Substituting listerine for toothpaste...?

Question

Instead of using toothpaste when I brush my teeth, I use listerine. I pour some into the cap and then dip the brush in, brush my teeth, dip again, ect...for about 2 minutes. I floss at night and I use a special flouride mix at night. I have bottom braces, if that helps. Does it really matter whether I use listerine instead of toothpaste? My teeth feel cleaner with listerine and that feeling lasts longer, plus I don't get bad breath.

Answer 1

Hi, there. You're fine, especially since you're using a Fluoride treatment at night. Chances are your water is also fluoridated. Listerine can be a bit harsh, but it does have antibacterial properties due to the high volume of alcohol it contains. Your teeth probably get cleaner with the Listerine than they would with plain toothpaste, and your gums will definitely benefit greatly. (Listerine is often recommended to folks who have periodontal disease, as it helps heal gum infections.) The main question is: how was your last dental check-up? If it was fine and you had no cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, etc., then rock on and keep doing what you're doing! I bet you have great breath, and your tooth enamel is in no danger of being scratched or eroded by harsh toothpastes. You go, girl!

Answer 2

It is not the same, listerine just give you a cool breath for a while it does not kill bacteria within the plaque that causes decay... you should better use fluoride toothpaste...at the end the thing that matters the most is the brushing but in your case because of your braces brush them with paste and then gag some listerine...then you'll have a nice bacteria-free breath!

Answer 3

The dangerous thing about what you're doing is that listerine is actually alcohol based. Alcohol is actually a drying ingredient that makes your mouth drier. Have you heard of whose breath actually became worse because of Listerine? Just because your mouth feels clean after you use it, it doesn't mean it will stay clean. I recommend that you still use toothpaste.

A dental regimen that has been working for me is Therabreath. They have a gentle oral rinse and toothpaste that work together to oxidize your mouth and eliminate bad breath. Their oral rinse doesn't contain alchohol and keeps your breath fresh for hours. It hits the bad breath at its very core, and works like a charm. It's worth a try.

Answer 4

Nope. Listerine is the brand for mouthwash & it WON'T substitute for toothpaste. But since you are running out of it, you may. It wont help you to fight germs between the teeth that's all. Well, you may try a mixture of lime liquid & salt as toothpaste. It works fine for me when i am you.

Answer 5

You don't have to use toothpaste. Both my hygentist and dentist told me that it is not necessary to use toothpaste, if you are using an electric toothbrush. As long as your dentist is happy with your dental hygiene and you are not getting any cavities, etc., then I would continue to do what you are doing. Listerine does have ingredients in it that do help keep gingivitis and plaque away.

Answer 6

Listerine and similar mouthwashes was designed to accompany the use of toothpaste, never to replace it.

Answer 7

im no dentist but i htink it just feels cleaner cuz of the alcohol. If u rub it in, its gonna burn for longer. Toothpaste has flouride and all that junk that strengthens enamel and stuff so i doubt listerine is a good substitute.

Answer 8

YOU HAVE TO BRUSH TO REMOVE THE STICKY SOFT DENTAL PLAQUE. IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU USE. IT MAY BE CHICKEN SOUP, LOL.
RINSING DOESN'T DO THIS NO MATTER WHAT YOU USE.
IF YOU DIP THE BRUSH IN LISTERINE, THAT'S FINE.
IT'S MECHANICAL ACTION WHICH CLEANS YOUR TEETH.