Final answer:
Phenolics like Listerine are used as antiseptics to control bacterial growth in the mouth. They work by denaturing proteins and disrupting bacterial membranes, aiding in oral health maintenance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phenolics like Listerine are often used as antiseptics to control bacterial growth in the mouth. These plant-derived phenolic compounds, including thymol and eucalyptol, act by denaturing proteins and disrupting membranes of bacteria, providing a long-acting disinfectant effect that contributes to oral health. Regular use of such antiseptics, in conjunction with good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, helps in preventing tooth decay and combating microbial growth.
Antiseptic mouthwashes that contain phenolics have been popular since the 1860s when Joseph Lister began using carbolic acid for surgical disinfection. Today, compounds found in mouthwashes are far less irritating and are specifically designed to be safe for oral use. Consistent use of these mouthwashes can help maintain oral health by reducing the microbial load, in addition to mechanical removal of microbes by brushing and saliva's natural antimicrobial properties.