Mouthwash is a critical component of any dental hygiene routine. While brushing regularly helps keep plaque at bay on the surface of your teeth, mouthwash works to break down tough bacteria and clean in between your teeth. Swishing mouthwash frequently will keep your mouth and teeth healthier.
If you do not currently use mouthwash, or if you are merely shopping around for the best variety to fit your needs, this article is for you. We will be sharing our top picks across six different categories. You are sure to find the perfect product for you. If you would like to learn more about a particular item anywhere on our list, click on the “Buy Here” link to view the product details on Amazon.
Category 1: Best Mouthwash to Fight Bad Breath
Do you have trouble with bad breath? No one wants to feel subconscious about unpleasant mouth odors. Fortunately, Mouthwash can be an effective way to combat bad breath. A good wash can help you attack and eliminate the root of smelly breath, which is bacteria. Here are our favorite mouthwashes to fight bad breath:
Colgate Zero for Fresh Breath
17.4 fluid ounces | Buy Here
With zero dyes, zero artificial flavorings, and zero alcohol, this wash is a great choice for those who prefer a mouthwash with fewer additives. The product is part of Colgate’s successful “Zero” line, with many reviewers sharing positive results.
TheraBreath Fresh Breath
16 fluid ounces | Buy Here
Formulated by dentists, Fresh Breath unleashes the power of oxygen on bad breath. The formula, invented in 1994, is designed to remove unpleasant odors by using oxygenating ingredients. At the time of this article’s writing in 2021, the product has an average 4.8-star rating from more than 23,000 reviews. The wash comes in several different flavors.
Oxyfresh Fresh Breath Lemon Mint Mouthwash
16 fluid ounces | Buy Here
Oxyfresh’s mouthwash is free from artificial flavoring and has a unique lemon-mint taste. The product uses essential oils that are tough on bacteria instead of traditional chemical-based ingredients, winning a Family Choice Award in 2020.
Category 2: Top Anti-Gingivitis Mouthwash
Gingivitis is a gum disease that is commonly found in adults. Although it is a mild condition, it can cause swollen, uncomfortable, and sensitive gums. There is good news, though: Using the right mouthwash can keep this disease at bay. Here are our top picks:
hello Naturally Healthy Antigingivitis Mouthwash
16 fluid ounces | Buy Here
While some antigingivitis washes use aggressive ingredients, this one takes a more gentle approach to healing your mouth. With no fluoride, hello uses aloe vera and xylitol to gently cleanse and soothe sensitive gums.
Crest Pro-Health Clinical Mouthwash
16 fluid ounces | Buy Here
This mint flavored mouthwash helps reverse gingivitis in as little as 2 weeks. That is an incredible turnaround time! Crest claims that this is their most advanced formula to date engineered to help you have healthy gums.
Listerine Advanced Defense Gum Treatment
16.9 fluid ounces | Buy Here
Listerine’s product has been clinically proven to fight gingivitis. The company’s product goes beyond merely killing bacteria and actually forms a protective layer on your gums. This protects against gingivitis throughout the day.
Category 3: Best Mouthwash for Kids
It is usually a good idea to teach young children how to use mouthwash to ensure the healthy development of their teeth. Dentists often recommend more gentle washes to kids with ingredients that are less harmful if swallowed. If you are a parent, be sure to give these brands a look:
ACT Kids AntiCavity Fluoride Rinse
16.9 fluid ounces | Buy Here
Young kids will like the bubble gum flavor of this wash. To help them know how much liquid to use, there is a handy squeeze cap. This does contain fluoride, so make sure that little ones spit out the liquid after rinsing.
Johnson & Johnson Listerine Smart Rinse for Kids
8 fluid ounces | Buy Here
This mouthwash has kid-friendly ingredients that do not include alcohol or sugar. This product also has a feature that kids will love: if the rinse comes in contact with any small particles that they missed while brushing, the wash tints that particle a darker color, making it visible.
Tom’s of Maine – Children’s Natural Fluoride Rinse
16 fluid ounces | Buy Here
Tom’s of Maine is one of the leading natural brands in the United States. This offering is designed to be gentle and safe for young users. Their mouthwash includes calcium to help strengthen their teeth during development.
Category 4: Best Options for Sensitive Teeth and Gums
If you have sensitive teeth or sensitive gums, then you know how uncomfortable certain activities can be. The good news is that some mouthwash is designed specifically to help your teeth be less sensitive so that you can enjoy daily activities free of irritation. Take a look at these offerings from Colgate, Listerine, and ACT:
Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Mouthwash
33.8 fluid ounces | No Longer Available
This product works by creating a protective barrier to insulate your teeth over time, making them less susceptible to pain and discomfort. The mouthwash also comes in a larger size than its competitors at 33 liquid ounces.
Listerine Sensitivity Mouthwash
16.9 fluid ounces | Buy Here
With a fresh mint flavor, Listerine’s product offers 24-hour protection against discomfort. This mouthwash is also alcohol-free. The solution works by targeting and patching the parts of your teeth that are open to exposed nerve endings.
ACT Total Care Sensitive Formula Mouthwash
18 fluid ounces | Buy Here
This product has an average of 4.7 stars on over 1,500 Amazon reviews. As a #1 dentist recommended brand, ACT works to control cavities while fighting sensitivity at the same time.
Category 5: Top Natural Mouthwashes
If you are concerned about the ingredients in popular mouthwashes, this section is for you. Here are three of our favorite options with natural ingredients:
The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Mouth Wash
16.9 fluid ounces | Buy Here
The Natural Dentist brand uses ingredients that are herbal and botanical rather than harsh chemicals. The main ingredient is aloe vera, but there is also echinacea, calendula, and grapefruit seed extract to keep your breath smelling clean.
Listerine Naturals Antiseptic Mouthwash
16.9 fluid ounces | Buy Here
If you are looking for a fluoride-free wash that has broad support from dentists, look no further. Listerine’s product is 99% derived from natural ingredients. They rely on essential oils to powerfully clean teeth and gums.
Jason Healthy Mouth
16 fluid ounces | Buy Here
This product gets our vote for the most creative flavor: cinnamon clove. With aloe, essential oils, and other natural extracts, the wash supports healthy and natural dental protection.
Category 6: Best Overall
Are you just looking for a solid, all-around mouthwash? You aren’t alone. Even though companies make many different specialized products, here are some of the best overall washes:
Listerine Total Care
33.8 fluid ounces | Buy Here
This is one of the most popular mouthwash products on Amazon with nearly 50,00 reviews averaging 4.8 stars. The formula is designed to provide comprehensive protection for your teeth.
Colgate Total Pro-Shield
16.9 fluid ounces | Buy Here
This product targets what we like to call “The Big Three” of mouthwash: plaque, bad breath, and gingivitis. Not only that, but this mouthwash keeps working for up to 12 hours after you originally use it! Swishing some of this each morning is sure to leave your mouth happy all day.
Crest Pro-health Multi-Protection
33.8 fluid ounces | Buy Here
Crest’s Multi-Protection is the total package, with an added bonus: the liquid doesn’t burn your mouth. With a refreshing mint flavor, you can feel comfortable swishing this after brushing each day for a healthier mouth.
To Review
We hope that this list has been helpful for you. Please be sure to exercise caution when selecting and using mouthwash. Pay close attention to the ingredient list if you have any allergies, and use the product as directed. As always, if you have questions about your dental hygiene, we recommend that you consult a dentist right away.
