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There is a substantial body of evidence which illustrates that modern soft drinks and especially colas contain a number of components which are damaging to health. Caffeine affects the stability of the physiological systems which regulate our health. They are designed to do so and are experienced as a 'high' or 'buzz'.

Phosphoric acid is proven to affect the endocrine system.

Excess sugar affects blood sugar.
 
The evidence against artificial sweeteners is a mixed-bag. There is huge amounts of evidence which indicates that Aspartame is not good for you but nothing has been sufficient to influence the FDA that it should be banned despite some very damning evidence. Aspartame is a chemical comprising aspartic acid and phenylalanine. If it were to break down in the body into even very small quantities of these components it would undoubtedly affect the body.  No-one has yet been able to associate the use of other sweeteners with significant health issues - although by their design they are meant to fool the body. They are meant to induce a feeling of sweetness in the mouth but to deprive the body of calories. Am I missing something here? It is meant to convey to the body that calories are coming but then to avoid providing the calories. Surely this activates process of appetite on the body and hence stimulates feelings of hunger which is the reverse of what is intended!
 

could one of the ingredients in the Listerine have acted as a trigger?

I looked at my bottle of Listerine, and there are substances in it that I do not recognise.