Frequently Asked Questions about LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™
Does LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ Anticavity Fluoride Rinse help combat plaque and gingivitis?
LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ helps protect kids’ teeth from cavities, but does not prevent or reduce plaque or gingivitis. LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ also works like a magnet to attract particles that brushing may leave behind and tints particles—leaving proof in the sink for parents and kids to see. LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ also kills the germs that cause bad breath.
How does this MAGNETIC CLEANING ACTION™ work? What ingredient causes this action?
LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), an ingredient used in many over-the-counter mouthrinses. This ingredient chemically binds with the particles and colors them.
What age range is LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ intended for?
LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ is intended for children ages 6 and older. It helps protect against cavities, which is especially important for growing children, who may be exposed to sugary snacks or wear braces.
For the best results, children should rinse vigorously with 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) of LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ for 1 minute in the morning and the evening after brushing and once daily flossing.
Why can't I recommend LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ to children under 6?
The US FDA Anticaries Monograph* indicates that fluoride-containing mouthrinses are appropriate for children 6 and older.
Does LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ contain alcohol?
No. LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ is an alcohol-free product designed for children.
Should we be concerned about cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) staining children's teeth?
Tooth staining is not expected due to the low level of CPC in the LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ formula.
Have there been any long-term studies of LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™?
While long-term studies have not been performed specifically for LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™, the anticavity efficacy of the fluoride ingredient in LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ has been demonstrated in long-term studies (2 to 3 years). These clinical studies are well documented and cited by the FDA to support the US FDA Anticaries Monograph.*
How is LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ different from LISTERINE® TOOTH DEFENSE®?
Both provide fluoride; however, LISTERINE® TOOTH DEFENSE® does not have the
MAGNETIC CLEANING ACTION™ of LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™. Also, LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ contains no alcohol and is for use in children age 6 and older. LISTERINE® TOOTH DEFENSE® is for adults and children 12 years of age and older.
How does LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ compare to other fluoride rinses on the market? Are there any comparative studies?
LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ is the only fluoride rinse that lets kids see the particles in the sink that brushing may leave behind. Long-term studies comparing the efficacy of fluoride rinses are not available, but the efficacy of over-the-counter fluoride rinses in general is recognized by the FDA.
LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE®
How does LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ differ from LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE®?
LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ and LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE® are oral care products designed for kids, yet each has a unique formula and purpose.
LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ Anticavity Fluoride Rinse is a post-brush rinse to help strengthen teeth against cavities and to kill the germs that cause bad breath. Unlike other fluoride rinses, LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ also attracts and tints the particles that brushing may leave behind—leaving proof of a cleaner mouth in the sink for parents and kids to see.
LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE® is a pre-brush plaque-detecting rinse that tints plaque on teeth to serve as an indicator of where kids need to brush.
Are there any concerns about microbial growth in LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ like was found in LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE®?
Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. is committed to ensuring the quality and safety of its products and therefore we continuously update our testing to meet the highest standards. Rest assured that Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. has addressed the learnings found during the AGENT COOL BLUE® recall and that LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ has undergone rigorous testing prior to the product launch.
Why was LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE® recalled at the consumer level?
Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. conducted a voluntary nationwide recall of all lots of the GLACIER MINT™ and BUBBLE BLAST® flavors of LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE® Plaque-Detecting Rinse in April 2007 after the company determined that the preservative system was not adequate against certain microorganisms. McNEIL-PPC, Inc. fully cooperated with the FDA regarding this issue, and the decision to implement a voluntary nationwide recall.
What is the status of LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE®?
Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. cannot confirm when it will return the GLACIER MINT™ and BUBBLE BLAST® flavors of AGENT COOL BLUE® Plaque-Detecting Rinse to market, however, the Company will only do so when it has made certain that the product meets our rigorous quality standards.
* In order for an anticaries product to be legally marketed in the United States, it must comply with the regulation that the FDA published in the Final Monograph for Anticaries Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use. This regulation was established in collaboration with a panel of scientific experts.
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