Listerine vs Cepacol Mouthwash

Each product has certain claims. Basically the biggy with Listerine is that it helps control plaque and Gingivitis. Cepacol claims to kill germs and aid in fresher breath. The label states that it is the #1 brand in hospitals.

Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash, Cool Mint - 1.5 Lt (50.7 oz.)
Price: $7.22

* The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance for helping control plaque and gingivitis.
* Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash Helps prevent and reduce supragingival plaque accumulation and gingivitis.
* Helps prevent and reduce plaque build-up, gingivitis, and bad breath.

Cepacol Antibacterial Mouthwash and Gargle, Gold - 32 Oz
Price: $4.81

* Cepacol Antibacterial Mouthwash with Ceepryn. Kills germs - Freshens breath.
* For daily oral care. No. 1 brand in hospitals.
* Cepacol Antibacterial kills the germs that cause bad breath.
* Cepacol Gold is the original mouthwash with a refreshing blend of cinnamon, eucalyptol and mint oils, and a cooling touch of menthol.
* For fresher, cleaner mouth, use Cepacol as an important part of your daily oral care regimen.

Listerine

The American Dental Association states that Listerine is more effective at reducing the effects of the Gingivitis gum disease.

In a California State Science Fair Study of the effectiveness of mouthwashes killing E. Coli Bacteria, Listerine was the least effective of the 4 mouthwashes tested, while Cepacol was the second most effective.

In a study which tested 5 different mouthwashes effectiveness against 2 bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis. "For Bacillus subtilis, the #1 mouthwash was Therasol, #2 was Scope, #3 were Rembrandt and Cepacol, and #4 was Listerine. For Staphylococcus epidermidis, the #1mouthwashes were Therasol and Scope, #2 was Cepacol, #3 was Rembrandt, and #4 was Listerine."

The Cool Mint Listerine was the most effective in killing germs.

Cepacol

According to a New York Times (in depth A.D.A.M.), "Mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium (like Scope and Cepacol) have moderate antimicrobial effect on plaque, but only if they are used an hour after brushing. None are as effective as Listerine or chlorhexidine, but they may still have some value for people who cannot tolerate the other mouthwashes."

Cepacol was the second most effective of 4 mouthwashes studied in a California State Science Fair Project at killing E. Coli bacteria.

In another study, Cepacol was the 3rd most effective of the 5 mouthwashes studied against Bacillus subtilis and came in 2nd against Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Listerine is more effective against the germs that cause Gingivitis, but because of the tingling sensation and it's side effects, can not be used by some people.

Cepacol kills more different kinds of bacteria and is more effective against certain staff bacteria and those that cause bad breath, plus it is milder on the mouth and throat so it can be used by more people. Cepacol is a better gargle for sore throats and to freshen breath.

Personally I prefer Cepacol, but will use Listerine a couple of times a week for dental health, but even the milder flavor is too strong for my taste.