Top Dentist-Recommended Mouthwashes

Whitening

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word “mouthwash”? Chances are, it’s probably the landmark mouthwash brand, Listerine which has been around since the late 1800s. Listerine isn’t right for everyone since most of their products contain alcohol (which can irritate sensitive mouths). However, for some, using a mouthwash that contains alcohol is the only way to achieve that “clean” feeling. If you’re a Listerine fan and you’re looking for a way to quickly and easily whiten your smile at home, give Listerine Healthy White Vibrant Anticavity Whitening Rinse a try. This formula contains fluoride so it fights cavities as it whitens. Most people see some change in their enamel shade within five or so days.

Anti-Cavity

Can’t stay away from the sweets? Even dentists understand that sometimes it’s hard to say no to sugary snacks and sodas. This is why ACT invented their Restoring Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash. This mouthwash is stronger than their basic anti-cavity rinse. Its ability to remineralize soft spots and reduce cavities up to 70% more than brushing with a fluoride toothpaste alone. I recommend this product for my patients who suffer from chronic tooth decay even with a stringent brushing and flossing regiment. It could mean the difference between needing or not needing yet another filling at your next appointment.

55+

As you get older and your body changes, certain mouthwash formulas may become too harsh. CloSYS Silver delivers all the regular benefits of mouthwash (anti-cavity, strengthen enamel, etc.) but it has a more gentle pH balancing formula that won’t irritate the mouth. It’s also alcohol-free, sulfate-free triclosan-free and gluten-free so even people with common allergies or sensitivities can use it. At $18, it’s a little more expensive than your average mouthwash. This is why I typically recommend it to over-fifty-five patients who’re struggling to find a non-irritating rinse or who have a lot of oral sores.

Gum Health

If you have bleeding gums (a strong sign of gum disease), the best thing you can do is go to the dentist. Our hygienists are specially trained to give deep-cleanings that remove the built-up bacteria beneath the gums that cause periodontal disease. If you’ve gone to the dentist, had a deep cleaning, and you’re still struggling with keeping gum disease at bay, it may be time to try PerioShield. GUM PerioShield Oral Health Rinse breaks down plaque and makes it easier to remove during brushing and flossing. It also creates a “shield” that discourages plaque from reappearing. Paired with a strong anti-bacterial toothpaste and regular visits to the dentist, PerioShield can dramatically change the condition of your gums.

A lot of our patients want something that’s strong enough to fight periodontal disease without all the chemicals, dyes, and preservatives most mouthwashes have. If you’re willing to spend a few bucks, Dental Herb Company Under the Gums Irrigant is the way to go. Because it’s significantly more expensive than PerioShield, I only recommend this to patients who have had allergies to strong chemicals in the past. The Dental Herb Company uses exclusively essential oils and all-natural ingredients to make a powerful anti-bacterial wash that can help short-term and long-term periodontal problems.

Dry-Mouth

Chronic dry mouth is an extremely prevalent problem among many of my patients. Sometimes it’s linked to an underlying ailment but, in a lot of cases, patients with dry mouth are just unlucky. Fortunately, there are many ways to easily treat the symptoms of dry mouth at home, starting with mouthwash. The Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse uses an LP3 salivary enzyme-protein system to moisturize the mouth and eliminate bad breath. ACT also offers a similar formula with their ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is annoying both for yourself and the people around you. If you’ve noticed that you have occasional or chronic bad breath, pick up a bottle of BreathRx Anti-Bacterial Mouth Rinse. Its unique formula contains ZYTEX, the odor-neutralizing secret weapon in the fight against bad breath. There are a lot of bad-breath mouthwash products out there. So far, however, this is the best one I’ve been able to find. It’s also very affordable at just $11 a bottle.

For people who brush and floss regularly, bad breath is frequently a symptom of a larger, underlying condition. Read our blog about some of the more common causes of bad breath if you think your foul breath isn’t connected to oral care.

Affordable

If you’re ever worried about getting the best bang for your buck in mouthwash (or toothpaste), you can always trust Crest. Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwash is affordable (at $7.33) and strong, killing 99% of germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. If you have specific oral problems (dry-mouth, periodontal disease, etc.), you may want to look into getting one of the speciality products listed above. But, if just want a good, basic mouthwash that gets the job done without all the bells and whistles, Crest Pro-Health is perfect for you.

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