Best Mouthwashes: Finding the Perfect Mouthwash for You
Mouthwash is an essential part of oral care, but with so many brands and options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you, but not with this list of the best mouthwashes.
This list of the best mouthwashes will feature the top mouthwashes and will allow you to keep your mouth healthy and breath fresh. Whether you want a mouthwash based on ingredients, flavor, brand, or whatever, this list of the best mouthwashes will have you covered.
If you are looking for oral hygiene-related lists, our lists of the best oral care products, the best electric toothbrushes, and the best toothpaste brands are also a great read.
Top 10 Mouthwash:
1. Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash
Price: $16.00 (4 Count 16.9 Fl Oz per count)
Highlights: Formulated with the antimicrobial agent cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), it is clinically proven, and is alcohol-free.
About Mouthwash: Formulated with the antimicrobial agent cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), this mouthwash is clinically proven to reduce bad breath, tooth decay, and gingivitis. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, so it won’t aggravate dry mouth or irritate sensitive gums.
Whether you’re trying to maintain good oral health or looking to improve existing dental issues, Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash is an excellent choice.
2. TheraBreath Mouthwash
Price: $20.94 (6 Count 3Fl Oz per count)
Highlights: ADA-accepted, clinically proven, and has a gentle, pH-balanced formula.
About Mouthwash: Looking for an ADA-accepted mouthwash that will keep your breath smelling fresh for up to 24 hours? Look no further than TheraBreath Mouthwash. Developed by dentists, this clinically-proven mouthwash uses a gentle, pH-balanced formula that is safe for use on a daily basis.
With no artificial dyes or alcohol, TheraBreath Mouthwash is a great choice for those with sensitive gums or teeth. Plus, its unique CPC ingredient helps to reverse and prevent bad breath, keeping your mouth healthy and minty-fresh all day long.
3. ACT Anticavity Mouthwash
Price: $5.99 (18 Fl Oz)
Highlights: Formulated with a maximum strength of fluoride available without a prescription, it prevents tooth decay, and comes with a unique dosing cup.
About Mouthwash: This potent rinse is formulated with the maximum strength of fluoride available without a prescription and is proven to help prevent tooth decay. The unique dosing cup ensures you use the right amount of mouthwash each time for optimal results. With regular use, you’ll enjoy stronger teeth and long-lasting fresh breath.
4. Colgate Total Mouthwash
Price: $4.79 (16.9 Fl Oz)
Highlights: Kills germs and bacteria for up to 12 hours, reduces plaque buildup, and keeps your breath fresh and pepperminty all day long.
About Mouthwash: This powerful formula is designed to kill germs and bacteria for up to 12 hours, help reduce plaque buildup, and keep your breath smelling fresh and pepperminty all day long. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, so it’s gentle on your mouth and won’t leave you feeling dry or refreshed.
5. Oral-B Breath Therapy Mouthwash
Price: $7.99 (16 Fl Oz)
Highlights: Uses sodium chlorite, is free of artificial dyes and sodium lauryl sulfates, and helps to eliminate bad breath.
About Mouthwash: Are you concerned about bad breath? You’re not alone. Many people suffer from occasional or chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be embarrassing and make social situations uncomfortable. It’s important to find a mouthwash that doesn’t just mask bad breath but actually prevents it.
Oral-B Breath Therapy Mouthwash does just that. This powerful mouthwash uses sodium chlorite to kill bacteria and prevent bad breath from the source. It’s also alcohol-free, which is gentle on your mouth, and free of artificial dyes and sodium lauryl sulfates.
6. CloSYS Mouthwash
Price: $11.49 (32 Fl Oz)
Highlights: No filler ingredients, a minty flavor, and pH-balanced.
About Mouthwash: This pH-balanced formula is designed for oral health care without all the filler ingredients. Just add the optional mint flavor dropper to get the minty flavor you’re used to. It’s alcohol, sulfate, and gluten-free, so it’s great for people with sensitive mouths.
7. Listerine Mouthwash
Price: $5.97 (33.8 Fl Oz)
Highlights: A potent blend of essential oils, an intense minty tingle, and antimicrobial properties.
About Mouthwash: This mouthwash features a potent blend of essential oils, including menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate. These oils provide an intense minty tingle that many users find refreshing and invigorating. Additionally, the oils have antimicrobial properties that can help reduce plaque buildup, gingivitis, receding gums, and bad breath.
8. Oxyfresh Mouthwash
Price: $14.95 (16 Fl Oz)
Highlights: It contains a powerful bacteria-fighting combination, lasts up to 6 hours, and has Aloe vera and other soothing ingredients.
About Mouthwash: This unique formula combines chlorine dioxide and zinc to create a powerful bacteria-fighting combination that lasts for up to six hours. Aloe vera and other soothing ingredients help to keep your gums healthy and hydrated, while the refreshing citrus essential oils provide a tantalizing flavor that will leave your mouth feeling refreshed and minty-clean.
9. Natural Dentist Mouthwash
Price: $17.50 (16.9 Fl Oz)
Highlights: It has 20% aloe vera, fights inflammation, and is alcohol-free and free of artificial dyes.
About Mouthwash: Their unique formula contains 20% aloe vera to soothe and protect your gums, plus echinacea, goldenseal, and calendula to fight inflammation. It’s also alcohol-free and free of artificial dyes, so you can use it with confidence, knowing you’re doing something good for your mouth.
Choose from orange zest or peppermint twist flavors, both of which are sure to leave your mouth feeling refreshed and clean.
10. Tom’s of Maine Mouthwash
Price: $17.99 (3 Count 16 Fl Oz per count)
Highlights: Dentist-recommended, all-natural, and made with fluorine.
About Mouthwash: Looking for a dentist-recommended mouthwash that can help reduce decay and strengthen teeth? Tom’s of Maine Mouthwash is an all-natural option made with fluoride to help freshen breath and promote healthy enamel.
This mouthwash is free of alcohol, artificial colors, and preservatives, making it a great choice for those looking for a natural product. Plus, the addition of xylitol makes it safe for use around house pets.
Editor’s Pick: Best Mouthwash for Overall Oral Health
Our Editor’s Pick for the best mouthwash is TheraBreath Mouthwash. It stands out for its dentist-developed, pH-balanced formula that effectively combats bad breath for up to 24 hours. It’s also ADA-accepted, alcohol-free, and free of artificial dyes, making it safe for daily use—even for people with sensitive gums. Whether you’re targeting halitosis, dry mouth, or just want fresher breath without harsh ingredients, TheraBreath offers reliable performance backed by clinical studies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Mouthwashes
What is the best mouthwash for bad breath?
TheraBreath and Oral-B Breath Therapy are among the best mouthwashes for bad breath. They contain active ingredients like CPC and sodium chlorite that neutralize the source of odor-causing bacteria rather than masking it.
Which mouthwash is best for gum health?
Listerine and Natural Dentist Mouthwash are both excellent for gum care. Listerine uses essential oils with antimicrobial properties, while Natural Dentist includes aloe vera and herbal extracts to reduce inflammation and soothe sensitive gums.
Are alcohol-free mouthwashes better?
For those with dry mouth or sensitivity, alcohol-free mouthwashes like Crest Pro-Health and CloSYS are better choices. They provide the same bacteria-fighting benefits without the harsh sting or drying effect of alcohol-based products.
Can mouthwash replace brushing or flossing?
No, even the best mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing. Mouthwash is a helpful supplement that reaches places your brush may miss, but it should be part of a complete oral care routine—not a substitute.
What ingredients should I look for in a mouthwash?
Look for active ingredients like fluoride (as in ACT Anticavity), chlorine dioxide (as in Oxyfresh), and essential oils (as in Listerine) depending on your needs. Avoid products with harsh alcohol or artificial dyes if you have sensitive gums.
Tips for Choosing and Using the Best Mouthwashes
1. Match Mouthwash to Your Oral Health Goals
Different formulas are designed for different needs. If you want to fight cavities, go with a fluoride mouthwash like ACT. For breath freshening, try TheraBreath or Oral-B Breath Therapy. For gum health, opt for something with natural soothing agents like Natural Dentist.
2. Go Alcohol-Free If You Have Sensitivities
If your mouthwash stings or dries out your mouth, try an alcohol-free mouthwash like Crest Pro-Health or CloSYS. These options are just as effective at fighting bacteria without the burn.
3. Use Mouthwash at the Right Time
For best results, use mouthwash after brushing and flossing. This ensures that your mouth is clean and the active ingredients in the mouthwash can get to work without being blocked by plaque or food debris.
4. Don’t Rinse With Water After
Avoid rinsing with water right after using your mouthwash. Swishing water afterward can dilute the active ingredients, reducing their effectiveness. Let the formula sit and absorb for a few minutes for maximum benefits.
5. Choose Natural or Medicated Based on Preference
If you prefer natural mouthwashes, go with Tom’s of Maine or Natural Dentist. If you want something with a more clinical edge and targeted benefits, Listerine, ACT, or Crest Pro-Health offer stronger antibacterial and enamel-supporting ingredients.
Best Mouthwashes Conclusion
Not only will these top mouthwashes have your breath smelling great, but they will also help with the overall health of your mouth. Your teeth, gums, and tongue will thank you for selecting one of these mouthwashes (as well as those that are close to you).
And the great thing about using any of these top mouth mashes is that they are all very easy to use. It is as simple as swishing them around in your mouth for a minute or so and then spitting it out. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Please comment below if you have any feedback on any of these mouthwashes. We know that all of our readers would appreciate your comments.
