Best mouthwash and what you should look for

There is a rainbow of mouthwashes to choose from on store shelves. But which is best? Which is recommended by dentists? We look at a few types of mouthwash recommended by the Canadian Dental Association. Find out below which may be the best one for you.

What should you look for in a mouthwash?

People usually choose a mouthwash for a specific reason. Some want to eliminate bad breath, correct dry mouth, or whiten teeth. Some want one that can eliminate plaque and prevent gingivitis. Reading the front of the label before is one way to understand what its ‘specialty is – the manufacturer will clearly list out the specific benefits of the mouthwash. To get a better idea, read the composition label on the back. Here are a few ingredients you will find:

Fluoride – Strengthens enamel and fights tooth decay

Cetylpyridinium chloride – Kills bacteria and reduces bad breath

Chlorhexidine – Eliminates plaque and controls gingivitis

Essential oils (such as menthol and thymol) – Antibacterial and antifungal properties

Carbamide peroxide/Hydrogen peroxide – For whiter teeth

Best mouthwashes for different conditions

Dawson Dental does not endorse any of these brands. Mouthwash is effective as part of a healthy oral regime. For specific oral issues, speak to a dentist.

All the mouthwashes below have received the Canadian Dental Association’s ‘Validated’ seal. Before buying, make sure to check for this symbol.

Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection

An alcohol-free mouthwash provides all-around protection against bad breath, bleeding gums, and tooth decay. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is the active ingredient making it an antibacterial mouthwash. Users like the minty taste and that it doesn’t leave a stinging sensation in the mouth.

Peridex – The best mouthwash

Peridex is extremely effective at controlling gum inflammation, redness, gingivitis, bleeding gums, and plaque because it contains an antiseptic called germicidal chlorhexidine. It kills harmful bacteria and provides excellent all-round protection.

Talk to a dentist about Peridex

Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic

Another alcohol-free mouthwash, Listerine Antiseptic contains four active ingredients: eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol which help fight gingivitis and plaque. It gives the classic ‘blue Listerine burn’ that many people find reassuring, and a minty taste that promotes fresher breath.

Listerine Healthy White Restoring Mouthwash

This mouthwash helps strengthen and whiten teeth. The active ingredient is Sodium Fluoride which has cavity protection and teeth-whitening properties. It also helps strengthen weakened enamel. This mouthwash should only be used by adults and children over the age of 12.

TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse

An alcohol-free mouthwash, it fights bad breath for up to 12 hours after use. It also claims to be vegetarian and vegan-friendly, kosher, and gluten-free. It has also been approved for use by diabetics. Users like that it does not burn.

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Mouthwash should be used as part of a complete oral health regimen. Some people prefer using two different types of mouthwash in the morning and at night. Teeth whitening mouthwashes generally recommend not rinsing or eating for up to an hour after rinsing, making them more suitable for nightly use. If an oral or dental problem persists, schedule an appointment at a Dawson Dental clinic near you.