How to Choose the Best Mouthwash for You

Your Guide to buying the best Mouthwashes

Overview

Mouthwash is an effective and convenient way to improve your oral hygiene routine. It helps to remove bacteria and food particles from your mouth, while freshening your breath and reducing the risk of gingivitis and other dental issues. This buying guide will help you find the right mouthwash to suit your needs, covering the different types available and the key factors to consider when making your purchase.

Key features

  • Type of Mouthwash - There are many types of mouthwash on the market, such as anti-bacterial, tartar control, whitening, and alcohol-free. Consider your personal needs when choosing the right type of mouthwash for you.
  • Ingredients - Check the ingredients list on the mouthwash bottle and make sure it does not contain any ingredients you may be allergic or sensitive to. Some natural ingredients to look for are essential oils, aloe vera, enzymes, and natural extracts.
  • Alcohol Content - While some mouthwashes contain alcohol, others are alcohol-free. Consider the alcohol content when choosing a mouthwash, as excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to a dry mouth.
  • Flavor - Mouthwashes are available in a variety of flavors, such as mint, cinnamon, and citrus. Choose a flavor that you enjoy to make the experience of using the mouthwash more pleasant.
  • Strength - Some mouthwashes are stronger than others, and this is usually indicated on the bottle. Look for a mouthwash with the desired strength level to get the most effective results.
  • Price - Mouthwashes range in price, so consider your budget when shopping for a mouthwash. Compare prices across different brands and sizes to find the best deal.

See the most popular Mouthwashes on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Good Breath: Mouthwash helps keep bad breath at bay and can provide long lasting freshness.
  • Healthier Teeth and Gums: Mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease and cavities.
  • Whiten Teeth: Certain types of mouthwash can help whiten teeth by removing surface stains.
  • Freshen Breath Instantly: Mouthwash can provide a quick fix for bad breath in a matter of seconds.
  • Help Remove Particles: Mouthwash can help remove food particles that brushing may miss.

Cons

  • Costs: Mouthwashes can be expensive and come in many different sizes and brands, so it may be difficult for a buyer to determine which product is best for their budget.
  • Ingredients: Certain chemical ingredients in mouthwash can cause allergic reactions in some people. Furthermore, some ingredients are known to be carcinogenic and can be harmful if swallowed.
  • Alcohol: Many mouthwashes contain alcohol which can cause dry mouth, a burning sensation, or other side effects.
  • Tooth Discoloration: Certain ingredients in mouthwash can cause staining or discoloration of the teeth.
  • Tooth Sensitivity: Overuse of mouthwash can lead to tooth sensitivity due to the presence of abrasive ingredients.
  • Fluoride Content: Too much fluoride can lead to discoloration of the teeth, so it is important to look for mouthwashes that don't contain excessive amounts of fluoride.
  • Mouth Bacteria: Overuse of mouthwash can lead to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to other oral health issues.

Best alternatives

  1. Gargling Salt Water - Gargling salt water is a natural and effective remedy for removing bacteria from your mouth, freshening your breath, and reducing inflammation in your throat.
  2. Baking Soda Rinse - Baking soda rinse is a common, inexpensive, and gentle way to keep your mouth free of bacteria and to reduce bad breath.
  3. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse - Hydrogen peroxide rinse is an effective and natural remedy for eliminating bacteria from your mouth and reducing bad breath.
  4. Oil Pulling - Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of swishing oil around your mouth in order to draw out toxins and bacteria.
  5. Mouthwash Tablets - Mouthwash tablets are an easy and convenient way to freshen your breath and reduce bacteria in your mouth.
  6. Aloe Vera Rinse - Aloe vera rinse is a natural remedy for reducing bacteria in your mouth and reducing bad breath.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Travel Mouthwash - A smaller, travel-sized bottle of mouthwash, usually containing between 3 and 5 ounces of liquid.
  • Alcohol-Free Mouthwash - A mouthwash that does not contain any alcohol, and instead utilizes natural ingredients and essential oils.
  • Mouth Rinse - A product that neutralizes bad breath and cleanses the mouth.
  • Gargle - A type of rinse that involves swishing a mixture of water and mouthwash around the mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
  • Mouthwash with Fluoride - A mouthwash containing fluoride, which helps protect against tooth decay.
  • Antiseptic Mouthwash - A mouthwash containing antiseptic agents to reduce bacterial levels in the mouth.
  • Whitening Mouthwash - A mouthwash that contains whitening ingredients to help whiten teeth.
  • Natural Mouthwash - A mouthwash containing natural ingredients such as essential oils and botanicals.
  • Mouth Sprays - A product that is sprayed or misted directly into the mouth to freshen breath.

Common questions

  1. What are the main ingredients in mouthwash? Most non-medicated mouthwashes contain water, alcohol, flavorings, and essential oils. Some will also contain additional ingredients such as antimicrobial agents, surfactants, and humectants.
  2. What are the benefits of using mouthwash? Mouthwash can help reduce plaque, freshen breath, prevent gingivitis, reduce bacteria in the mouth, and help reduce cavities.
  3. What type of mouthwash should I use? The type of mouthwash you choose to use will depend on your individual needs. If you are looking for preventative care, a non-medicated mouthwash may be best. For those with gum disease or other medical conditions, a medicated mouthwash may be recommended.
  4. How often should I use mouthwash? Generally, it is recommended to use mouthwash twice daily after brushing your teeth. However, it is best to follow the directions on the mouthwash label for the specific type of mouthwash you are using.
  5. Are there any side effects associated with using mouthwash? Generally, mouthwash is considered safe. However, those with sensitive teeth or gums may experience some irritation or stinging. Additionally, some alcohol-based mouthwashes may cause dry mouth, and those that contain essential oils may cause allergic reactions.
  6. Are there any natural alternatives to mouthwash? Yes, there are many natural alternatives to mouthwash including baking soda, salt water, hydrogen peroxide, and herbal infusions such as peppermint or sage.

Trivia

In the early days of mouthwash, many formulas were made with such unsavory ingredients as whiskey, camphor, and even charcoal! This changed in the 1960s when companies started producing less potent, more pleasant-tasting products. Today, many major brands of mouthwash contain fluoride, which helps to strengthen and protect teeth from decay and cavities. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.