The Best 13 Mouthwashes

Unlike toothbrushes, mouthwash is often considered unnecessary (mistakenly) and is not included in most people's dental care routine. However, regular use of mouthwash is proven to have positive cosmetic and therapeutic effects on the mouth. Mouthwashes have many active ingredients with valuable functions. For example, the antimicrobial agents clear away bacteria that cause bad breath, resulting in healthier teeth and gums, while the whitening agents whiten the teeth like regular toothpaste.

Choosing best mouthwash for oral hygiene

Mouthwashes are available in various formulations, some containing alcohol while others are free of alcohol. There are dozens of products in the market, and choosing the best is challenging. Some valuable criteria to be considered are; 

• Seal of acceptance by dental associations, e.g., British Dental Association (BDA) or American Dental Association (ADA), ensures that the product is scientifically verified and meets the quality standards of efficacy and safety. 
• Other crucial criteria are price, presence of different active and inactive ingredients, and taste. Some therapeutic mouthwashes contain therapeutic agents and are available over the counter or need a prescription. 

Top Mouthwashes in the market

Here are the top 13 picks from the market, along with their specifications and primary purpose of use. It is better to include a dentist in the decision-making process to be safe. 

ACT® Dry Mouth Mouthwash

It is offered by ACT Professional and has hydrating polymers that lock in the moisture. The active ingredient is sodium fluoride (0.02%), which effectively protects against dental caries. The other valuable ingredients are glycerine, which coats the oral mucosa, and xylitol, a sweetener that prevents oral decay. Its alcohol-free formula ensures no burns occur, and the effects last for hours. Besides increasing the saliva production in the mouth, the xylitol reduces the growth of S. mutans, which is responsible for plaque formation on the teeth. 

It's good taste ensures that swishing activity is accomplished comfortably for the recommended duration of 1 minute. It is, however, recommended for adults and children above six years, and some users report that dry mouth condition returns quickly after the use. Its 18 fl. oz pack is offered by ACT Oral Care for 8.49$. Click here to buy. 

ACT® Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash

It is offered by ACT Professional and has sodium fluoride (0.05%) as an active ingredient. It is highly effective in reducing dental decay, promoting the health of gums, and strengthening the enamel. It is free from paraben, phthalate, sulphate, and aluminium, increasing its acceptability. Its gentle, pH-balanced, and safe formula prevents the demineralization of teeth and strengthens the enamel. Moreover, it is available in three flavours (mint, arctic blast, and cinnamon), allowing a more personalised choice. 

It is available in both alcohol and alcohol-free versions, and one can choose according to personal choice. Some users have noted it to be harsh on the teeth. Its 18 fl. oz packing is available for 4.12$ at Amazon. Click here to buy. 

Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra Whitening Mouthwash 

It is offered by Crest and has fluoride as an active ingredient. It whitens the teeth by removing surface stains. Its alcohol-free formula increases acceptability. The active ingredients kill and remove the germs that cause bad breath and tooth decay and protect the enamel. A drawback is that it takes months to be effective. Its 32 fl. oz packing is available for 7.32$ at Amazon. Click here to buy.

Crest Pro-Health Multi Protection Mouthwash

It is offered by Crest and has cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) as an active ingredient. The CPC is an antimicrobial agent that treats conditions like bleeding or receding gums, gingivitis, tooth decay and bad breath. Its alcohol-free formula ensures no burns or irritation for people with dry mouth. It leaves a mint taste after use, which users highly appreciate. 

Some users have reported that it causes temporary stains on the teeth that require regular cleaning and brushing at the dental clinic. The mint taste is also only liked by some people. It is very pocket-friendly, and its 1-litre (33.8 fl. oz) packing is available for just 5$ at Amazon. Click here to buy.

Colgate Total Shield Pro Mouthwash

It is offered by Colgate and is an alcohol-free mouthwash with a mild taste of peppermint. Its active ingredient is 0.075% cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), which treats plaque buildup and bad breath. Its antimicrobial activity lasts 12 hours or more and is recommended by dentists to treat conditions like receding gums, periodontitis and gingivitis. 

Other inactive ingredients are propylene glycol, glycerin, citric acid, sodium saccharin, sorbitol, flavour and water. Its IL (33.8 fl. oz) packing is available for 5.49$ at Amazon. Click here to buy.

Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash 

It is offered by Listerine. The active ingredients in this mouthwash are methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, thymol and menthol. Added together with the alcohol base, these ingredients provide a minty flavour that many users like. The active ingredients are essential oils with antimicrobial properties and are effective against conditions like bad breath, receding gums, gingivitis and plaque. 

Its alcohol-based formula is not suitable for people with sensitive and dry mouth. It is recommended for adults and children above 12 years of age. Welzo offers its 500ml pack for just 5.53$. Click here to buy.

TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse

It is offered by Thera Breath and is an antibacterial mouthwash recommended to control the growth of sulphur-producing bacteria and treat severe lousy breath for up to 12 hours. Its alcohol-free formula increases acceptability. The other active ingredients are sodium benzoate, sodium chlorite, tetrasodium EDTA, castor oil, citric acid and peppermint oil. 

However, it is more expensive than many other products, and some people report a disturbance in their taste buds. It is recommended only for adults. Its 16 fl. oz pack is available for 15.34$ at Amazon. Click here to buy. 

CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash

It is offered by CloSYS and is an alcohol-free product for people with tooth sensitivity and bad breath. Its active ingredient is an oxidising agent, chlorine dioxide, which kills the sulphur-producing bacteria in the mouth. Other ingredients are citric acid, natural mineral oil, peppermint oil and trisodium phosphate. Its gentle taste increases its acceptability. 

Some users find it more expensive than many competitive brands. Its 32 fl. oz pack is available for 11.98$ at Amazon. Click here to buy.

Peridex® Mouthwash

It is a prescription medicated mouthwash with the active ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate (0.12%). Other brands with the same active ingredient are Paroex®, Periogard® and Perisol®. Its germicidal effects kill bacteria in the mouth responsible for gingivitis, swelling, redness and bleeding from the gums. It's a pharmaceutical mouthwash, and it's not for everyone.

Some users report side effects, e.g., taste disturbance, mouth irritation, buildup of tartar and tooth staining. Some people experience allergic reactions and must stop the use. It is available in pharmacies on prescription.

Marvis Mouthwash

It is a concentrated mouthwash whose formula is designed to neutralise the bacteria that cause bad breath, gingivitis and other oral conditions without irritating and stripping the gums and teeth. The major ingredients are xylitol, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium saccharin and propolis extract. 

It's alcohol-free and available in beautiful packaging that fits its effective formula. It is relatively expensive, and its 4.1fl. oz pack is available for 22.50$ at Amazon. Click here to buy.

Hello Oral Care Anti gingivitis Mouthwash

It is offered by Hello Products and is specially formulated for vegans, as it is free from sulphates, dyes, artificial flavours, sweeteners and alcohol. Many users love its mint flavour. It is alcohol and fluoride-free. The primary ingredients are coconut oil (as a moisturiser), aloe vera (as a gum protector), mint (as a freshener) and xylitol as a natural sweetener. It is available for 5.99$ at the manufacturer’s website. Click here to buy.

The Dirt Pulling Oil Mouthwash

It is offered by The Dirt, and its formula is based on the Ayurvedic tradition of swishing the mouth with oil for 20 minutes on an empty stomach to improve oral and overall health. The mint rose and clover flavour increases its acceptability by the users. The oil-pulling properties of the mouthwash remove irritants and bacteria from the mouth. It is relatively expensive, and its 8 fl. oz packing is available for 39.99$ at Amazon. Click here to buy.

OLAS Marine Bio-Avtive Mouth Rinse

It is offered by OLAS Wellness and has essential oils and marine bioactive ingredients in a non-toxic formula. The primary ingredients are sea salts, blue-green algae extract, marine collagen, magnesium, calcium, and essential oils. These ingredients together reduce inflammation in the oral cavity, restore freshness of breath, remove plague-causing bacteria and boost oral immunity. 

It is eco-friendly and long-lasting. Click here to buy.

Safety tips for mouthwashes

Mouthwashes are for adults above six (with permanent teeth) unless explicitly designed for children. The younger children tend to swallow it, and it must not be used. A healthy practice is to consult the dentist to choose a good dental care product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mouthwash in the market?

The choice of “best mouthwash” depends upon the purpose of use. For cavity protection, ACT® Alcohol-Free Anticavity Fluoride Rinse is best; for dry mouth, ACT® Dry Mouth Mouthwash is best; for protection against dental plaque, Crest® Scope All Day Mouthwash is best; and for older adults, CloSYS® Silver Fluoride Mouthwash is best. 

Which mouthwash is recommended by the dentists? 

The dentists prescribe a variety of medicated mouthwashes to treat oral diseases. These mouthwashes mostly contain Chlorhexidine, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that kills the germs responsible for oral diseases.

Which mouthwash is effective against disease-causing oral bacteria?

For oral germs, Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash FRESHBURST® is very effective. It kills 99.9% of the germs that cause gingivitis, bad breath and plaque. 

Which Listerine mouthwash is best for oral hygiene?

LISTERINE® Cool Mint Milder Taste Mouthwash is best for someone looking for the best oral hygiene with a pleasant, milder taste. It gives 3x deeper cleaning than an ordinary brush and fights against germs that cause oral diseases.

Is saltwater a good substitute for mouthwash?

Oral Cancer Foundation recommends salt water rinse as a safer alternative, particularly to alcohol-containing mouthwashes, because alcohol irritates the mouth and gums. It stops the bacterial growth and keeps the mouth clean. 

Is it safe to gargle salt water regularly?

Yes, there are no side effects and salt water gargles are safe even if performed several times daily. However, people with health conditions and exceptionally high blood pressure must be cautious about their sodium intake and consult the dentist.

What is the difference between gargle and mouthwash?

Gargling and mouthwash are different activities and are done for different purposes. During a mouthwash, the solution is used in the mouth, while during gargling, the solution is used in the throat.

Welzo offers a range of oral care products which are delivered fast. Our professional staff is available to guide the patients and help them make a suitable choice. Click here to view the products and consult Welzo health professionals.