If you brush and floss, do you really need mouthwash? Here’s what dentists say

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Mouthwashes are made with different ingredients depending on what their purpose is, like fighting cavities, reducing bad breath and preventing gingivitis. AmazonBrushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are oral care essentials. Mouthwash, on the other hand, isn’t exactly a necessary part of your routine. Think of it as a way to enhance your oral care routine, says Dr. Chris Salierno, the chief dental officer at Tend, a dental studio company with several locations in major cities including New York City, Boston and Washington DC. “Mouthwash is a great addition, but it should complement, not replace, brushing and flossing,” he says. “It can quickly apply special ingredients to your teeth, gums and other oral surfaces for an intended effect, like freshening breath, preventing cavities and protecting against gum disease.”

I talked to dentists to learn how to choose a mouthwash and how often you should use it. I also rounded up a handful of options from brands like Act, Colgate and Listerine.

Best overall26. Listerine Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash$undefined$8.87AmazonLearn moreBest for cavity preventionAct Anticavity Fluoride Rinse$5.74$5.74AmazonLearn moreBest for bad breathTheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse$undefined$14.68AmazonLearn moreBest for kidsAct Kids Anticavity Fluoride Rinse$undefined$5.99WalgreensLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedShould you use fluoride-free toothpaste? Dentists explainWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

With all of that in mind, I rounded up ADA-accepted options available over the counter. I included important information about each mouthwash, like its type, purpose, active ingredients and what flavors it comes in. Every option is also alcohol-free.

$8.87Amazon$8.87Walmart$10.99WalgreensWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: treating tooth sensitivity | Active ingredients: dipotassium oxalate | Flavors: fresh mintWhat we likeGood for sensitive teethFreshens breathDoesn’t burnSomething to noteAlcohol-freeHas an acquired tasteListerine’s Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash won an NBC Select Wellness Award for best overall mouthwash this year. “This is the one that finally turned me into a mouthwash person,” says NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown. She likes that it doesn’t sting her mouth or irritate her gums, but is not so mild that it feels like it isn’t doing anything. It’s alcohol-free, has a fresh mint flavor and it’s suitable for sensitive teeth, according to the brand.

Brown likes that this Listerine mouthwash doesn’t irritate her gums.Courtesy Joshua RiosBest for cavity preventionAct Anticavity Fluoride Rinse$5.74Amazon$3.99TargetWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: prevent tooth decay | Active ingredients: sodium fluoride | Flavors: mint, arctic blast, cinnamonWhat we likeProtects against cavitiesBuilt-in dosage cupSubtle yet fresh flavorSomething to noteMade with artificial dyesI’ve been using this Act fluoride mouthwash ever since my dentist recommended it to me years ago. It helps prevent cavities, strengthen enamel and freshen breath, according to the brand. I buy the mint flavor, which is concentrated enough to leave my mouth feeling fresh and clean, but subtle enough that it doesn’t last for too long. I appreciate that the bottle’s opening has a built-in dosage cup — you hold the bottle upright, squeeze its center to fill the line on the top and pour it into a cup. You need to give the fluoride in this mouthwash time to work once it’s on your teeth, so the brand recommends not eating or drinking for 30 minutes after rinsing.

$14.68AmazonWhat to knowType: cosmetic | Purpose: reduce bad breath | Active ingredients: none | Flavors: mild mint, rainforest mint, invigorating icy mintWhat we likeFreshens breathGentle formulaCan use cap to measureSomething to noteBulkier bottleNBC Selected commerce editor Cory Fernandez uses TheraBreath’s mouthwash because it’s gentle and doesn’t sting his gums. He also likes that it comes in various mild flavors, including fresh mint and chamomile mint. It’s also a favorite of NBC Select intern Kalohe Danbara, who uses it every morning and night to keep her breath fresh throughout the day. The mouthwash kills odor-causing bacteria and gets rid of bad breath for up to 24 hours when you use it every 12 hours after brushing, according to the brand. You can use the bottle’s cap to measure the appropriate serving of mouthwash.

Danbara uses this mouthwash in the morning and at night.Courtesy Kalohe DanbaraBest for gingivitis preventionColgate Total Active Prevention Mouthwash$5.49CVS PharmacyWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: prevent and reduce gingivitis | Active ingredients: cetylpyridinium chloride | Flavors: spearmint, peppermintWhat we likeAntibacterial formulaUp to 24 hours of protectionQuickly freshens breathSomething to noteMade with artificial dyes“Because my mom is a dental hygienist, she’s always bringing home oral care products and recommended this mouthwash to me because it’s great for the overall health of my mouth,” says former NBC Selected associate reporter Bianca Alvarez. “I use it after brushing and flossing, and I feel like my teeth are cleaner overall and my mouth feels more fresh.” Colgate’s rinse fights the bacteria that contributes to issues like gingivitis, plaque and bad breath for up to 24 hours after use, according to the brand. It’s also made with zinc to help freshen breath. I’ve tried the peppermint flavor of this mouthwash, which has a strong flavor that quickly gets rid of lingering tastes from food or beverages.

$13.59Amazon$18.99CVS Pharmacy$17.99WalgreensWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: reduce bad breath | Active ingredients: sodium fluoride  | Flavors: gentle mintWhat we likeNon-irritating formulaProtects against cavitiesCap attached to bottleSomething to noteOne flavor availableCloSys’ anticavity mouthwash has a non-burning, non-irritating, pH-balanced formula that strengthens tooth enamel and freshens breath, according to the brand. Since the mouthwash has fluoride in it, the brand recommends not eating or drinking for 30 minutes after rinsing.

$8.98$11.86AmazonNow 24% off$9.49CVS Pharmacy$9.99WalgreensWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: prevent tooth decay | Active ingredients: sodium fluoride | Flavors: spearmint, peppermintWhat we likeProtects against cavitiesStrengthens enamelMild tasteSomething to noteMade with artificial dyesListerine’s mouthwash helps strengthen enamel, prevent cavities and freshen breath, according to the brand. It has a mild taste, and since it’s made with fluoride, the brand recommends not eating or drinking for 30 minutes after rinsing.

$10.97$14.09AmazonNow 22% off$10.99Target$14.49CVS PharmacyWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: temporarily relieve dry mouth symptoms | Active ingredients: none | Flavors: fresh mintWhat we likeRelieves dry mouthWorks for up to 4 hoursFreshens breathSomething to noteOne flavor availableThe ingredients in this rinse by Biotène help moisturize the mouth to relieve dryness and related symptoms like chapped lips, stickiness and bad breath for up to four hours after use, according to the brand. You can use the mouthwash up to five times a day.

$12.43WalmartWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: prevent tooth decay | Active ingredients: sodium fluoride | Flavors: mint, gushing grapeWhat we likeSupports teeth with bracesProtects against cavitiesMeasurement marker in capSomething to noteMade with artificial dyesWhite spots sometimes form on teeth when you have braces due to plaque buildup and enamel loss around the brackets and wires. Colgate’s mouthwash helps prevent them by strengthening enamel with fluoride, which also prevents cavities, according to the brand. The bottle’s cap has a measurement marker inside it to help you pour out the appropriate amount of rinse.

$5.99Walgreens$5.79CVS PharmacyWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: prevent tooth decay | Active ingredients: sodium fluoride | Flavors: wild watermelon, bubblegum blowout, groovy grape, pineapple punchWhat we likeVarious fruity flavorsProtects against cavitiesBuilt-in dosage cupSomething to noteMade with artificial dyesOnce kids outgrow cartoons on their dental care products, you may want to start buying them a mouthwash like this one instead. It still comes in fruity flavors, but its packaging feels a little more grown up. Act’s mouthwash helps prevent cavities and strengthen enamel, and since it’s made with fluoride, the brand recommends not eating and drinking for 30 minutes after rinsing. The bottle has a built-in dosage cup — you hold the bottle upright, squeeze its center to fill the line on the top and pour it into a cup.

$17.99WalmartWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: prevent tooth decay | Active ingredients: sodium fluoride | Flavors: citrus, grape, mintWhat we likeVarious fruity flavorsProtects against cavitiesSomething to noteNothing to note at this time“I’m not a fan of mint-flavored anything, which is very unfortunate in a world where mint is the primary note in every oral care product,” says NBC Selected editorial operations associate Jem Alabi. After trying out Carifree’s alternative flavors like citrus and grape, Alabi uses this mouthwash every night after flossing and before putting on her retainer. Aside from the non-minty flavor options, she likes that the mouthwash doesn’t sting, feels refreshing and keeps morning breath at bay.

Alabi, who is not a fan of minty flavors, likes that this mouthwash tastes like citrus while still making her mouth feel clean.Courtesy Kalohe DanbaraHow I picked the best mouthwashesHere’s what experts recommend considering while shopping for mouthwash:

selectedselectedOver-the-counter teeth whitening: What products really work and how to make it lastFrequently asked questionsWho should use mouthwash?Anyone can add mouthwash to their oral care routine, but it usually benefits people with gum disease, frequent cavities, dry mouth and bad breath most, says Salierno. That’s because mouthwash is made with ingredients that specifically target these issues. People who have braces or dental work like bridges also benefit from mouthwash because it can reach areas that brushing might not, he says.

One important thing to keep in mind: if you’re using mouthwash and have persistent bad breath, it may be a sign of an underlying issue, so talk to your dentist, says Salierno.

Ideally, you should use mouthwash twice a day, says Messina: once in the morning and once at night. You can also use it after meals to freshen breath and wash away food particles.

It’s best to use mouthwash after brushing, but make sure you wait at least 30 minutes before rinsing so the fluoride in your toothpaste has time to work, says Salierno. He recommends flossing first to remove debris, brushing second to clean your teeth and rinsing with mouthwash last to kill bacteria and freshen breath. But in general, don’t get too hung up on what order you do your oral care routine in, says Messina. “The order doesn’t matter nearly as much as actually doing it,” he says.

Whitening mouthwashes are typically made with peroxides, like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which can remove stains on teeth and lighten their color. However, because whitening mouthwashes have such a low concentration of peroxides in their formulas, experts say their impact is minimal. If you use them, you’re not likely to see much, if any, improvement in the appearance of your teeth.

Yes, kids over six years old can use mouthwash, says Salierno. Parents need to supervise them while they’re young to make sure they don’t use too much and spit it out after rinsing. Children should use kids’ mouthwashes, which are typically alcohol-free and have milder flavors compared to adults’ mouthwashes, he says.

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I’m a reporter at NBC Selected who has covered oral care since 2020, including topics like toothpaste for kids and adults, whitening toothpaste, electric toothbrushes and water flossers. To write this article, I interviewed two dentists about how to shop for mouthwash and rounded up the best options available over-the-counter.

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Zoe MalinZoe Malin is a reporter for NBC Selected who leads coverage for tentpole sale events including Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.