DIY torture kit for 99p! (Listerine Softmint Mouthwash)

Member Name: poppyjoe

Product:	Listerine Softmint Mouthwash
Date:	07/05/09 (116 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clean gums, fresh breath

Disadvantages: Pain

I always used to use Listerine but then bought some Dentyl mouthwash to see what was in the sink! However I moved back to Listerine mouthwash recently because the Dentyl mouthwash I had been using had a product recall. So trusty old Listerine is now back on my bathroom shelf. The Listerine product I am currently using is Softmint Sensation antibacterial mouthwash and in really big letters on the label there are those reassuring words that promise "Milder Flavour".

Now I personally use Listerine as I have became a tooth cleaning addict in my older age and I floss every night. Now this is mainly to avoid that disapproving look that my dentist gives me when she asks "how often do you floss or use mouthwash?" She knows the answer and it is always not as often as I should. But for the last few years that question has not been asked so I guess that mouthwash really does work.

Onto the Listerine brand, when you think of it you know that you are getting something that has been around for a while, that dentists recommend and that is trustworthy. Each bottle has a batch number and an expiry date stamped on the bottle for a little reassurance.

Now comes the taste test. Well I was fully reassured by the milder flavour promise on the front of the bottle filled up my glass and rinsed around my teeth, thinking to myself "yes this is mild........." no its not mild at all. This should be sold as a DIY torture mechanism! It is so strong. I clench my fists and keep going another 5 seconds. My tongue feels like it is being burned away by acid, the pain is intense. Another 5 seconds, must keep going, and then suddenly, the pain begins to subside. I manage my 30 seconds and spit out just in time before I start crying. I normally need the moral support of my husband to get to the 30 seconds!

My mouth feels like it has had an intense clean, just back from the dentist smell and feel. This product really does do the job, it just takes a bit of pain, but as they say no pain no gain. It states that it will provide 24 hour protection but I always use it morning and night. Also the bottle states that it is clinically proven to fight plaque reducing plaque levels in the mouth by 56% compared to brushing alone, kill bacteria and freshen breath.

My dentist is impressed with my torture kit, i mean mouthwash and she even said that if you really can't stand the pain it is okay to dilute it a bit with water.

One of the main ingredients in this mouthwash is alcohol and it is not suitable for under 12's.

So all in all this product really does make for more healthy teeth and gums not be mention a smug visit to the dentist. This product could put hygenists out of a job! I love listerine and I am sorry I strayed to Dentyl, but I am now back and here I will stay.

I bought a 250ml bottle from tesco for 99p while it was on offer, Listerine is a bit more expensive than other brands but is worth it for that fresh from the dentist feeling! If only they really could make it milder.....

Summary: A not so pain free way to perfect gums