MarketplaceDoes Mouthwash WorkPosted on February 4, 2010. How Listerine (the mouth wash) against the plate? I already know the four active ingredients: menthol, thymol, eucalyptol and methyl salicylate. There are also alcohol involved. How do these chemicals work together against the plate? Do their molecular structure help in this process and, if so, how? Thank you. =) well .. Menthol is added mainly to give you heartburn. It gives you a psychological effect that his work done in this area. Eucalyptol and thymol (essential oils) are the active ingredients that work against the plate and (eventually) tartar.Eucalyptol is also known to have antibacterial activity. Methyl salicylate is a flavoring agent. It produces the kind of mint flavor unique. These active ingredients are antibiotics and they kill the bacteria in the mouth digest food particles on the teeth and form chains of complex polysaccharides that cause gingivitis. They also produce acids that cause dental caries (tooth decay). You'd better believe has the makings of alcohol in it! It is about 90 proof and that is how it helps stop plaque. CommentsThere are no comments.Leave a Comment | Popular My Friends |