Leyendecker, Listerine Mouth Wash, 1929

Leyendecker, Listerine Mouth Wash ad, 1929, originally uploaded by Gatochy.

Click image for 676 x 970 size. Scanned from Taschen's "All-American Ads of the 20s".

"The one true friend she has

You probably can't imagine yourself in this woman's predicament - yet the possibility is far from being remote.

Not so many years ago she burst upon Chicago life like a blazing star. In the rich homes of the Gold Coast, violins played long and lights burned late in her honor. She counted her friends by the hundreds, her suitors by the dozens. Assuredly she would marry brilliantly and live well.

Yet today she is a rather pathetic figure despite her wealth and her charm. Old acquaintances seldom call and she makes few new ones. Of all old friends only her bird remains true. Only he is always glad to see her.

How unfortunate that a minor defect can alter the course of human life.

Halitosis (unpleasant breath) is the damning, unforgivable social fault. It doesn't announce its presence to its victims. Consequently it is the last thing people suspect themselves of having - but it ought to be the first.

For halitosis is a definite daily threat to all. And for very obvious reasons, physicians explain. So slight a matter as a decaying tooth may cause it. Or an abnormal condition of the gums. Or fermenting food particles skipped by the tooth brush. Or minor nose and throat infection. Or excesses of eating, drinking and smoking.

Intelligent people recognize the risk and minimize it by the regular use of full strength Listerine as a mouth wash and gargle.

Listerine quickly checks halitosis because Listerine is an effective antiseptic and germicide that immediately strikes at the cause of odors. It is a powerful deodorant, capable of (?) the scent of onion and fish.

Always keep Listerine handy. It is (?) than snubbed."