These Dentist-Approved Mouthwashes Will Zap Bad Breath and Help Prevent Cavities (2024)

Choosing the best mouthwash is similar to searching for the best underwear: It’s a very personal journey that takes lots of trial and error. There are mouthwashes with and without fluoride, ones that are ideal for bad breath, and those that specifically promote gum health. Then there’s the taste and flavor factor, and avoiding that mouth-on-fire feeling we know all too well. The right choice for you will depend on what your mouth (and tastebuds) need.

But one thing’s for certain—regardless of the kind of mouthwash you choose, everyone should use a mouth rinse twice daily, says Brian Harris, D.D.S., D.M.D., lead medical advisor for SNOW and Frost Oral Care. “The goal of every mouthwash is to freshen breath and remove bacteria and other food particles from the teeth,” he explains. When used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing, it provides a healthy and clean oral environment, he adds.

Meet the Experts: Brian Harris, D.D.S., D.M.D., lead medical advisor for SNOW and Frost Oral Care; Erin Issac, D.M.D., board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Pittsburgh, PA; Gary Silverstrom, D.D.S., a dentist practicing in Livingston, NJ

The daily swish helps prevent some serious oral issues “before they can even arise,” adds Gary Silverstrom, D.D.S., a dentist practicing in Livingston, NJ. “Some of these issues include, but are not limited to, gingivitis, gum disease, plaque, and decay.” But whether you’re dealing with plaque, gingivitis, bad breath or anything in between, you’ll want to consider which type of mouthwash is best for your unique needs. Below, learn more about the different types of mouthwashes and find our list of expert-recommended picks to start prioritizing your oral health.

Cosmetic mouthwash

Looking for a simple way to get rid of morning breath? Cosmetic mouthwashes just might be your new best friend. These mouthwashes will temporarily reduce bacteria, mask bad breath, and leave behind a fresh taste—but they’re not designed to treat oral issues like gum disease or plaque buildup.

Therapeutic mouthwash

According to the American Dental Association, therapeutic mouthwashes will contain an active ingredient such as chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, peroxide, essential oils, or others. These ingredients can help to control gingivitis, tooth decay, and even bad breath for a healthier mouth. Though some therapeutic mouthwashes may be available over the counter, others might require a prescription from your dentist.

Fluoride mouthwash

If you struggle with cavities, your dentist might recommend using a fluoride mouthwash in addition to routine brushing and flossing. As the name implies, fluoride mouthwash usually contains sodium fluoride, a naturally occurring ingredient that helps strengthen your teeth. It does this by rebuilding enamel (a.k.a. the surface of your teeth) that’s been damaged by bacteria.

Antiseptic mouthwash

Simply put, antiseptic mouthwash helps kill bacteria in your mouth. If you have plaque buildup, red and swollen gums, or gum disease, antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent and reduce the bacteria that causes these problems. Over-the-counter options will typically include cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils, but your dentist might prescribe a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine for a stronger dose.

Whitening mouthwash

Keeping your pearly whites, well, pearly white, is easier said than done. However, whitening mouthwashes will freshen your breath while also helping to reduce stains on your teeth. They usually contain hydrogen peroxide or another teeth-bleaching agent to help lighten discoloration and brighten your smile.

While many of our top picks are free of alcohol, this one recommended by Dr. Issac is special. It’s a pH-balancing formula that “uses a few different ingredients—like xylitol and sodium bicarbonate—to inhibit growth of bad bacteria and balance the pH of the oral ecosystem,” she explains, adding: “When the pH balance of the mouth is out of whack, it makes it much easier for dental decay to occur.” That’s why she doesn’t usually recommend rinses containing alcohol, especially for kids, because they might kill off good bacteria the mouth needs to fight off the bad ones.

This hydrogen peroxide rinse has all of the multi-tasking benefits of the regular Crest Pro-Health formula (including preventing plaque buildup, gum disease and bad breath) plus the added bonus of helping to whiten your teeth. “I always get asked how I keep my teeth so white,” one reviewer writes. “This is it!”

Dr. Silverstrom recommends this fluoride mouthwash as a go-to for cavity prevention. It strengthens teeth, zaps bad breath, and contains zero alcohol. “My dentist told me to use this product when I first started going to her,” one reviewer writes. “I haven’t had one cavity since.”

While many mouthwashes can be purchased without a prescription, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consult your dentist first. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, or loose teeth, these could be signs of a more serious condition. Your dentist will be able to help identify the root issue that’s causing pain and prescribe a treatment plan that’ll target your specific needs.

We consulted oral health experts Brian Harris, D.D.S., D.M.D., lead medical advisor for SNOW and Frost Oral Care; Erin Issac, D.M.D., a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Pittsburgh, PA; and Gary Silverstrom, D.D.S., a dentist practicing in Livingston, NJ. We also considered hundreds of customer reviews to narrow down the best mouth rinses for various needs.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.