Life — June 5, 1931 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Listerine Advertisement Analysis This is a **Listerine mouthwash advertisement**, not political satire. The illustration depicts a social scenario where a man appears rejected or avoided by others due to halitosis (bad breath). The headline quotes "'till BREATH do us part," suggesting that unpleasant breath threatens relationships and social standing. The ad argues that halitosis causes social embarrassment and damaged business/personal relations. It lists causes: fermenting food, decaying teeth, digestive disorders, smoking, and infections. The solution presented is Listerine, which the ad claims uses "instant germicidal action" to halt fermentation and decay. This reflects early 20th-century marketing that exploited social anxiety about hygiene to sell commercial products—a common advertising strategy of the era.