Best Mouthwashes of 2026

When it comes to buying essentials for oral health, many people can feel overwhelmed by the amount of choices available to them. While it’s easy to pick a toothbrush and toothpaste, picking a mouthwash can get confusing.

Different brands all claim to freshen breath, fight cavities, and soothe sensitive gums. But which one is the best for you?

Here’s our pick for some of the best mouthwashes available today.

How Did We Make This List?

NewMouth only wants 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:

• Ingredients ⁠— Making sure they work and are safe for you
• Results — What they can do for your smile
• User reviews — We looked for consistent positive feedback

Meet the Expert

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.

7 Best Mouthwashes Picked By A Dentist

Here are the top picks from NewMouth’s in-house dentist:

Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection

Our Dentist’s Choice

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.

Crest 3D Glamorous White

Best Teeth Whitening

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

Best Cavity Prevention

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 Fresh Breath Oral Rinse

Best Mouthwash for Bad Breath

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 Dry Mouth Oral Rinse

Best Dry Mouth Relief

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 Ultra Sensitive

Best for Sensitive Teeth

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

Best for Healthy Gums

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.

However, Dr. Gopalakrishnan says some of these ingredients may cause a temporary burning sensation in the mouth.

How To Choose The Best Mouthwash

The best way to choose a good mouthwash for you is to understand your oral health goal. Do you want to freshen your breath, prevent cavities, or relieve dry 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:

• Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) — Prevents plaque and gingivitis
• Stabilized chlorine dioxide — Kills bacteria and prevents bad breath
• Fluoride — Fights cavities and strengthens the enamel
• Calcium or calcium phosphate — Remineralizes teeth
• Hydrogen peroxide — Bleaching agent used to remove stains
• Essential oils — Fight bad breath and gum disease
• Zinc — A mineral that helps prevent halitosis
• Xylitol — Prevents cavities and sweetens the mouthwash
• Sodium bicarbonate — Neutralizes oral pH so it’s less acidic
• Chlorhexidine — A strong anti-plaque ingredient

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.

Additionally, 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.