10 Best Mouthwashes To Improve Your Oral Health In 2023
Avoid bad breath and tooth decay while preventing the accumulation of stubborn stains.
Dr. Farayi Shakespeare MoyanaPhD, BDS, MPH, MPhil, MBA, BEd
Expertise: Dentistry & Dental Public Health
Experience: 18 years
Dr. Farayi (Shakespeare) Moyana is a Zimbabwe-based dentist with 18 years of experience. He is the founder and director of the Zimbabwe Academy of Dental Nursing, a board member of Sunshine Kids Musha Vana, a not-for-profit organization in ... more
Expertise: Home & Kitchen
Experience: 2 years
Pratyasha has a master's degree in English from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is an avid lover of art and literature. She has over two years of experience in writing articles across bea... more
Aditi NaskarDiploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Dental care for healthy teeth and gums is equally important, but sometimes, people take it too lightly. To avoid the onset of bad breath and the decaying of teeth, it is good to pay attention to the kind of mouthwash you purchase, and we’re here with the best mouthwashes that you need for healthy teeth and plaque control. After a whole day of chewing, rinsing the mouth with a cleaning agent can keep the yellowish tone at bay, not to mention eliminating germs. If you wish to have strong and clean teeth, take a look at these 10 best types of mouthwashes formulated to keep your mouth healthy. But please take note that a mouthwash is not a substitute for proper and effective tooth brushing. Continuous use of a mouthwash needs to be done under professional supervision in order to prevent unintended outcomes.
In This Article
Benefits Of Using A Mouthwash
- Freshens Breath: Mouthwash kills bacteria that cause bad breath. It also leaves a cool and minty feeling in your mouth. However, it does not get rid of bad breath permanently.
- Prevents Plaque Formation: Mouthwash prevents dental plaque formation. It must have antibacterial properties to kill the bacteria trapped in your mouth. This can help prevent gum infections and reduce cavities.
- Removes Debris: The advantage of using mouthwash is that since it is liquid, it can reach every nook and cranny of your mouth. It can reach areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. After your daily oral regimen, loosened plaque might remain in between your teeth, which can be rinsed out thoroughly by a mouthwash.
- Prevents Cavities: Mouthwashes contain fluoride, which can prevent cavities and provides enamel protection against oral problems such as periodontal disease and gingivitis. However, some scientific studies show that fluoride can cause oral damage. Therefore, use it in the recommended quantity. Also, remember that not all mouthwashes contain fluoride. Therefore, be sure to check the label before purchasing.
Now, let’s check out how mouthwashes work.
How Do Mouthwashes Work?
Mouthwashes are designed to inhibit the build-up of oral bacteria that cause cavities and other gum infections. It reduces plaque formation and prevents your teeth from turning yellow. They typically have a strong mint flavor that is designed to freshen your breath. Most mouthwashes contain fluoride, which is an active ingredient that balances the production of acid. This helps prevent plaque multiplication. The most common active ingredients in mouthwashes include cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), sodium bicarbonate, and triclosan. These ingredients maintain the overall health of your teeth and gums. Pick a mouthwash that has a fluoride level of 200 to 250 ppm.
To help you pick the perfect product, we have curated a list of the ten best mouthwashes of 2023. Check them out!
Top 10 Mouthwashes To Buy In 2023
1. Best Overall:Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Mouthwash
Image: Crest Get a whiter and brighter smile by using Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous Mouthwash. It is designed with a triple-action formula that whitens teeth, prevents stubborn stains, and kills the germs that cause bad breath. The new Whitelock technology prevents new stains from forming. This oral rinse enhances your brushing routine and gives you several shades of brighter-looking teeth in just two days. The mint flavor freshens your breath. To find out more about the benefits of this product, watch this YouTube video.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Enamel-safe
- Freshens breath
- Safe for dry mouth
- Mint flavor
- Provides positive results in just 7 days
Cons
None
Ratings
4.7/5
Quick TipAvoid drinking too much coffee or tea as they contain tannic acid, which causes staining and yellowing of teeth.
2. Best For Fresh Breath:Colgate Total Antiplague Mouthwash
Image: Colgate The Colgate Total Mouthwash kills 99% bacteria and protects your mouth against germs. It is infused with cetylpyridinium chloride that instantly freshens up your breath, helps remove plaque, and prevents gingivitis. The alcohol-free mouthwash offers up to 12-hour germ protection and strengthens the gums. Check this video on YouTube to see an honest review of the product.
Pros
- Prevents gingivitis
- 12-hour protection
- Freshens the breath
- Alchohol-free
- Value for money
Cons
- May cause a tingling sensation
- May stain the teeth
Ratings
4.7/5
Why It’s Worth Buying: Almost 7,657 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Quick TipPair the mouthwash with a fluoride toothpaste for stronger teeth, plaque and cavity prevention. Make sure to use only a pea-sized amount of paste when you brush, to prevent enamel decay due to excess fluorine and higher than normal pH level of the mouth.
3. Best For Enamel Health:Listerine Total Care Alcohol-Free Anticavity Mouthwash
Image: Listerine This alcohol-free formula is certified by the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance Program for its intense bacteria-killing capacity. It restores enamel health and cleanses the mouth. It provides a minty fresh flavor that takes away bad breath. It is perfectly suitable to use multiple times a day. With regular use, it claims to strengthen your teeth by 50% and prevent the occurrence of cavities. Check out this review for a closer look into the features of this product.
Pros
- Strengthens teeth
- Reduces bad breath
- Helps prevent cavities
- Mild minty flavor
Cons
Leaves a white film in your mouth
Ratings
4.5/5
4. Best Long-Lasting Results:Tom’s Of Maine Wicked Fresh MouthWash
Image: Tom's Of Marine Tom’s Of Maine Wicked Fresh Natural Mouthwash is clinically proven to provide long-lasting fresh breath. It contains zinc that neutralizes the mouth odor caused by bacteria to give you long-lasting fresh breath without leaving a burning sensation in your mouth. It is formulated without harmful chemicals, artificial colors, or preservatives. It prevents further damage to teeth and staining. The concentrated flavor oils and natural minerals work together to get rid of bad breath.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Removes stubborn stains
- Gentle formula
- Non-stinging
- Improves gum health
- 10% of profits are donated to environmental charities
Cons
Extremely sweet taste
Ratings
4.4/5
5. Best For Sensitive Gums:Act Restoring Mouthwash
Act Restoring Mouthwash is a fluoride rinse with a cool mint flavor that leaves your mouth and breath feeling fresh and clean. It restores enamel health and prevents tooth decay. It strengthens the enamel, prevents plaque formation, and cleanses sensitive teeth.
Pros
- Mild formula
- Suitable for dry and sensitive gums
- Reduces cavities up to 70%
- Reasonably priced
Cons
Contains sodium fluoride
Ratings
4.4/5
6. Best For Oral Hygiene:Nature’s Answer PerioBrite Natural Mouthwash
Image: Nature's Answer The Nature’s Answer PerioBrite Natural Mouthwash offers advanced cleaning action for your teeth. It is infused with coQ10, oregano, cinnamon, and clove which improve your gum health. The phytoplenolin in the formula gently cleanses your mouth and boosts cell vitality. The mouthwash moisturizes your gums and promotes oral hygiene. Its minty fresh smell revitalizes your mouth and masks your bad breath. This mouthwash is free of artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Pros
- Gentle
- Fresh mint flavor
- Fluoride-free
- Artificial preservatives-free
- Artificial sweeteners-free
- SLS-free
- Gluten-free
- Alchohol-free
- Soy-free
Cons
None
Ratings
4.7/5
Why It’s Worth Buying: There are more than 1,844 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
7. Best For Dry Mouth:Act Total Care Dry Mouth Fluoride Mouthwash
Act Dry Mouth Mouthwash is the most dentist-recommended fluoride mouthwash. It is an alcohol-free fluoride rinse that is formulated to soothe dry mouth, moisturize mouth tissue, strengthen teeth, remove stains, and freshen breath. This mouthwash maintains oral hygiene and gently cleanses your mouth without creating a burning sensation. Within a couple of uses, this mouthwash kills germs that cause bad breath. It leaves a cool minty sensation in your mouth that lasts long.
Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- Protects against cavities
- Removes stubborn stains
- Suitable for dry mouth
- Very refreshing
Cons
Extremely strong flavor
Ratings
4.2/5
8. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse
Image: Biotene The Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse is specially formulated to fight dry mouth and treat bad breath. It has a minty flavor that leaves your mouth feeling fresh for a long time. It moisturizes your mouth and provides up to 4-hour relief from dryness. It also balances the pH level of your mouth. This alcohol- and sugar-free mouthwash also effectively soothes the skin inside your mouth.
Pros
- Fresh mint flavor
- Balances mouth’s pH level Moisturizes the mouth
- Alcohol-free
- Sugar-free
Cons
- Contains parabens
Ratings
4.7/5
9. Best Minty Flavour:Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra Whitening Mouthwash
Image: Crest The Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra Whitening Mouthwash takes your oral health game up a notch. It removes teeth surface stains, eliminates bad breath, and whitens your teeth. It also strengthens your teeth’s enamel and prevents cavities. This alcohol-free mouthwash has a cool minty flavor that freshens up your mood instantly.
Pros
- Fight bad breath
- Removes teeth stains
- Whitens teeth
- Pleasant smell
- Alchohol-free
Cons
- Some may not like the taste
Ratings
4.7/5
10. Best For Multiple Uses:Procter And Gamble Scope Outlast Mouthwash
Image: Procter & Gamble This mouthwash removes bad breath, and its results last five times longer than other products. It kills millions of bad-breath germs to keep your breath fresh and clean. It contains powerful ingredients to prevent cavities and other gum infections. It has an antiseptic and analgesic effect and inhibits the growth of bacteria, particularly those that cause halitosis. This mouth rinse provides relief from mouth ulcers and sores, throat infections, and gingivitis.
Pros
- Long-lasting mint flavor
- Strengthens enamel
- Suitable for multiple uses in a day
- Restores the health of your teeth
- Reasonably priced
Cons
Availability issues
Ratings
4.0/5
The Bottom Line
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Mouthwash
Mouthwashes are effective in eliminating germs and helping manage bad odor. Hence, having them in your oral care kit is a must. A good mouthwash contains a few key ingredients that are proven to be effective in boosting oral health. Check out the infographic below to learn about these ingredients.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Why Trust StyleCraze?
We have curated this list of the best mouthwashes for healthy teeth after carefully reviewing tha available products on the market. In addition, we checked online reviews and user feedback on different online platforms to understand the efficacy and quality of each product. The shortlisted products help maintain your oral hygiene and prevent bad breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to mouthwash everyday?
Yes. Using mouthwash twice a day helps keep your teeth and oral cavity in good health.
When should I use mouthwash?
Use mouthwash daily after lunch and evening snacks.
Should I mouthwash after brushing?
No. Using a mouthwash after brushing, washes the fluoride from the toothpaste.
What mouthwash do dentists use?
Dentists use Chlorhexidine mouthwash, which is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial.
Should I use mouthwash before bed?
No. It is recommended to brush your teeth before bed and not replace it with a mouthwash.
Can I drink water after mouthwash?
No, wait 30 minutes to let the fluoride from the mouthwash do its work.
How long should you use mouthwash?
Use a mouthwash for 30-60 seconds.
Can mouthwash whiten the teeth?
Yes. A mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide can whiten the teeth with continued use for three to five months.
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