Gargle Or Floss?

By Christine Gorman

The American Dental Association last week gave Listerine its stamp of approval, saying that rinsing with the mouthwash is just as effective as flossing. Sound too good to be true? It is. While research published in the ADA journal and funded by Pfizer, which makes Listerine, shows that regular brushing along with using the mouthwash is as effective as flossing for reducing plaque and gingivitis, the greatest benefits come from doing all three--brushing, flossing and gargling.