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LISTERINE® and the ADA Seal of Acceptance

Learn how LISTERINE® Brand rinses have achieved the ADA Seal of Acceptance

LISTERINE® ANTISEPTIC IS THE ONLY NATIONALLY BRANDED OTC ANTISEPTIC MOUTHWASH THAT HAS EARNED THE ADA SEAL OF ACCEPTANCE TO PREVENT AND REDUCE PLAQUE AND GINGIVITIS1*

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs has adopted specific guidelines to earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance for the Chemotherapeutic Products for Control of Gingivitis category.1

  • 2 independent 6-month clinical studies, utilizing a placebo control, showing significant reduction in gingivitis for the test product vs the control2,3
  • Data showing that plaque bacteria do not become resistant to the test product4
  • Data showing that test product does not allow pathogenic or opportunistic plaque bacteria to flourish4
  • Data showing that oral soft tissues and teeth are not harmed4
  • Toxicology and mutagenicity studies to assess possible adverse effects at the cellular level4

The ADA sets high standards—including two 6-month studies showing a minimum 15% reduction in gingivitis and a mean of no less than 20% across the two studies—before awarding the seal.

The LISTERINE® Brand is proud to reach these rigorous and thorough standards set by the ADA. Additionally, the ADA has accepted LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® into its group of fluoride products permitted to bear the ADA seal.

*The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs’ Acceptance of LISTERINE® Antiseptic is based on its finding that the product is effective in helping to prevent or reduce gingivitis and plaque above the gumline, when used as directed.


References: 1. American Dental Association. ADA seal product report: Listerine® antiseptic. ADA Web site. http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/ada-seal-p.... Accessed May 9, 2014. 2. Lamster IB, Alfano MC, Seiger MC, Gordon JM. The effect of LISTERINE® Antiseptic on reduction of existing plaque and gingivitis. Clin Prev Dent. 1983;5:12-16. 3. Minah GE, DePaola LG, Overholser CD, et al. Effects of 6 months use of an antiseptic mouthrinse on supragingival dental plaque microflora. J Clin Periodontol. 1989;16:347-352. 4. Data on file, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.