NBDHE Dental Hygienist Practice Test 2025 – The All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

Listerine is primarily used in dental practice as an antimicrobial treatment. Its formulation includes essential oils and other compounds that help reduce the microbial load in the oral cavity. The use of Listerine can aid in controlling plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath by targeting periodontal pathogens, which is crucial in maintaining oral health.

While subgingival irrigation can involve antiseptic solutions, Listerine is not typically employed specifically for this purpose in the same way. Fluoride application is important for caries prevention, but Listerine does not provide significant fluoride benefits. Furthermore, in orthodontic care, the focus is on maintaining oral hygiene and space management rather than the specific antimicrobial effects that products like Listerine offer. Thus, its role as an antimicrobial mouth rinse stands out as the primary use in dental practices.