There is no straight answer. It really depends on the individual and their needs. Do you have sensitive gums? Bad breath? Are you looking for a generic mouthwash? Since there is no general answer, we’re going to answer this question based on different needs.
Before we start, it’s important to state that mouthwash does not replace brushing and flossing. Also, if you have severe issues with cavities or gingivitis you may need to get mouthwash from your dentist as opposed to over-the-counter.
Let’s get started! When it comes to what’s the best mouthwash, you have two main choices, antiseptic and fluoride rinses. We’re going to go with Listerine, only because their selection is well organized.
Antiseptic Rinses – What’s the Best Mouthwash?
If you’re sticking with Listerine, then these will be their green and blue bottles. Antiseptics are good for your gums. For example, they’re really good at controlling plaque and gingivitis. However, they tend to have a bit of a burning sensation. Our friend Teeth Talk Girl likes to recommend these mouthwashes for the morning. 
Prescription antiseptic mouthwashes often contain chlorhexidine (CHX), which has antimicrobial effects and is often used to treat gingivitis. CHX can lead to tooth staining and disrupt the natural balance of your mouth, however. When prescribed, it is generally to be used on a short-term basis.
Fluoride Rinses – What’s the Best Mouthwash?
Again, if you’re sticking with Listerine, then it’s their purple bottles. Fluoride rinses are good for your teeth. For example, if you have issues with cavities, we recommend using fluoride mouthwash. Our friend Teeth Talk Girl recommends using this before bed. Why? It’s because after using it, you’re supposed to wait about 30 minutes before you can eat or drink. Why? Because the fluoride mouthwash stays in your saliva.
Fluoride mouthwash is good for patients who are at risk for cavities and those who have dry mouth or receding gums. It’s also recommended for people who suffer from demineralization. These types of mouth rinses also help to restore enamel and strengthen teeth.
Alcohol VS Alcohol-Free
How do you know which one to choose? It mostly comes down to your preference. However, it’s important to know that alcohol leads to dry mouth. If you’ve ever been an alcoholic, we recommend choosing the alcohol-free mouth rinse.
If you smoke tobacco, you should also avoid mouth rinses with alcohol. This is because the use of tobacco has a synergistic effect in the initiation of head and neck cancer.
Using Both Antiseptic & Fluoride
If you have gum problems and cavity problems, you can use both antiseptic and fluoride rinses. Use the Antiseptic in the morning and the fluoride before bed.
Our Recommendation
We recommend talking with your dentist and or dental hygienist. This article is intended to help you decide which mouthwash might be best for you according to your needs for over-the-counter rinses. However, some patients may need a prescription mouthwash from their dentist.
If you want to know which over the counter products we recommend, check out our products page. You can buy these products directly from Amazon.
Conclusion
So what’s the best mouthwash? Well it depends on you need. You can choose between fluoride and antiseptic mouth rinses. You could even choose both. However, some patients may need to get a prescription mouthwash from their dentist.
No article can replace the advice a dentist can give you during an appointment. If you’re in Santa Clarita and need to schedule an appointment with the best dentists in town, click here.
Other than that, we’ll see you next time loyal readers. Check out our blog for more fun dental information.
