The 10 Best Mouthwashes
This wiki has been updated 29 times since it was first published in April of 2018. If you want to keep your mouth fresh and your dentist happy, consider adding a mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine. We’ve rounded up a revitalizing selection of rinses, including formulations that are all-natural and organic, that not only claim to keep your pearly whites bright and strong, but may also address a variety of issues, such as weak enamel and ulcers. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. TheraBreath Mild
2. Philips Sonicare BreathRX
3. Closys Gentle
Editor's Notes
September 06, 2019:
For this latest update, we cleaned up copy that reflected out of date descriptions, swapped out Mountain Falls Anticavity for the more popular Act Kids Anticavity, and let go of Act Restoring in favor of Uncle Harry's Miracle, which takes things further than normal mouthwashes by using pH-balancing supplements as well as interesting all-natural ingredients not commonly found.
We wanted this list to furnish users with organic and all-natural choices, as well as tried and true selections from Listerine, Crest, and Act. When it comes to choosing the best rinse for you, it depends highly on your personal preferences and your current state of oral health — what may work for a sibling or friend may not for you, which is why we made this list as diverse as possible.
It's important to note that formulas with too much alcohol can dry out the mouth and irritate canker sores, so if you're susceptible, try opting for gentle products like TheraBreath Mild, Closys Gentle, and Biotene Fresh Mint. Both Nature's Answer and Uncle Harry's Miracle are highly lauded by customers and very effective but bear in mind that they have unusual flavors, something to avoid if you're sensitive to that kind of thing. Essential Oxygen is a great middle-of-the-road option that uses natural oils, but be aware that solutions with food-grade hydrogen peroxide can cause blackening of the tongue.
Finally, always remember that mouthwash is never supposed to replace toothbrushes and floss, but instead acts as a supplement to your oral health care routine. Try not to go overboard using it and consult your dentist to make sure it won't adversely affect you in particular. It's advised that children under the age of six not use mouthwash due to the possibility of swallowing it.
Special Honors
Floris London Rose Using pure rosewater, this luxury mouthwash from Floris London is concentrated and boasts subtle floral notes and serves as a sophisticated alternative to the strong peppermint flavors that dominate the market. Its light pink hue and signature frosted bottle make it an elegant addition to any powder room or bathroom. Simply dilute six drops in a small glass of water morning and night for delicately scented breath all day long. florislondon.com
Aesop Mouthwash This mouthwash from popular Australian brand Aesop is a refreshing solution encased in an apothecary-style bottle that contains no alcohol and uses clove bud, anise, and spearmint leaf to freshen breath. This gentle formulation doesn't interfere with the mouth's natural balance. aesop.com
Eau De La Belle Haleine This formulation from the centuries-old French company Buly 1803 imparts beneficial sulfurs from the water it uses, which has been sourced from a special spring in the Castéra-Verduzan region. Castéra-Verduzan is the first spa town in France to be accredited by the health department for treating periodontal pathologies and ailments. You can choose to have the name of your choice calligraphed on the handwritten label and initials stamped elegantly into the wrapping paper. buly1803.com
4. Uncle Harry's Miracle
5. Nature's Answer
6. Listerine Antiseptic
7. Essential Oxygen
8. Crest 3D White
9. Biotene Fresh Mint
10. Act Kids Anticavity
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.