Though there is some evidence that mouthwash like Listerine may reduce the risk of certainsexually transmitted infections (STIs)followingoral sex, the reduction in risk is relatively small and cannot be considered a viable means of STI prevention.
The best way to prevent STIs is through sexual abstinence orsafer sexpractices.
This article takes an unbiased look at the effectiveness of antiseptic mouthwashes in reducing the risk of STIs likegonorrhea,chlamydia,herpes,HIV,human papillomavirus (HPV), andsyphilisfollowing oral sex.
Adam Gault / Getty Images
A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
Mouthwash and Oral Gonorrhea Prevention
One such study, published in the journalSexually Transmitted Infectionsin 2017, looked at whether gargling with Listerine could be an effective way to reduce the risk oforopharyngeal gonorrhea(gonorrhea of the mouth or throat) among males who had sexual contact with other males within the previous 12 months.
Despite the positive findings, it is unclear if the reduction in bacteria levelsis significant enough to reduce the risk of gonorrhea through oral sex.
A later study from the same research team actually found that antiseptic mouthwash did little to reduceN. gonorrhoealevels in the mouth of 823 male participants based on nucleic acid amplification testing (used to detect the genetic material of the bacteria).
Even so, some health experts argue that even a small reduction may help reduce gonorrhea infection rates in some harder-hit communities.
A 2018 review of studies inCurrent Opinions on Infectious Diseasesuggested that the regular use of antiseptic mouthwash could potentially reduce rates of oropharyngeal gonorrhea amongmen who have sex with men (MSM)in the United States.
Mouthwash and Prevention of Other STIs
In general, the evidence supporting the use of mouthwash to prevent STIs is weak.
A 2021 review of studies inBMJ Opencould find no evidence that regular mouthwash reduced the risk of oral STIs in 315 heterosexual men and 366 heterosexual women. Even those who used mouthwash daily had no difference in their risk compared to infrequent users.
The same findings were reported in a 2021 study inLancet Infectious Diseasesin which 151 MSM considered to be at high risk of STIs were just as likely to get syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea as those who didn’t use mouthwash.
It is worth mentioning that research has also examined the role of oral hygiene in limiting oral HPV infection. A large study published in 2013 in the journalCancer Prevention and Researchfound that poor oral health was associated with oral HPV infection.
Even so, there is no evidence that mouthwash actually prevents the transmission of the virus.
The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infections
Summary
There is currently no evidence that mouthwash can prevent an STI.
Right now, the best way to prevent the spread of oral STIs is to consistently use barrier protection for oral sex. This includescondomsfor oral-penile sex (fellatio or “blowjobs”) anddental damsfor oral-vaginal sex (cunnilingus) and oral-anal sex (analingus or “rimming”).
It is also important to limit your number of sex partners and avoid sex with any partner who has genital sores or ulcers.
Be sure to get recommended STI screenings, particularly if you are a younger sexually active female, a sexually active MSM, a trans person, or anyone with risk factors for STIs. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine which tests are recommended for you.
A Guide to Regular STI Screenings
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Chow EP, Howden BP, Walker S, et al.Antiseptic mouthwash against pharyngeal : a randomised controlled trial and an in vitro study.Sex Transm Infect.2017;93(2):88-93. doi:10.1136/sextrans-2016-052753
Fairley CK, Zhang L, Chow EPF.New thinking on gonorrhoea control in MSM: are antiseptic mouthwashes the answer?.Curr Opin Infect Dis.2018;31(1):45-49. doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000421
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Transgender and Gender Diverse Persons.
Adamson PC, Klausner JD.The staying power of pharyngeal gonorrhea: implications for public health and antimicrobial resistance.Clin Infect Dis.2021 Aug 15;73(4):583–5. doi:10.1093/cid/ciab074
Phillips TR, Fairley CK, Bradshaw S, et al.Associations between oral sex practices and frequent mouthwash use in heterosexuals: a cross-sectional survey in Melbourne, Australia.BMJ Open.2021;11(1):e041782. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041782
Van Djick C, Tsoumanis A, Rotsaert A, et al.Antibacterial mouthwash to prevent sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PReGo): a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.Lancet Infect Dis.2021 May;21(5):657-67. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30778-7
Bui TC, Markham CM, Ross MW, Mullen PD.Examining the association between oral health and oral HPV infection.Cancer Prev Res (Phila).2013;6(9):917-24. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-13-0081
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
