The 3 Best Antiseptic Mouthwashes

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. Below are some of the best antiseptic mouthwashes available.

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

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

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’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 2026’s best mouthwashes. Explore the top picks here.