Mouthwash Review: Crest Pro Health Rinse Vs. Listerine Antiseptic

Crest Pro Health Rinse and Listerine Antiseptic are two great products. Until recently when Crest came out with its new Pro-Health Rinse, I had been using Listerine. Now that I use the Crest product, I also find it very beneficial. I choose the Crest Pro Health Rinse mainly because it is more pleasant to use. Here is a comparison of the two products...

Listerine has been around in the United States since 1879. It is clinically proven to reduce plaque bacteria by up to 52% more than brushing alone with regular use. Listerine is the only mouthwash that has received the ADA's Seal of Acceptance for helping to control plaque. The active ingredients are eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, thymol and menthol. Ethanol (grain alcohol) is 21% of the product concentration in the newer flavors, with the original gold containing 26%. The purpose of the alcohol is to break down the active ingredients so they can dissolve the dental plaque. The FDA Advisory Panel has classified Listerine in Category I, as being safe and effective for antiplaque and antigingivitis activity.

Crest Pro Health Rinse is a newer product. It works without the burning effects of alcohol used by Listerine. This means in general that it is less harsh to the taste and to your mouth. Crest Pro-Health Rinse works with CPC (cetylpyridinium choride), which is a bacterial agent that attracts to the bacteria in your mouth. It weakens the membrane of the bacteria, allowing it to be killed. Crest Pro Health Rinse fights plaque, gingivitis and bad breath.

1. Active Ingredients. This leads to the first difference between the two products, the active ingredients. The key to Listerine is the effect of the alcohol, while with Crest Pro-Health Rinse, it is the CPC. To me, I would choose not using alcohol anyday. The alcohol seems to be harsher, and is probably the reason why my mouth seems dry after using Listerine.