Listerine

Continuing my wondering about the relationship between various medical terms I started to wonder if there is a connection between Dr Lister and Listerine.

The answer, more or less, is yes.

Dr Lister is the physician who discovered that chemically sterilizing surgical instruments resulted in fewer deaths.

Later Dr Lawrence invented “a unique antiseptic for use in surgeries and bathing wounds.” In honor of Dr Lister, Lawrence named his substance Listerine.

Years later Listerine became a household product for rinsing your mouth.

So, when you use it you are effectively sterilizing your mouth.

Ugh! That vision does not appeal to me.

TTYL,

Linda

4 thoughts on “Listerine”

  1. that’s interesting!
    Listerine always gave me the chills. not chills I guess. but goose bumps!
    it tasted so terrible! my dad always swore it’s why he never got a cold.
    I use the blue Listerine Cool Mint. and I guess I outgrew the goose bumps. 🙂

  2. I’ve never been faithful about using mouth wash. Just dont like it. But I always find the history behind an item fascinating.

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