- Mouthwash is optional. Add one for a specific problem.
- Check the pH. Nothing acidic.
- Skip alcohol. It dries your mouth, and a rinse doesn't need to burn to work.
- Elementa is my top pick, and I rinse with it ahead of fluoride toothpaste.
- TheraBreath is for bad breath, not for strengthening enamel.
- Chlorhexidine is short-term only, because it stains with long use.
- Listerine is the one I'd toss.
The best mouthwash is an alcohol-free rinse that isn't acidic and fits the problem you're trying to solve. My top pick is Elementa. For bad breath I like TheraBreath, for extra cavity protection a fluoride rinse, and for gum flare-ups a short course of prescription chlorhexidine. If you brush, floss and scrape your tongue, you may not need one at all.
My Picks by Problem
I choose a mouthwash by what it needs to do.
| Your goal | My pick | Why | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily rinse and enamel support | Elementa | Nano silver, calcium and xylitol, with no alcohol | Rinse first, then brush with fluoride |
| Bad breath | TheraBreath Fresh Breath | Alcohol-free with an alkaline pH | Not my choice for strengthening enamel |
| Extra cavity protection | A fluoride rinse like ACT | Adds fluoride between brushings | Fine, but not my top pick |
| Gum flare-ups | Prescription chlorhexidine | The strongest antibacterial rinse | Short-term only, because it stains |
| Dry mouth | An alcohol-free, non-acidic rinse | Doesn't dry your mouth further | Add xylitol products too |
| Kids in braces | A kids' fluoride rinse | Helps prevent white spots around brackets | Only once they can spit reliably |
Watch Dr. Joyce Kahng on TikTok
Do You Need Mouthwash?
Most people don't need mouthwash if they brush, floss and scrape their tongue. My base routine is those three, and for many people that combination is all they need.
Mouthwash customizes the routine. If bad breath is your concern, add a mouthwash, and make sure to check the pH. Nothing acidic.
A rinse never replaces cleaning between your teeth, which is the short answer to floss vs mouthwash. My full oral care routine shows where a rinse fits.
My Mouthwash Picks
1. Elementa: My Top Pick
Best for: daily use, enamel support and people prone to cavities.
The Elementa mouth rinse uses nano silver, calcium and xylitol, with no alcohol and no fluoride. It comes in Wintermint and Bubble Gum.
It's fluoride-free, so I rinse with it first and brush with fluoride toothpaste after. Using it first helps the fluoride penetrate the biofilm. I have a discount code with Elementa: JOYCE20 takes 20% off.
2. TheraBreath Fresh Breath: For Bad Breath
Best for: bad breath.
TheraBreath is alcohol-free and has an alkaline pH, so it doesn't dry your mouth or bathe your teeth in acid. It's good for bad breath, but it's not my choice for strengthening enamel. I've partnered with TheraBreath in the past.
For more options, the best mouthwash for bad breath compares the alternatives. Bad breath usually starts on the tongue, so pair any rinse with a tongue scraper.
3. ACT and Other Fluoride Rinses: For Extra Cavity Protection
Best for: people who get cavities, wear braces or have exposed roots.
If you want to use ACT, that's fine. I just don't think it's the best. A fluoride rinse adds a little extra fluoride between brushings, and a prescription toothpaste or varnish at your cleanings does more.
4. Chlorhexidine: Short-Term, for Gum Flare-Ups
Best for: a short course your dentist prescribes for gum inflammation or after gum treatment.
It's part of my protocol, but I really don't like that rinse for long-term usage. It stains teeth and can change how food tastes with regular use. The best mouthwash for gingivitis covers what to use for daily gum care instead.
Why I'd Toss Listerine
Not all mouthwashes are bad, but Listerine is one that I'd toss. From a dental perspective, I've never really liked it.
Red flags
- It disrupts the oral microbiome, with no difference between good and bad bacteria.
- It has alcohol, which dries out the mouth.
- Its pH is acidic, around 3.8, which pushes enamel toward demineralization.
- It can lower nitric oxide. Your mouth bacteria help make it, and it matters for blood pressure.
In one study, adults who used over-the-counter mouthwash twice a day or more were more likely to develop high blood pressure over three years. It's one study, and it's another reason I don't recommend harsh rinses for daily use.
There's no need for alcohol in a mouthrinse. I also don't believe mouthwashes need to burn to show that they're effective, and why mouthwash burns usually comes down to alcohol and strong flavor oils.
If you've been using it, don't fret. Just move on to something better.
How to Use Mouthwash
Use mouthwash for a reason, at the right time, and spit it out.
- Pick one for your goal. Use the table above.
- Rinse before you brush if it's for bad breath or enamel support, like Elementa ahead of fluoride toothpaste. A fluoride rinse can go after brushing or at another time of day.
- Swish for the time on the label, usually 30 seconds to a minute.
- Spit it out. Don't swallow it, and supervise kids.
- Follow your dentist's schedule for prescription rinses, and stop when the course ends.
An alcohol-free mouthwash is the better choice for almost everyone. Check the date on the bottle, since mouthwash does expire.
Types of Mouthwash
| Type | What it does | My take |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | Adds fluoride to help enamel resist acid | Useful if you get cavities |
| Antiseptic (alcohol, essential oils, CPC) | Kills bacteria, including the helpful ones | Skip alcohol and acidic formulas |
| Prescription chlorhexidine | Strongest antibacterial rinse | Short-term only |
| Whitening (peroxide) | Lightens surface stain a little | Weak. Whitening trays do far more |
| Dry mouth | Moisturizes and adds xylitol | Helpful for comfort |
| Nano silver | Supports a healthy mouth environment without killing everything | My top pick |
What If Scenarios
What If I Have Braces?
A fluoride rinse helps prevent white spots around the brackets. Use it after brushing, and keep flossing with threaders or a water flosser.
What If My Gums Bleed?
Bleeding means inflammation from plaque, so start with better cleaning between your teeth. If it lasts more than two weeks, see your dentist, who may prescribe a short chlorhexidine course.
What If I Have Veneers or Crowns?
Choose an alcohol-free, non-acidic rinse. The mouthwash for veneers and the best mouthwash for dental crowns explain what's safe for the bonding and glaze.
What If I Have Dry Mouth?
Skip alcohol completely. Use an alcohol-free rinse, sip water through the day, and add xylitol gum or mints for a dry mouth.
What If I Just Had a Tooth Pulled or Gum Surgery?
Use only what your dentist or surgeon gives you, on their schedule. Gentle salt water rinses are a common add-on after the first day.
What If My Child Wants to Use Mouthwash?
Wait until your child can spit reliably, then use a kids' fluoride rinse with supervision. Most kids don't need one unless they wear braces or get cavities.
What to Do Next
If you use mouthwash, check that it's alcohol-free and not acidic, and make sure it matches your goal. If your gums bleed or bad breath won't go away, book an exam.
Sources
- Joshipura K, Muñoz-Torres F, Fernández-Santiago J, Patel RP, Lopez-Candales A. Over-the-counter mouthwash use, nitric oxide and hypertension risk. Blood Pressure, 2020;29(2):103-112: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31709856/
- Elementa Silver, 16 oz Mouthrinse: https://elementasilver.com/products/16-oz-bubble-gum
FAQ
What Mouthwash Do Dentists Recommend?
Many dentists recommend an alcohol-free mouthwash matched to your needs. My top pick is Elementa, with TheraBreath for bad breath and a fluoride rinse for cavity protection.
Is Listerine Bad for You?
Listerine isn't a mouthwash I recommend. It contains alcohol, has an acidic pH and kills good and bad bacteria alike.
Is TheraBreath Good for Daily Use?
TheraBreath is fine for daily use if bad breath is your concern. It's alcohol-free with an alkaline pH, but it doesn't strengthen enamel.
Should I Use Mouthwash Before or After Brushing?
Use mouthwash before brushing if it's for bad breath or enamel support. Rinsing with Elementa first helps the fluoride in your toothpaste penetrate the biofilm.
Is Alcohol-Free Mouthwash Better?
Alcohol-free mouthwash is better for almost everyone. Alcohol dries your mouth, and a dry mouth raises your risk of cavities and bad breath.
Can Mouthwash Replace Flossing?
Mouthwash can't replace flossing. A rinse moves liquid past plaque, and floss physically removes it from between your teeth.
What Is the Best Mouthwash for Gums?
For a gum flare-up, prescription chlorhexidine is the strongest short-term option. For daily gum care, a non-acidic, alcohol-free rinse plus daily flossing works best.
Can Kids Use Mouthwash?
Kids can use a fluoride mouthwash once they can spit reliably, with an adult watching. Most children only need one if they wear braces or get cavities.
Dr. Joyce Kahng is a cosmetic dentist, veneer expert, and the founder of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, CA. With 16+ years in practice and a following of 1.5M+ across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, she's known for making dentistry actually make sense. She's been featured in Forbes, Vogue, Allure, Glamour and GQ, and is the creator of the VeneerLIFT™.
Our editorial process · written by Dr. Kahng, corrected in the open.
- 28 Oct 2026 Updated and rewritten by Dr. Kahng: her picks by problem, whether you need mouthwash, and why she'd toss Listerine.
- 22 Jan 2023 Updated.
- 19 Jan 2023 Published. Clinical review by Dr. Joyce Kahng, DDS.
Is something here out of date?
Evidence moves and pages go stale. If you treat this every week and you’d change something on this one, tell us what and why. A dentist reads every submission.