A History of Halitosis and the Listerine Marketing Campaign
![Bad breath has always been around, but medicine for halitosis hasn’t. How did it come to be? Check out the history.](https://www.deltadentalwiblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DDWI-Mouthwash_Blog-281x156.jpg)
Bad breath can happen to any of us. What we eat, how often we brush, and if we floss all contribute. When we hear “halitosis,” however, we think of a chronic and persistent issue that even the most flavorful gum can’t hide. Have you ever wondered how the term “halitosis” originated, and what the medicine for halitosis is? Here’s an overview on it.
History of Medicine for Halitosis
Bad breath has been around since the beginning of time, but according to the Smithsonian, advertisements for Listerine changed halitosis from a pet peeve to a disgusting medical issue that should receive immediate treatment.
Going to market in the 1880s, Listerine was initially intended as a surgical antiseptic. Its creator, Dr. Joseph Lawrence, named his work after Dr. Joseph Lister, the founding father of antiseptics. Advertisements aimed at dentists said that Listerine would kill germs in the mouth, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that their marketing strategy came to resemble the Listerine we know today.
The word halitosis started appearing in ads, poised as a medical condition that people should take note of and use Listerine to fight. Who wants to walk around with bad breath? Listerine made sure no one did and positioned itself as the medicine for halitosis.
Other Ways to Combat Halitosis
Today, bad breath affects one in four people globally. Halitosis is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, coated tongue, or dirty dentures. Fortunately, there are things you can do today to avoid these problems:
- Brush and Floss Twice a Day. Brushing your teeth helps remove smelly foods and stubborn bacteria from your mouth. Flossing plucks debris from between your teeth and along your gum line, where bad bacteria can grow and settle in.
- Brush or Scrape Your Tongue. You can invest in an inexpensive tool called a tongue scraper to combat bad breath. Some are curved, and others are straight like your toothbrush. Both are designed to remove plaque, food debris, and dead cells from your tongue’s surface.
- Stop Tobacco Use. If you’re a smoker or a tobacco chewer, you may already be familiar with the adverse effects it has on your teeth, mouth, and breath. Eliminating tobacco permanently is good for your overall health and can improve your oral health, too.
- Go to the Dentist. Visit your dentist at least once a year for an exam and cleaning. If you struggle with halitosis, talk to your dentist about remedies that can help.
Don’t have a dentist yet? Find one today!
Related stories
-
Why healthy eyes matter at every age
Many people take in the world around them primarily through sight. From the vibrant colors of a … Read More
-
Make Your Mom Smile – Five Gift Ideas
Mother’s Day is right around the corner! If you are still searching for the perfect gift to … Read More
-
Delta Dental Charitable Fund Announces Transition to Foundation
True to our mission, Delta Dental of Wisconsin seeks to improve oral health and wellness by extending … Read More
Sign Up Now
Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 305 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 167 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 92 Likes
- 4 What Are Tonsil Stones? 81 Likes
- 5 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 74 Likes
- 6 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 53 Likes
- 7 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 49 Likes
- 8 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 44 Likes
- 9 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 40 Likes
- 10 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 39 Likes