Mouthwash Reviews

Recommendations Updated April 16th, 2018.

Before I get into the recommendations I want to explain a couple of things about mouthwash. Mouthwash can be a good companion for strengthening your teeth or helping bad breath but brushing and flossing always need to come first. You need the mechanical removal of bacteria that both provide. You won’t be able to fix bad breath with just mouthwash. There are also a lot of different types of mouthwash. Here are a couple of the major differences…

• With or without Fluoride – Fluoride is great for reducing the likelihood of getting cavities. Brushing and flossing is sufficient for most people (if done regularly!), but if you like to make sure you are doing everything you can, this is an easy way to help.
• With or without Alcohol – Alcohol gives mouthwash that burning sensation that some people love and others hate. It also helps dissolve essential oils that provide the actual antibacterial effect. There have been some concerns that the alcohol in mouthwash could lead to an increased risk of oral cancer, however, there has been NO convincing evidence to date that this happens. There is some concern however, that alcohol can dry your mouth temporarily.
• Dry Mouth Rinses – A variety of conditions or medications can lead to dry mouth. Ask your physician or dentist if you are concerned. Using a dry mouth mouthrinse and a fluoride mouthrinse (or one that includes both) IS VITAL in cases of dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to a multitude of problems including cavities, bad breath, and thrush. Certain rinses contain helpful ingredients and enzymes to counteract these effects.

Alcohol Free Mouthwash without fluoride

Oxyfresh is my favorite overall mouthwash. The reason for this is that it contains no alcohol and has primarily natural ingredients that are easier on the tissues in your mouth. Studies have shown that it can significantly improve the health of your gum tissues to help you avoid gingivitis and gum disease. Oxyfresh in combination with good brushing and flossing will help you maintain excellent gum health and give you better breath to boot.

Alcohol Free Mouthwash with fluoride

My favorite alcohol free mouthwash with fluoride is Listerine Total Care Zero. A second option is Act Anticavity Mouthrinse. Both rinses help reduce cavities (through the action of the fluoride) and kill germs that cause bad breath. If you are at a higher risk for cavities and want the additional fluoride, these are good options.

Alcohol Mouthwash with Fluoride

Listerine Total Care helps to prevent cavities and the germs that lead to bad breath. If you like that burn of alcohol and want to get the protective effects of fluoride as well this is a great option.

Alcohol Mouthwash without fluoride

These mouthwashes are great for bad breath, at least temporarily, but won’t do anything to strengthen your teeth. Listerine makes the best products in this category.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be very challenging and lead to many dental issues. Using a good mouth rinse is one way to help reduce some of these problems. One option is Biotene. This contains enzymes that help stimulate saliva production in the mouth.

Another option is Act Total Care Dry Soothing Mouthrinse. What I like about this one is that it contains fluoride which helps to strengthen your teeth and repair damage that has been done from having dry mouth.

For Kids

Children’s mouthwash should have fluoride in it, which is critical for children when their teeth first come in. Children should never use an alcohol containing mouthwash. You should also be careful to watch that they don’t swallow the mouthrinse as this can give them excess fluoride exposure. Children who use a mouthrinse should be closely supervised initially to make sure they are using it properly.