It's Probably Time to Add Mouthwash to Your Morning Routine (2024)

Huang calls this her number one professional recommendation for mouthwash because it’s backed by research on the benefits of the ingredients. She likes that it’s alcohol-free, elevates PH, remineralizes enamel, is non-staining and contains 3 grams of xylitol per dose which helps reduce cavities.

It also has sodium fluoride to help prevent tooth decay and white spots. Unlike most mouthwashes that are only available in mint flavor, this mouthwash also comes in citrus and grape flavors. It’s recommended to use it twice daily after flossing and brushing.

If you're looking for a mouthwash that's friendlier on your wallet than our top pick, our experts recommend this drug store pick to help fight cavities.

It doesn’t contain any alcohol so it is unlikely to dehydrate your mouth, which can lead to cavities. It also contains the anti-cavity ingredient sodium fluoride. It’s advised to use this once a day after brushing with toothpaste and is available in mint, arctic blast and cinnamon flavors.

If you’re looking to fight bad breath, TheraBreath is our best pick to fight malodor. It's specifically formulated with active ingredients like menthol that the ADA says may be more effective for long-term control of bad breath. Also, TheraBreath claims it’s specifically formulated to fight bad breath for up to 24 hours.

The Icy Mint formula contains peppermint oil that not only refreshes the mouth but also “helps fight oral bacteria” says Huang. TheraBreath recommends using this alcohol-free formula morning and night, by swishing a capful for one minute and then gargling with another capful for 30 seconds to clean your throat, which can also be a source of bad breath.

This mouthwash can help improve your gum health by reducing bleeding and inflammation. Huang particularly likes this brand because it’s backed by science and research that says it's effective in reducing dental plaque, gingival inflammation and oral malodor.

Key ingredients like gotu kola and echinacea both help fight inflammation and help stimulate healing and repair according to Huang. The downside to this product: It’s pretty pricey compared to other mouthwashes.

Listerine is a brand that is continuously mentioned by our staff as their go-to mouthwash, and many come back to it after trying other brands. Multiple GH editors say that there’s nothing that works quite as well and they can't get enough of the fresh minty flavor. One staff member said they favor the Freshburst flavor because it “doesn't have as strong of a burning sensation as other types of Listerine.”

If you want an extra kick of mint, another staff member loves Listerine Icy Mint for its strong minty taste and how it leaves their mouth feeling refreshed. But take note: These mouth rinses contain alcohol, which can dry out the mouth, potentially making bad breath worse and increasing the risk of cavities in the long run.

Huang’s favorite pick for a more natural mouthwash is from Risewell and contains essential oils she says have many benefits. The formulation includes essential oils such as tea tree oil and cinnamon which according to Huang act as antibacterials, antifungal and antimicrobials.

She also says that orange, lemon and eucalyptus oils help with inflammation. The xylitol inhibits bad bacteria to help prevent cavities. It’s recommended to use this morning and night or whenever your mouth needs a refresh.

To find the best mouthwash our Lab experts teamed up with Sharon L. Huang, DDS and founder of Les Belles Dentistry in New York City, to learn what makes an effective mouthwash and which key ingredients we should be looking for to address issues like bad breath, gingivitis, cavities and more. We also asked which brands she recommends as a dentist.

We also polled our staff on their favorite must-have mouthwashes and why they love them. We then compiled our list based on staff picks and Huang's advice and recommendations, scouring the market for mouthwashes that use key ingredients for common oral issues.

✔️ Address your need: First, you'll want to choose a mouthwash based on your specific need — dry mouth, plaque control, bad breath, etc. — so you can look for the active ingredients that work for your specific issue.

✔️ Key Ingredients: If fighting cavities is your number one concern you'll want to look for xylitol or sodium fluoride. Sodium fluoride can also help prevent tooth decay and white spots which may be an early sign of tooth decay.

To address bad breath, plaque and gingivitis the ADA recommends looking for chlorhexidine, chlorine dioxide, cetylpyridinium chloride and essential oils such as eucalyptol, thymol and methyl salicylate. Huang also recommends looking for other essential oils such as tea tree oil, cinnamon, orange and lemon.

For whitening, look for mouthwashes that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide among the active ingredients.

✔️ Alcohol vs. Alcohol-Free: Both Birnur Aral, Executive Director, Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, and Huang recommend staying away from alcohol. Not only can alcohol dehydrate your mouth which can increase the risk for cavities and worsen bad breath, but it also can cause a burning sensation.

Birnur Aral, has led the GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab for almost 15 years in clinical and consumer testing. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she has R&D experience through her seven-year stint at Unilever.

Sharon L. Huang, DDS and founder of Les Belles Dentistry in New York City. Dr. Sharon Huang received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing.