Updated on October 7, 2024
2 min read

The 3 Best Antiseptic Mouthwashes

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Mouthwash is an important part of your oral health. It helps keep your mouth clean and prevents the buildup of bacteria that could lead to dental problems.

But, if you’ve ever looked at the active ingredients in mouthwash, it might feel like you’re reading another language. In this article, we’ll discuss what are some of the best antiseptic mouthwashes available.

Everything We Recommend

Best with Essential Oils — Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash (ADA-Approved)

Best Alcohol-Free — TheraBreath Healthy Gums

Best for Mouth Sores — Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash and Mouth Sore Rinse

What are the 3 Best Antiseptic Mouthwashes?

Antiseptic mouthwash removes bacteria, viruses, and fungi from your mouth. It’s typically used to prevent infection, gingivitis, plaque, mouth sores, and bad breath. 

Antiseptic mouthwashes are available by prescription from your dentist or over the counter. Some of the best antiseptic mouthwashes include:

Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash (ADA-Approved)

Best with Essential Oils 
Product Backgrounds 14

Listerine’s antiseptic mouthwash can reduce 52% more plaque and 21% more gingivitis than brushing and flossing alone. It also offers 24-hour protection when used twice a day for at least 30 seconds.

Lastly, it’s a branded product that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Its active ingredients include:

  • Eucalyptol (eucalyptus oil)
  • Menthol (mint oil)
  • Methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil)
  • Thymol (thyme oil)

TheraBreath Healthy Gums

Best Alcohol-Free
therabreath healthy gums oral rinse

When used twice a day, TheraBreath Healthy Gums Mouthwash can prevent gum disease and bleeding gums. It’s formulated to freshen breath with an alcohol-free formula that doesn’t burn. 

Its active ingredient is cetylpyridinium chloride, an FDA-approved antigingivitis/antiplaque agent. Lastly, this product has also received the ADA Seal of Approval.

Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash and Mouth Sore Rinse

Best for Mouth Sores
Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash and Mouth Sore Rinse

Colgate’s peroxyl antiseptic mouthwash and rinse helps clean your mouth and help heal minor oral wounds. It uses 1.5% hydrogen peroxide to help remove debris and prevent infection. This product does not have the ADA seal of approval.

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Antiseptic vs. Antibacterial Mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwashes only target bacteria from an active infection, such as gingivitis. However, antiseptic mouthwashes target bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

Antiseptic mouthwash can also help stop and reduce plaque buildup and prevent infection. Meanwhile, antibacterial mouthwash is used when there is an active infection.

What are the Best Active Ingredients for Mouthwash?

The best active ingredient in your mouthwash will depend on the condition you are treating. Your dentist can make the best recommendation for mouthwash.

These common ingredients can be found in antiseptic mouthwashes:

  • Chlorhexidine — Controls and reduces plaque and gingivitis (only available via prescription).
  • Essential oils — Control and reduce plaque and gingivitis (Eucalyptol, Menthol, Methyl salicylate, Thymol, etc.). 
  • Cetylpyridinium chloride — Helps reduce bad breath. 
  • Sodium chloride — Helps prevent infection and promotes healing.
  • Hydrogen peroxide — Reduces bacteria and whitens teeth.

It’s important to understand that prolonged use of chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride may cause brown staining on your teeth, tongue, or dental restorations.

Fresher breath, healthier gums, stronger teeth – find it all in 2024's best mouthwashes. Explore the top picks here.

Last updated on October 7, 2024
7 Sources Cited
Last updated on October 7, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. Department of Scientific Information, ADA Science Institute. “Mouthrinse (Mouthwash).” American Dental Association, 2021. 
  2. Radzki et al. “A Fresh Look at Mouthwashes-What Is Inside and What Is It For?” Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022. 
  3. Mythri et al. “The efficacy of antiseptic mouth rinses in comparison with dental floss in controlling interproximal gingivitis.” J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2011.
  4. Alshehri, F. “The Use of Mouthwash Containing Essential Oils (Listerine®) to Improve Oral Health: A Systematic Review.” ScienceDirect, The Saudi Dental Journal, 2017.
  5. Bescos et al. “Effects of Chlorhexidine mouthwash on the oral microbiome.” Sci Rep, 2020.
  6. Herrera, D. “Chlorhexidine mouthwash reduces plaque and gingivitis.” Evid Based Dent, 2013.
  7. Hossainian et al. “The Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwashes on the Prevention of Plaque and Gingival Inflammation: a Systematic Review.” Wiley Online Library, International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 2011.
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