I have a mild gum infection and next month, I start my first treatment for it. I have now been vigorously using my new electronic toothbrush on my teeth as well as flossing twice every day. My mom bought a thingy of listerine to gargle with. My question is:
...does listerine lessen the severity of a gum infection? My dad said it would but I'm not so sure (heck my dad isn't even a dentist).
Can I also ask the dentist to use novocaine for my treatment?
2006-11-10 10:10:30 · 7 answers · asked by chrstnwrtr 7 in Health ➔ Dental
Yes and no. Listerine kills the bacteria in your mouth for about 45 minutes. So, it does kill the bacteria, but not for a long enough time to be effective. So, you should continue to use Listerine 1-2 times a day, but realize that Listerine is one of the many tools you are going to use to fight your gum disease. It is also great that you have an electric toothbrush, that will do wonders for your teeth. Make sure you brush as much as possible (at least 2+ times a day), floss at least 2+ a day, use your Listerine, and continue to see your dentist and hygienist. If you do these things, you should be able to overcome your gum disease and have a happy life with your soon to be happy teeth and gums!
2006-11-10 11:56:15 · answer #1 · answered by johntara04 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My husband had a gum infection and the dentist told him to make sure he was using Listerine every day. So I'd say your Dad is right. In fact, every time I go to the dental clinic they always ask if I'm rinsing with Listerine at least once a day. We're on a military post and the dentists are military members, so I know they're not getting paid to endorse this product, so maybe it really is good. You can ask your dentist to give you something so you're not in pain during treatment, but you probably won't have to, he'll probably do it anyway. Good Luck.
2006-11-10 10:13:56 · answer #2 · answered by nimo22 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listerine is great stuff - I use it every day! Not just to rinse before brushing. Don't know if it can lessen severity of infection. If that was true then dentists would recommend it. Yours didn't, so ...? If U r asking 2 avoid going 2 dentist don't put off seeing dentist! Isn't it intense in original formula?! There r numerous other flavors/ form- ulas out there & versions of similar active ingredients. Also electric tooth brushes do very good job. I also like flavored flouride rinse b 4 bed after brushing. It tastes better than Listerine.
2006-11-10 11:27:42 · answer #3 · answered by Kenneth R C 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I am a dental hygienist and Listerine kills bacteria which is causing your infection. Another product to try is Crest Pro Health rinse. It doesn't burn because it doesn't have alcohol and works just as well as Listerine and won't dry your mouth. Good luck and remember to floss!
2006-11-10 10:20:15 · answer #4 · answered by Andrea 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Gum
2016-05-22 03:42:35 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
may i add something that really can help with inflamated gums , search in drug stores for Oral- B antibacterial mouth rinse with fluoride , helps your gums and teeth as well
2006-11-10 11:16:45 · answer #6 · answered by romanitza32 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
YES, LISTERINE WILL HELP IF YO USE IT DAILY.
2006-11-10 15:09:59 · answer #7 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋