Final answer:
It is true that antiseptic mouthwashes like Listerine inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas due to their phenolic content, which disrupts bacterial cell membranes and denatures proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that mouthwashes like Listerine inhibit the growth of organisms such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas is true. Listerine and similar antiseptic mouthwashes contain compounds known as phenolics, including thymol and eucalyptol, which act to denature proteins and disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria, effectively inhibiting their growth. These ingredients contribute to the prophylactic treatment of oral health, complementing the mechanical removal of microbes through regular tooth brushing and flossing, and the natural antibacterial actions of saliva.
While enzymes in saliva, such as lysozyme, damage microbial cells, and the turnover of epithelial cells helps in controlling the numbers of microbes in the mouth, antiseptic mouthwashes provide an additional chemical defense against microbial growth. It is also noteworthy that certain mouthwashes may have limitations, such as chlorohexidine-related tooth surface discoloration, which can affect user compliance