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By Jessica DiGiacinto
Editor
Fact Checked
Sarah DavisEditor
Updated: May 9, 2024, 9:24am
Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board.
If you’ve ever walked into a drugstore and stared up at the shelves in the dental care aisle, completely at a loss as to which mouthwash to buy, you’re likely not alone. There are many brands and types of mouthwash available, and it can often be difficult to figure out which is the best for you—as well as your wallet.
To that end, the Forbes Health editorial team has put together a list of the best mouthwashes for 2024, using recommendations from dentists on our Forbes Health Advisory Board. Considering data points such as price, alcohol content, and fluoride, we’ve compiled a ranking of quality mouthwashes, all backed by medical professionals.
All prices are accurate as of the publication date.
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Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services
SNOW Arctic Frost Teeth Whitening Mouthwash
- The perfect natural mint that isn’t too strong while still refreshing your breath
- Free of harsh ingredients like alcohol which dry out your mouth
- Added aloe for soothing and natural mints for flavoring
- Formulated to help tackle stains
- SLS free
On SNOW's Website
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- Best List
- Best Mouthwashes Of 2024
- ACT Alcohol Free Anticavity Fluoride Rinse
- ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash
- Crest Scope All Day Mouthwash, Alcohol Free
- CloSYS Silver Fluoride Mouthwash
- Biotene Oral Rinse Mouthwash for Dry Mouth
- Crest 3D White Multi-Care Whitening Rinse, Glamorous White
- Methodology: How We Picked the Best Mouthwash of 2024
- What Is the Purpose of Mouthwash?
- Should I Rinse After Mouthwash?
- Which Mouthwashes Do Dentists Recommend?
- Compare the Best Mouthwash Options of 2024
Our Top-Rated Mouthwashes
- Best for Cavity Prevention: ACT Alcohol Free Anticavity Fluoride Rinse
- Best for Dry Mouth: ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash
- Best for Protection Against Plaque: Crest Scope All Day Mouthwash, Alcohol Free
- Best for Older Adults: CloSYS Silver Fluoride Mouthwash
- Best For Lasting Moisture: Biotene Oral Rinse Mouthwash for Dry Mouth
- Crest 3D White Multi-Care Whitening Rinse, Glamorous White: Best for Whitening
Best Mouthwashes Of 2024
Best for Cavity Prevention
ACT Alcohol Free Anticavity Fluoride Rinse
5.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost: $0.28 per fluid ounce
- Alcohol free
- Comes in Arctic Blast, Cinnamon or Mint flavors
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Dry Mouth
ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash
4.9
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost: $0.37 per fluid ounce
- Alcohol free
- Comes in Soothing Mint flavor
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Protection Against Plaque
Crest Scope All Day Mouthwash, Alcohol Free
4.6
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost: $0.48 per fluid ounce
- Alcohol free
- Comes in Mild flavor
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Older Adults
CloSYS Silver Fluoride Mouthwash
4.5
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost: $0.66 per fluid ounce
- Alcohol free
- Comes in Gentle Mint flavor
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best For Lasting Moisture
Biotene Oral Rinse Mouthwash for Dry Mouth
3.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost: $0.30 per fluid ounce
- Alcohol free
- Comes in Fresh Mint flavor
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Whitening
Crest 3D White Multi-Care Whitening Rinse, Glamorous White
3.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost: $0.37 per fluid ounce
- Alcohol free
- Comes in Fresh Mint flavor
On Amazon
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Meet Our Panel Of Experts
Teresa Yang, D.D.S.
Dentistry
Holli Careswell, D.D.S.
General Dentistry / Cosmetic Dentistry
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Mouthwash of 2024
For our best mouthwashes of 2024 ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team received recommendations from a panel of dentists who are members of the Forbes Health Advisory Board. Star ratings were determined by the editorial staff and are based on considerations such as cost, if the mouthwash contains fluoride and if it contains alcohol.
What Is the Purpose of Mouthwash?
Mouthwash is often seen as a helpful addition to tooth brushing, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). While it can’t—and shouldn’t—replace daily brushing, mouthwash may be able to reach areas in the mouth that are not, “easily accessed by a toothbrush,” according to the organization.
There are two main types of mouthwashes: Cosmetic and therapeutic. According to the ADA, there are distinct differences between the two:
- Cosmetic mouthwashes: Temporarily help ease bad breath, but do not include ingredients that work to kill bacteria that cause bad breath in the first place. Cosmetic mouthwashes also do not have ingredients that work to protect teeth or gums from infection.
- Therapeutic mouthwashes: These mouthwashes include ingredients like fluoride and cetylpyridinium chloride, as well as other ingredients designed to, “help control or reduce conditions like bad breath, gingivitis, plaque and tooth decay,” states the ADA.
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Should I Rinse After Mouthwash?
Rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash directly after brushing can actually do more harm than good, according to the Oral Health Foundation. This is because whether it’s with water or mouthwash, rinsing right after brushing can strip your teeth of the beneficial fluoride in your toothpaste.
If you want to use mouthwash, the Oral Health Foundation recommends spacing it out from the time you brushed your teeth.
Which Mouthwashes Do Dentists Recommend?
If you are interested in finding the best mouthwash for your personal health history, it’s always best to talk with your dentist. They can help you make an informed decision, especially if you are living with specific conditions, such as bleeding gums or dry mouth, or if you have a high risk of developing cavities.
Compare the Best Mouthwash Options of 2024
| Product | company_logo | Forbes Health Ratings | forbes_advisor_rating_image | Best For | View More | learn_more_cta_below_text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Alcohol Free Anticavity Fluoride Rinse | | 5.0 |  | Best for Cavity Prevention | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/ACT-Anticavity-Fluoride-Mouthwash-Accurate/dp/B079125NPB?keywords=ACT+Alcohol+Free+Anticavity+Fluoride+Rinse&qid=1685453285&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE3UlJOSTg5MlhLRzMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwMDg4NDAyNE4zMFVKVEhKRkY4JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwMzIzNTUxSE9SVjkxMDhaNU5LJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ%3D%3D&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=e7f026bbd341ff24e4c81e74ffce4ce3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl |
| ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash | | 4.9 | | Best for Dry Mouth | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/ACT-Total-Soothing-Mouthwash-Ounce/dp/B004DQVFRE?crid=389DKYPI6JL72&keywords=ACT+Dry+Mouth+Mouthwash&qid=1685453426&sprefix=act+dry+mouth+mouthwash%2Caps%2C738&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=b3392f47e5de667639943967cfa9c7f9&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl |
| Crest Scope All Day Mouthwash, Alcohol Free | | 4.6 |  | Best for Protection Against Plaque | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Crest-Mouthwash-Alcohol-Protects-Gingivitis/dp/B09M5VXKZR?crid=JLWUJ5P5WX16&keywords=Crest+Scope+All+Day+Mouthwash%2C+Alcohol+Free&qid=1685453515&sprefix=crest+scope+all+day+mouthwash%2C+alcohol+free%2Caps%2C749&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=d9a48f76f143c7c6af8fb45954016cff&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl |
| CloSYS Silver Fluoride Mouthwash | | 4.5 | | Best for Older Adults | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/CloSYS-Silver-2-Count-Fluoride-Mouthwash/dp/B01M347XMA?crid=23MWGF9DFHBVS&keywords=CloSYS+Silver+Fluoride+Mouthwash&qid=1685453599&sprefix=closys+silver+fluoride+mouthwash%2Caps%2C824&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=0cb0438e4b25e0f5a4e6a66aa6f73a7a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl |
| Biotene Oral Rinse Mouthwash for Dry Mouth | | 3.8 |  | Best For Lasting Moisture | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Biotene-Fresh-Moisturizing-Mouthwash-Alcohol-Free/dp/B002KAOAZ4?crid=2KG43H43ZTL2Y&keywords=Biotene+Oral+Rinse+Mouthwash+for+Dry+Mouth&qid=1685453731&sprefix=biotene+oral+rinse+mouthwash+for+dry+mouth%2Caps%2C746&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=62a65d04c44955fe6f9eec9e8fa8ecb6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl |
| Crest 3D White Multi-Care Whitening Rinse, Glamorous White | | 3.8 |  | Best for Whitening | Shop Now | On Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Crest-White-Multi-Care-Whitening-Glamorous/dp/B00J5JGZO2?crid=GXNR53RUTWU6&keywords=Crest+3D+White+Multi-Care+Whitening+Rinse%2C+Glamorous+White&qid=1685453923&sprefix=crest+3d+white+multi-care+whitening+rinse%2C+glamorous+white%2Caps%2C782&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=eca7278e517314ff633a3c87e4238633&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl |
Put Your Best Smile Forward
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On SNOW's Website
Sources
References
- A Mom's Guide to Fluoride. The American Dental Association. Accessed 8/11/2022.
- Fluoride Therapy. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Accessed 8/11/2022.
- Teng F, He T, Huang S, et al. Cetylpyridinium chloride mouth rinses alleviate experimental gingivitis by inhibiting dental plaque maturation. Int J Oral Sci. 2016;8(3):182-190.
- Betul R, Sausan A, Elaf AZ, et al. Comparative Antiplaque and Antigingivitis Effectiveness of Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash and a Cetylpyridinium Chloride Mouthwash: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Study. Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. 2014;5(4):466-470.
- Dry Mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Accessed 8/11/2022.
- Mouthrinse (Mouthwash). American Dental Association. Accessed 8/11/2022.
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Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Jessica DiGiacintoEditor
Jessica is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups. When she isn't writing or editing, Jessica can be found at the gym, listening to a health or true crime podcast, or spending time outside. She also really enjoys bread (even though she's not supposed to eat it).
Sarah DavisEditor
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
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