In this article
Brushing and flossing are important for oral health, but so is rinsing with mouthwash. Most dentists agree that mouthwash can do wonders for your smile, especially if you pick a brand that addresses your needs.
With the right ingredients, mouthwashes can help you fight cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Some brands even help with sensitivity, teeth stains, dry mouth, and issues such as halitosis and gingivitis.
Everything We Recommend
Our Dentist’s Top Pick— Crest Pro-Health Advanced Multi-Protection
Best for Whitening Teeth — Crest 3D Glamorous White Mouthwash
Best for Preventing Cavities — ACT Restoring Anticavity Mouthwash
Best for Bad Breath — TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
Best for Relieving Dry Mouth — Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse
Best for Sensitive Teeth — CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Non-Irritating Rinse
Best for Healthy Gums — Listerine Ultraclean
As smile specialists, we only want what’s best for your teeth. That’s why we asked Dr. Khushbu Gopalakrishnan, one of NewMouth’s in-house dentists, to evaluate mouthwashes based on the following criteria:
Dr. Khushbu Gopalakrishnan specializes in clinical dentistry and consults for several organizations, including Dr. Clobo and Kaplan. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2014 from UCLA School of Dentistry and completed a one-year general dentistry residency in a hospital setting.
Here are the top picks from NewMouth’s in-house dentist:
Dr. Gopalakrishnan recommends Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection due to its alcohol-free formula. Unlike most brands we know, it can kill 99% of bacteria without the burning sensation in your mouth—making it gentle for everyday use. It also contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a powerful ingredient that fights plaque and gingivitis so you’ll have a healthier smile.
Want to keep your teeth looking white? Try adding Crest 3D’s Whitening Mouthwash to your routine.
It uses sodium fluoride, hydrated silica, and hydrogen peroxide to remove surface stains and prevent them from forming again. Since it doesn’t contain alcohol, it won’t sting or dry out your mouth.
ACT Restoring Anticavity Mouthwash stands out for its ability to strengthen and remineralize teeth. Its high concentration of fluoride (approved by the American Dental Association) helps fight cavities and reverses early signs of tooth decay.
The mouthwash comes in a variety of flavors too, which include Cool Mint, Cinnamon, and kid-friendly options like Bubblegum and Groovy Grape. However, Dr. Gopalakrishnan says some of these flavors may be too strong for you.
TheraBreath’s Oral Rinse does more than mask bad breath. It promotes lasting freshness by neutralizing the bacteria that may be causing it.
This dentist-developed formula has the ADA Seal of Acceptance, so it’s safe and effective. It’s also suitable for many lifestyles and dietary restrictions since it’s vegan, kosher, alcohol-free, and gluten-free.
Biotène’s Dry Mouth Oral Rinse is specially formulated to soothe dry mouth. It contains xylitol and sorbitol, sugars that encourage salivation and inhibit bacteria.
This prevents bad breath and makes activities like eating and talking more comfortable. Dr. Gopalakrishnan says it does contain glycerin as a moistening agent, which produces a “thick texture that may not be palatable for some.”
CloSYS Non-Irritating Rinse is extra gentle on your mouth thanks to its mild pH-balanced ingredients. It contains stabilized chlorine dioxide (Cloralstan), trisodium phosphate, and citric acid to kill 99% of bacteria in 10 seconds while fighting plaque and tooth sensitivity all at once.
This unique formula is also ADA-approved for reducing bad breath, although it’s “on the more costly side” says Dr. Gopalakrishnan.
Listerine Ultraclean Mouthwash is a powerful antiseptic, which is why Dr. Gopalakrishnan recommends it for fighting gum disease. It relies on essential oils (namely eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, and methyl salicylate) with proven antibacterial and antifungal properties to kill 99.9% of germs that cause gingivitis and bad breath. Although Dr. Gopalakrishnan says some of these ingredients may cause a temporary burning sensation in the mouth.
Dr. Gopalakrishnan says to look for mouthwashes that provide the benefits you’re after. Here are some common ingredients and what they can do:
You’ll want to avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), especially if you have sensitive teeth or are easily irritated.
They can dry your mouth, cause a burning sensation, or irritate your gums. Dr. Gopalakrishnan says they might even lead to ulcers and peeling gums.
Ultimately, it’s best to talk to your dentist and ask for mouthwash recommendations. They can pick a brand that best suits your needs.
In this article
