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Our featured picks
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
Smart Mouth Clinical Breath Rinse
Crest Pro Health Complete Clean Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a worthy complement to an oral care routine that already includes brushing and flossing, but a quick internet browse reveals a frankly overwhelming number of options. To help you decide, we reached out to dental experts for their recommendations and oral hygiene tips and consulted our editors for their personal favorites.
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When choosing the best mouthwash for your needs, first consider your primary oral concern to narrow down the options. “A good rinse can reduce plaque and gingivitis, freshen breath, deliver fluoride to hard-to-reach areas and, in some formulations, work to remineralize enamel,” said Dr. Clement Kairouz , a cosmetic dentist at Apa Aesthetic. We’ve organized our list by category to help you in your search. Whatever you choose, you’ll be swishing in no time.
Best mouthwashes for bad breath
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
Bad breath, or halitosis, “primarily originates from odor-producing bacteria living on the tongue and between the teeth and gums,” Kairouz said. In addition to flossing, proper hydration and regular professional dental cleanings, look for a mouthwash that won’t just mask the odor, but eradicate it. Kairouz recommends TheraBreath’s Fresh Breath Oral Rinse, which is formulated to “neutralize volatile sulfur compounds.” With its 24-hour protection against bad breath, you’ll feel more confident all day long.
GuruNanda Dual-Barrel Breath Harmonizer Mouthwash
The dual-barrel chambers in this GuruNanda mouthwash contain an essential oil blend and sodium chlorite that, when mixed together, activate to create an odor-neutralizing and plaque-fighting rinse. Dr. Anjali Rajpal, a cosmetic dentist and the founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts, likes this fluoride-free rinse for those looking for long-lasting fresh breath and a more holistic approach to oral care.
This mouthwash is also alcohol-free, which, according to orthodontist Dr. Erin Fraundorf, can be a better alternative for some people. “The acid in mouth rinse with alcohol creates an acidic environment and actually promotes demineralization of your enamel,” she said. “It additionally can lead to bad breath by drying out your mouth, leading to a buildup of bad bacteria that cause bad breath, and killing good bacteria, leading to an imbalance in the microflora that causes bad breath.”
Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash
If you’re looking for an all-in-one mouthwash packed with whole-mouth benefits, Dr. Michael J. Wei, cosmetic dentist and founder of Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist, recommends this Listerine Total Care mouthwash. Made with fluoride for cavity protection, this rinse also fights plaque buildup and comes packed with essential oils to help kill bad breath-causing germs. It’s important to note that this mouthwash contains 21.6% alcohol by volume. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can be irritating for those with sensitive gums, and are “not appropriate for children, pregnant patients or anyone in recovery from alcohol use disorder,” Kairouz said.
Best alcohol-free mouthwashes for dry mouth
Hello Peace Out Plaque Natural Mint Mouthwash
If you have sensitive gums, Kairouz recommends avoiding certain ingredients: “Alcohol-based mouthwashes can be drying and irritating to already-compromised enamel and gum tissue, while whitening rinses with hydrogen peroxide tend to intensify sensitivity with frequent use.”
This mouthwash replaces harsh irritants with ingredients like xylitol and essential oils. CNN Underscored programming editor Amissa Pitter uses the natural mint formula daily. “Ingredients like coconut and tea tree leaf oil help keep my mouth feeling fresh without an overpowering sensation or taste,” she said. At $7, it’s also one of the more affordable options on this list. You can also buy it at Amazon as part of the brand’s fluoride-free whitening pack.
Act Dry Mouth Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, requires serious attention. “Saliva is your mouth’s primary natural defense mechanism; without it, your risk for aggressive cavities and gum disease drastically increases,” Kairouz said. She recommends this rinse from Act to add moisture to your mouth. Its active ingredient, xylitol, actively stimulates saliva production and helps hydrate oral tissues.
Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse
“If you’re managing dry mouth — whether due to medication, age or health conditions like Sjögren’s [Disease] — Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse is a highly recommended solution,” Fraundorf said. Dr. Arthur Glosman, a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California, also recommends Biotène for dry mouth, noting that it contains xylitol and leaves out potentially irritating ingredients like alcohol or whitening agents. Fraundorf said you can use this pH-balanced rinse several times a day to help with saliva replacement.
Colgate Total Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Wei also likes this Colgate mouthwash, which claims to kill 99% of germs that cause bad breath, gingivitis and plaque on contact. Many dental institutions, like Vista Dorada Dental, recommend alcohol-free formulas for more regular use up to twice a day because they’re less irritating and less likely to cause dry mouth.
SuperMouth Non-Fluoride Nano-Hydroxyapatite Mouthwash
If you’re tired of mint-flavored mouthwashes — or want something safe for your kiddos to use too — try this SuperMouth wash, which is fluoride-free and available in three ice cream-inspired flavors: vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. While this wash is free from alcohol, essential oils and artificial colors and flavors, it is formulated with nano-hydroxyapatite to help keep teeth strong.
Best mouthwashes for cavities
TheraBreath Anticavity Fluoride Oral Rinse, 2-Pack
Our team includes many fans of TheraBreath’s line of mouthwashes, including CNN Underscored beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw. “I was never very consistent about using mouthwash until I tried TheraBreath’s Anticavity Oral Rinse,” Shaw said. “It’s alcohol-free so it doesn’t sting, and it has such a satisfying minty flavor that always leaves my mouth feeling fresh.” Not all Therabreath mouthwashes contain fluoride, so if you’re looking for a mouthwash to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, go for the pink bottle.
Act Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash
Both Wei and Dr. Kevin B. Sands, a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California, like this affordable and effective mouthwash from Act. Made with sodium fluoride to help strengthen enamel, it’s a great option for those looking to prevent cavities or who are already cavity-prone, according to Wei. It’s also formulated without alcohol, so it won’t sting or leave your mouth feeling dry after use.
Best whitening mouthwashes
Crest 3D White Brilliance Stain Prevention Mouthwash
Glosman said while mouthwashes “can help remove surface stains, which gives the appearance of a whiter tooth,” only true chemical bleaching processes whiten teeth. If a professional treatment is out of the question, he recommends Crest 3D White to make your smile look brighter. The rinse is safe to use daily, and the hydrogen-peroxide-infused formula helps prevent surface stains from settling into teeth.
Crest 3D White Glamorous White Mouthwash
Sands said this Crest 3D White rinse is his go-to whitening mouthwash. Formulated with hydrogen peroxide for whitening, this alcohol-free mouthwash promises fresh breath after every use and a brighter smile in just seven days.
Essential Oxygen BR Organic Mouthwash and Brushing Rinse
Rajpal also likes this Essential Oxygen rinse, which combines food-grade hydrogen peroxide and a blend of essential oils to help naturally whiten teeth and freshen breath. This rinse can be used before brushing, while brushing or after brushing as a regular mouthwash, plus any time you just want an extra boost of fresh breath.
Opalescence Whitening Mouthwash, 2-Pack
“Whitening mouthwashes typically use low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to gently lift surface stains,” Glosman said. “With consistent use, you might notice a subtle brightening effect.”
CNN Underscored’s health and fitness editor, Summer Cartwright, saw a difference after a few weeks using Opalescence mouthwash: “The coffee stains are faded and overall, my teeth look much more vibrant. Plus, the mouthwash never leads to any irritation or discomfort.”
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Best mouthwashes for gum health
Smart Mouth Clinical Breath Rinse
For gingivitis and plaque control, Glosman recommends antibacterial rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). This option from Smart Mouth, an over-the-counter replacement for chlorhexidine rinse, includes CPC as its active ingredient. Clinically proven to help prevent gingivitis and bleeding gums, it also uses zinc ion technology to target bad breath, according to Rajpal.
CloSys Fresh Breath Sensitive Mouth Rinse
Mouthwashes can help penetrate deeper into gum pockets to reduce inflammation in areas that your toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This powerful antibacterial mouthwash is Kairouz’s go-to recommendation. “The formula is alcohol-free, pH-balanced and contains stabilized chlorine dioxide to eliminate odor-causing bacteria without the burning sensation or tissue irritation common to alcohol-based rinses. It’s gentle enough for sensitive gums or dry mouth, yet effective for daily oral health.”
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TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse
Anyone managing gum sensitivity or active gum disease should “avoid harsh astringents such as high-concentration menthol until the tissue has fully healed,” Kairouz said. Sands recommends this dentist-formulated anti-gingivitis mouthwash, which is free from alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate and other potential irritants. Sands said the ingredients are effective at attacking bacteria linked to gum disease while still being gentle enough to use daily.
Crest Pro Health Complete Clean Mouthwash
This Crest Pro Health mouthwash is a favorite of Wei’s since it’s made to help reduce gum inflammation, prevent plaque buildup and kill bad-breath-causing bacteria in the mouth. It’s also alcohol-free and perfect for daily use if you want extra prevention against the causes of early gum disease.
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What to look for in a mouthwash
There are loads of different mouthwashes out there to choose from, but the one that’s best for you will depend on what specific oral concerns you’re looking to address. “Many people choose mouthwash based on flavor or branding without considering whether it meets their specific oral health needs,” Fraundorf said. “For example, someone dealing with gum inflammation may need an antimicrobial formula, while someone prone to cavities may benefit more from a fluoride-based rinse.”
Fraundorf recommends consulting your dentist to determine your specific oral health needs but offered some common ingredients to be on the lookout for. Mouthwashes formulated with fluoride, calcium phosphate or nano-hydroxyapatite can help to remineralize enamel, which aids in preventing cavities and reducing teeth sensitivity, while ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride are antimicrobial and can help to reduce plaque and bacteria responsible for gingivitis and bad breath, according to Fraundorf. Rajpal said some natural ingredients such as essential oil blends containing mint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil, or zinc can be helpful for neutralizing odor and freshening breath, adding that some mouthwashes made with synthetic ingredients or artificial dyes might irritate sensitive mouths.
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Our dental experts said it’s important to remember that mouthwash is not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing. “While [mouthwash] can be a helpful supplement and add-on to your oral care routine, it doesn’t physically remove plaque or food particles the way brushing and flossing do,” Fraundorf said. “It should always be seen as an add-on, not a substitute.”
Wei said to follow the recommended guidelines for using mouthwash per the instructions on the label, including following the recommended duration of time for rinsing and frequency of use. Both Rajpal and Wei added that you should not rinse your mouth with water immediately after using a mouthwash, since this can wash away active ingredients and reduce the overall effectiveness.
The dental experts we spoke to also cautioned against overusing mouthwash, specifically ones formulated with alcohol. “Using mouthwash too frequently — especially those with alcohol or strong antibacterial agents — can lead to oral tissue dryness, irritation or disruption of the healthy oral microbiome,” Fraundorf said. “This is especially important for people with sensitive tissues or dry mouth conditions.”
FAQs
The dental experts we spoke to all recommended using mouthwash after brushing and flossing. Rajpal said that brushing and flossing help remove debris and plaque from the tooth surface, while mouthwash can rinse away remaining particles and deliver additional benefits, like bacteria reduction or enamel strengthening.
You can use mouthwash both in the morning and at night, but Fraundorf said you want to be careful not to overuse mouthwash. “Once or twice a day is usually sufficient, but overuse — particularly with alcohol-based formulas — can lead to excessive dryness, irritation and an imbalanced oral microbiome,” she said. In order for the active ingredients in mouthwash — like fluoride, nano-hydroxyapatite or antibacterial agents — to have the greatest benefit, Fraundorf recommends avoiding eating, drinking or rinsing for at least 30 minutes after using a mouthwash, especially if you’re using a therapeutic oral rinse.
Though most mouthwashes, like toothpastes, are not meant to be swallowed, Fraundorf said accidentally ingesting a small amount is generally not dangerous. “However, ingredients like fluoride and alcohol can cause stomach upset or toxicity in large amounts, especially in children,” she added. “This is why mouthwash use should be supervised for kids under six, and only alcohol-free, fluoride-free options should be considered for young children who might swallow.”
According to Fraundorf, if you’re using mouthwash daily, you’ll likely finish the bottle well before expiration becomes an issue. “The expiration date printed on the bottle is your best reference, as it reflects when active ingredients like fluoride or antimicrobials may begin to lose effectiveness and will vary based on the manufacturer and the specific type of mouthwash,” Fraundorf said. If there is no expiration date listed, Wei recommends replacing your mouthwash around three to four months after you open it.
To best preserve the ingredients, Fraundorf said to keep mouthwash stored in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly sealed. If you’re buying mouthwashes for your household in bulk, Sands said unopened mouthwashes can last anywhere from two to three years if stored in this same manner.
While using expired mouthwash isn’t usually harmful, Fraundorf said the ingredients can degrade over time, so a mouthwash may not provide the intended benefits if it’s been open for a long period. Both Fraundorf and Rajpal added that if you notice any changes in the color, smell or taste of the mouthwash or see sediment forming and liquids separating, you should discard it.
Mouthwash is not a necessity for everyone to have in their routine. “Individuals who brush twice daily with fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and floss effectively may not need to include mouthwash,” Fraundorf said. “Particularly if they are not dealing with dry mouth, gum disease or an elevated risk of cavities.”
However, for those trying to manage chronic bad breath, gum disease, enamel demineralization, orthodontic appliances or who are in post-surgical recovery, Fraundorf said adding a mouthwash into their daily routine might prove helpful.
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
- Dr. Erin Fraundorf, orthodontist and founder of Boca Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in St. Louis, Missouri
- Dr. Arthur Glosman, cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California
- Dr. Clement Kairouz, cosmetic dentist at Apa Aesthetic
- Dr. Anjali Rajpal, cosmetic dentist and founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts
- Dr. Kevin B. Sands, cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California
- Dr. Michael J. Wei, cosmetic dentist and founder of Manhattan Cosmetic in New York City
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.
CNN Underscored associate editor Jillian Tracy and CNN Underscored contributing writer Caroline Curran consulted dentists and orthodontists on the best mouthwashes to add to your oral health routine.
Jillian Tracy is an associate editor at CNN Underscored who covers topics that span the lifestyle vertical such as fashion, health, sustainability, beauty and outdoors. You can find her trying to catch up on her Goodreads goal, planning her next travel adventure or rewatching “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
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