.It is better to eat soft, not hot or cold food during the illness.

Another mistake is the overdosed use of ultraviolet lamps, which are also capable of burning mucous membranes. The duration of such therapy should not exceed a minute, and even less when treating a child. And, for example, lozenges should be used in accordance with the prescribed course and no more. Otherwise, they can cause malfunctions in the body.

Mouthwash Listerine

In general, I am not a person greedy for aggressive advertising, but the phrase “Listerine is the No. 1 mouthwash in the world” touched me so much that I had to try it.But still, the main thing that prompted me to make this purchase was my trust in the brand-manufacturer Johnson & Johnson, which allows several members of my family to see well, and if we put their lenses into our eyes, then take liquid into our mouth – without problems)). This mouthwash comes in several variations to address various oral problems, and today I will share my impressions of Listerine Expert gum protection .

This mouthwash is available from parfumeria.ua in various volumes, ranging from 95 ml, ending with 1 liter, but I needed just a small volume, because at the moment we are choosing which variety will be the most suitable for our family, and besides, it is convenient to put small bottles on the washbasin so as not to forget to constantly use the rinse aid. Comparing this variety with those that we bought before, I do not see much difference, because These mouthwash are just liquid beasts that not only kill bacteria, but also make me run around the bathroom with my tongue out, gasping for air)).And I have never been able to endure the 30 seconds recommended by the manufacturer. this is too much for these rinses! But on the other hand, such a tough formula of the product inspires confidence and I have no doubt that all bacteria will definitely escape after using it)).

Of course, talking about the rinse aid is pretty trivial, but I decided to write this review, because recently found another unusual use for this rinse aid. Thinking that it kills bacteria, I decided to test it on a sore throat by rinsing it for 7-10 seconds, and although it is not easy to endure, it turned out that the mouthwash kills bacteria much faster than throat sprays, which, moreover, and are 10 times more expensive, and after 2-3 rinses, the sore throat disappears and it begins to turn pink on the sly.I hope that my strange way of using mouthwash will be useful to someone else in the season of colds and respiratory infections))).

A large selection of Listerine rinses at a bargain price can be found at parfumeria.ua

90,000 Tonsillitis prevention: how to gargle?

Tonsils are necessary for humans, they create a reliable protective barrier against further penetration of infection into the body and its spread. With frequent tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis, we can talk about reduced immunity.

In this case, the immune system of a child or an adult does not fully cope with the task and requires taking special medications to raise immunity.

The danger of chronic tonsillitis and frequent acute tonsillitis is that pathological changes develop in the tonsils over time, and there is also a high risk of complications in the work of organs and systems of the whole organism.

Prevention of chronic tonsillitis

Such measures help to avoid frequent exacerbations of acute tonsillitis.So, when a pathogenic infection enters the throat, the lacunae of the tonsils become inflamed and become a source of danger for the whole organism. In addition to general recommendations regarding nutrition, hardening, strengthening the immune system, timely treatment of teeth and gums, there is a simple and accessible method for preventing diseases of the throat and tonsils – rinsing with special solutions, infusions, drugs, etc.

Attention! Rinsing solutions should be purchased from the pharmacy chain.Home methods, as practice shows, do not give the desired effect.

The best solutions for rinsing the throat for chronic tonsillitis

Cleansing the throat, tonsils and the entire mouth is an essential preventive measure. Finding foci of a pathogenic infection helps to weaken the immune system and maintain a constant pathological process.

Now the pharmacy offers a variety of high-quality modern drugs for this purpose.

For example, you can gargle the throat:

• furacilin, potassium permanganate, boric acid, hydrogen peroxide;
• chlorophyllipt, miramistin, hexoral, etc.;
• medicinal herbs.

Herbal preparations / medicinal plants – an affordable and safe method of prevention. Used calendula, eucalyptus, chamomile, sage, rose hips, mint, lemon balm, etc.

Herbal rinses can be used by patients of any age, including toddlers and old people. They are approved for use by pregnant and lactating women (in the absence of allergies). A mixture of pharmaceutical herbs and other products intended for rinsing the throat can be bought at the Stolichka pharmacy.

Listerine. Great is painful. – Anatalis

Doctor, do I need to rinse my mouth ?: valera_kolpakov – LiveJournal

I am often asked this question, referring to the use of commercial mouth rinses. This question cannot be answered unequivocally, because rinses are different and are used, of course, for different needs. I usually divide mouth rinses into 4 groups:

1) For gums – antiseptic mouth rinses to combat gum disease;
2) Anti-caries – aimed at combating caries;
3) All others pursuing other goals;
4) Combined – a combination of ingredients of different directions;

Let’s talk today about the first group, gum rinses, and the most typical representative – the Listerine rinse.

Listerine has been known for a long time and was originally intended for the sterilization of surgical instruments. Then it was sold as a floor disinfectant, a cure for gonorrhea … In the 1920s, Listerine became popular as a remedy for bad breath. And only then as an antiseptic for the gums. In 2008, Listerin was registered in Russia by Roszdravnadzor.

The main ingredients of the rinse are antiseptic components of natural essential oils – menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate and eucalyptol.Methyl salicylate also has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps with an active inflammatory process in the gums.

In the original version, the rinse aid contained 26.9% alcohol as a solvent for the active ingredients. The presence of alcohol caused a burning sensation in the mouth when using Listerine. Also, there were suspicions of a link between oral cancer and the use of alcohol-containing Listerine. Fears about cancer have not been confirmed by scientific research. Nevertheless, Listerine began to be produced in other combinations – with a lower alcohol content, and then completely without alcohol.

The Listerine manufacturing company for a long time (from the early 1920s to the mid 1970s) advertised Listerine as an excellent remedy for colds and sore throats. Medical research has refuted such claims. Manufacturers were forced through the courts to conduct a $ 10 million advertising campaign telling that Listerine is ineffective for colds.

The effectiveness of listerine in the fight against bacteria that cause gum disease has been proven by numerous scientific studies, although data on alcohol-free options are still practically unavailable.

If you have problems with the gums, or you need to prevent these diseases – we use the rinse Listerine, or similar.

There is another group of rinses with antiseptic properties, they contain another substance – chlorhexidine. Such rinses include, for example, PRESIDENT “Profi”, ASEPTA. Chlorhexidine has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, however, it must be borne in mind that chlorhexidine also has another bad property – with prolonged use of , it stains teeth with gray color .Therefore, chlorhexidine mouthwash is best used as directed by a doctor, for a short period of time, usually during the active phase of gum disease.

PySy. It follows from the comments that Listerine in Russia is still not widespread and is expensive. As an American dentist, I did not know this, because in America it is quite cheap and is just the most popular and typical. If someone tells me a Russian analogue with the same active ingredients, I will be grateful.

PySy2. Readers suggested the Parodontocid® rinse, which is very similar in composition to Listerine.

Listerine mouthwash expert gum protection 250 ml

Roster

• LISTERINE® formula based on essential oils: thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate.

Form of issue

250 ml bottles

Pharmacological action

Daily oral care helps prevent diseases caused by insufficient or improper care of teeth and gums.The LISTERINE® line rinses are part of hygiene and reduce the growth of bacteria. LISTERINE® products contain essential oils (thymol, methyl salicylate, menthol and eucalyptol), as well as other components, whose action is aimed at solving such problems as gum disease, caries, tooth enamel darkening, bad breath, etc.

Rinse Listerine Expert Gum Protection:

• Provides 24-hour protection against bacteria when used twice daily.
• Helps to reduce bleeding of the gums and reduce their inflammation up to 94%.
• Provides fresh breath and a refreshing mint flavor.
• Reduces plaque formation by up to 70% compared to brushing your teeth.
• Does not disturb the balance of the microflora of the oral cavity.
• Provides long-lasting breath freshness.
• Original powerful taste

Indication for use

Mouthwash for every day, the active substances of which are aimed at maintaining the health of the gums.When used twice a day after brushing, LISTERINE® Expert Gum Protection Rinse helps to reduce inflammation and bleeding of the gums.

Method of administration and dosage

Use 2 times a day, morning and evening, after brushing your teeth. Pour 20 ml (4 teaspoons) into a glass and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.

Not for use by children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

• Do not use LISTERINE® Rinse Aid if the seal on the bottle cap is damaged or missing.
• Do not use LISTERINE® for oral care in young children (under 12 years of age).

Special instructions

Do not dilute LISTERINE® with water or other liquids.

Do not rinse your mouth with water after using LISTERINE® Rinse Aid.

Rinse your mouth twice a day after brushing your teeth.

Storage conditions

Out of the reach of children at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C.

.