7 Best Mouthwashes in 2024, According to Health Experts

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.

Crest is a brand that our Lab experts consistently like, and the Pro-Health Clinical mouthwash is a staff member favorite. This mouthwash contains cetylpyridinium chloride which the ADA says can help reduce plaque and gingivitis along with hydrogen peroxide to help whiten teeth. It’s recommended to use after your regular brushing and flossing routine.

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.