Hi there….Listerine is a bit stronger than Scope. It will indeed make the mouth feel numb. It is ok. If you were allergic, you would have much more serious side effects, like itching all over, swollen eyes, tongue, etc.

Tell you what…..just dilute the Listering with 1/2 water and try that.

I am an RN

I don't think you can base an allergy diagnosis on 1 bottle. It's possible that particular bottle was "off" somehow. However, since there is alcohol in Listerine, maybe you have developed a sensitivity to alcohol- try diluting and see what happens.

Also, most people don't know this but using mouthwash (w/ alcohol) doesn't mix well with whitening products. If you're whitening and using alcohol based mouthwash, this could be the problem too.

Hello, you know, I can relate to your Listerine experience. I know it's a fine product but I can't deal with how strong it is. I guess you have three choices, use it, toss it until you can get another brand, or you could use a baking soda mixture. Dissolve a half teaspoon of the soda in a half glass of water and rinse. You could also use a salt water mixture. Mix it in a 10% salt to water ratio. Good luck and I wish you well.

you can use brush with Baking soda, it will give you a fresh mouth.
Parsley is another alternative.

An allergic reaction is the body's way of responding to an "invader." When the body senses a foreign substance, called an antigen, the immune system is triggered. The immune system normally protects the body from harmful agents such as bacteria and toxins. Its overreaction to a harmless substance (an allergen) is called a hypersensitivity, or allergic, reaction.

* Anything can be an allergen. Common dust, pollen, plants, medications, certain foods, insect venoms, viruses, or bacteria are examples of allergens.

* Reactions may be in one spot, such as a small skin rash or itchy eyes, or all over, as in a whole body rash.

* A reaction may include one or several symptoms.

In rare cases, an allergic reaction can be life threatening (see Anaphylaxis). Each year in the United States, over 400 people die from allergic reactions to penicillin, and over 50 people die from allergic reactions to bee and fire ant stings.

Most allergic reactions are much less serious, such as a rash from poison ivy or sneezing from hay fever. The reaction depends on the person but is sometimes unpredictable.

Almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction.

* The body's immune system has a patrol of white blood cells, which produce antibodies.

o When the body is exposed to an antigen, a complex set of reactions begins.

o The white blood cells produce an antibody specific to that antigen. This is called "sensitization."

o The job of the antibodies is to detect and destroy substances that cause disease and sickness. In allergic reactions, the antibody is called immunoglobulin E, or IgE.

* This antibody promotes production and release of chemicals and hormones called "mediators."

o Histamine is one well-known mediator.

o Mediators have effects on local tissue and organs in addition to activating more white blood cell defenders. It is these effects that cause the symptoms of the reaction.

o If the release of the mediators is sudden or extensive, the allergic reaction may also be sudden and severe.

* Your allergic reactions are unique to you. For example, your body may have learned to be allergic to poison ivy from repeated exposure.

* Most people are aware of their particular allergy triggers and reactions.

o Certain foods, vaccines and medications, latex rubber, aspirin, shellfish, dust, pollen, mold, animal dander, and poison ivy are famous allergens.

o Bee stings, fire ant stings, penicillin, and peanuts are known for causing dramatic reactions that can be serious and involve the whole body.

o Minor injuries, hot or cold temperatures, exercise, or even emotions may be triggers.

o Often, the specific allergen cannot be identified unless you have had a similar reaction in the past.

* Allergies and the tendency to have allergic reactions run in some families. You may have allergies even if they do not run in your family.

* Many people who have one trigger tend to have other triggers as well.

* People with certain medical conditions are more likely to have allergic reactions.

o Severe allergic reaction in the past, Asthma, Lung conditions that affect breathing, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Nasal polyps, Frequent infections of the nasal sinuses, ears, or respiratory tract, Sensitive skin

The look and feel of an allergic reaction depends on the body part involved and the severity of the reaction. Some reactions affect many areas, others affect just one area. Reactions to the same allergen vary by individual.

* Anaphylaxis is the term for any combination of allergic symptoms that is rapid, or sudden, and potentially life threatening. Call an ambulance immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis.

o One sign of anaphylaxis is shock. Shock has a very specific meaning in medicine: the organs of the body are not getting enough blood because of dangerously low blood pressure. Shock may lead rapidly to death. The person in shock may be pale or red, sweaty or dry, confused, anxious, or unconscious.

o Breathing may be difficult or noisy, or the person may be unable to breathe.

* Shock is caused by sudden dilation of many or large blood vessels. This is brought on by the action of the mediators. If the drop in blood pressure is sudden and drastic, it can lead to unconsciousness, even cardiac arrest and death.

* Symptoms of an allergic reaction include any, some, or many of these:

o Skin - Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives (itchy bumps or welts)

o Lungs - Wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath

o Head - Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat; headache

o Nose - Stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing

o Eyes - Red (bloodshot), itchy, swollen, or watery

o Stomach - Pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea

When to Seek Medical Care

Because allergic reactions can progress and worsen in minutes, medical attention is always recommended for all but the most minor and localized symptoms.

If the symptoms of your reaction get worse over a few days, or if they do not get better with recommended treatment and removal of the allergen, call your health care provider.

Tell your health care provider if you have any allergic symptoms after using a drug or other treatment he or she prescribed for you (see Drug Allergy).

Allergic reactions can be dangerous. Sudden, severe, widespread reactions require emergency evaluation by a medical professional. Call an ambulance if you or someone around you has any of the following with an allergic reaction:

* Sudden, severe, rapidly worsening symptoms

* Exposure to an allergen that previously caused severe or bad reactions

* Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat

* Wheezing, chest tightness, loud breathing, or trouble breathing

* Confusion, sweating, nausea, or vomiting

* Widespread rash

* Collapse or unconsciousness