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Choosing the best mouthwash can be likened to shopping for underwear: It’s a very personal journey that takes lots of trial and error. There are mouthwashes with and without fluoride, for bad breath, and for gum disease. Then there’s the taste and flavor factor. Your go-to will depend on what your mouth (and tastebuds) need. But one thing’s for certain—regardless of the kind, everyone should use a mouth rinse twice daily, says Brian Harris, DDS, DMD, lead medical advisor for SNOW and Frost Oral Care.
“The goal of every mouthwash is to freshen breath and remove bacteria and other food particles from the teeth,” he explains. “When used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing it provides a healthy and clean oral environment.”
Plus, the daily swish helps prevent some serious oral issues “before they can even arise,” adds Gary Silverstrom, DDS, a dentist practicing in Livingston, New Jersey. “Some of these issues include, but are not limited to, gingivitis, gum disease, plaque, and decay.” But how is one to know which is the best? We’re glad you asked.
How we chose the best mouthwashes
We consulted Dr. Harris, Dr Silverstrom, and Erin Issac, DMD a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Pittsburgh, along with customer reviews to narrow down the best mouth rinses for various needs.
Our top picks
Now, to discover your best oral health yet, scroll on and meet your perfect mouthwash match.
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Pour, gurgle, and spit might seem like a no-brainer, but there’s more to rinsing than meets the eye. Here are some expert-backed tips for shopping and keeping your mouth clean.
✔️ Avoid high alcohol content: Alcohol is responsible for the fiery burn many washes leave in your mouth. “It may feel like it’s working, but it can actually be doing more damage than good,” explains Dr. harris. “It can dry out the oral tissues. Most toothpastes contain anionic compounds, and mouthrinses contain cationic compounds. When combined, the reaction creates a drying effect in the mouth.” Alcohol can also create an imbalanced oral microbiome, eliminating the good bacteria it needs.
✔️ Pay attention to active ingredients: “Some key ingredients to look out for in mouthwash can be fluoride, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, different kinds of peroxides,” says Dr. Silverstrom. “These all depend on what your current dental needs are and which would help those needs the best.”
✔️ Rinse twice daily: Both morning and night, ideally after brushing and flossing, says Dr. harris.
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