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When it comes to common dental ailments, almost 40% of them are caused due to an unhygienic oral lifestyle. Our mouth is the easy access point for germs and bacteria to enter our bodies; taking care of it is one of the most crucial self-care procedures we can incorporate into our daily routines. An easy way to do this is to use an antiseptic mouthwash to help you get rid of bacteria and avoid conditions like bad breath, gingivitis, dry mouth, and gum disease.
But with so many mouthwash products on the market, how do you find the right fit for your needs? The answer is simple – let us help you! We’ve reviewed the highest-rated antiseptic mouthwashes of 2024. Plus, we’ve included a detailed buyer’s guide with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Our Favorite Antiseptic Mouthwash of 2024
Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash — Top Pick
Listerine has been one of the most widely acclaimed names in the oral healthcare industry, and the recent Listerine Cool Mint antiseptic mouthwash is a testament that its fame is well-founded. Made with some of the most sought-after cleansing ingredients, such as menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate, this mouthwash will eliminate most bacterial buildup in your mouth with a single use.
These ingredients also boast very intense antimicrobial properties that help fight gingivitis, bad breath, plaque buildup, and receding gums. Not only that, the addition of some essential oils maintains a well-balanced composition of alcohol and natural ingredients, which is perfect for protecting your mouth. Thanks to these impressive features, we’ve chosen this antiseptic mouthwash as our top pick.
Pros
- FDA-approved formula
- Minty fresh flavor for refreshing breath
- Germ-killing, intense deep clean
- Helps combat harmful mouth conditions
Cons
- The taste may be overwhelming
Hello Naturally Fresh Antiseptic Mouthwash — Most Natural
It's challenging to find a good oral hygiene product free from alcohol and other chemicals that also works well as a cleaning agent. The Hello Naturally Fresh Antiseptic Mouthwash takes up that challenge and performs amazingly well. Free from fluoride, dyes, sodium lauryl, parabens, and alcohol, this antiseptic mouthwash is perfect for kids and adults alike.
With tea tree oil as its primary component, this mouthwash is made from 100% natural ingredients and is cruelty-free certified. With all that said, this natural mouthwash doesn’t compromise on quality; it has been proven to kill most bacteria and germs in your mouth, making it natural and effective. What’s more, thanks to its natural formula, it doesn’t have any of the adverse, long-term effects that chemical-based mouthwash has.
Pros
- Tastes exceptionally good
- Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny
- Free of alcohol and synthetic dyes
Cons
- The lid can be difficult to open
Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash — Quick Relief
Do you have an important meeting or a date lined up? The Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash is a fast-acting oral hygiene product that will leave you breathing and smelling fresh in a matter of seconds. This mouthwash also helps you quickly stop inflammation, sores, and irritation in your mouth, allowing you to return to your daily life stress-free.
With the help of intense alcoholic elements and other antimicrobial agents, this powerful mouthwash has been backed by many dentists and oral hygienists, ensuring long-lasting, quick results without any side effects.
Pros
- Quick-acting and works in seconds
- Provides long-lasting results
- Soothes gum inflammation and irritation
Cons
- It may not be suitable for children
Amazon Basics Tartar Control — Best Value
Amazon products are known for their quality and affordable prices, and the Amazon Basic Tartar Control mouthwash is no exception. As the name suggests, the primary function of this antiseptic mouthwash is to control the buildup of tartar, which could lead to ailments like gingivitis. With this powerful mouthwash, you can rest assured your mouth will be clean and less likely to develop severe disease and decay.
What’s more, this product is extremely gentle and can be used multiple times a day. With its minty flavor, the mouthwash has an enlivening taste that will leave your breath exceptionally fresh. It also comes with a 1-year satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to opt for a refund if you aren't satisfied with the product. Thanks to this satisfaction guarantee and this product’s affordable price, we’ve chosen this mouthwash as our best value-for-money pick.
Pros
- The gentle, minty flavor
- Reduces tartar buildup
- Perfect for sensitive gums
- Easily purchase with Alexa voice shopping
Cons
- Contains artificial sweeteners
Orajel Antiseptic Mouthwash — Most Versatile
The Orajel Antiseptic Mouthwash is not your typical breath freshener – it has healing in mind. This mouthwash has made its way onto our list due to its healing properties that help you get rid of canker sores, cheek bites, gum irritations, or cuts from your braces. This mouthwash provides exceptional pain relief and hastens up the healing process while cleansing wounds to avoid infection.
What’s more, this mouthwash comes in a gentle mint flavor that isn’t too extreme, which leaves your mouth feeling refreshed and revitalized. Thanks to hydrogen peroxide, which is an active ingredient, this mouthwash has fantastic cleansing and antiseptic properties, making it an extremely versatile product.
Pros
- Has a refreshing, light flavor
- Perfect for treating oral sores
- No side effects
- Gentle enough for repeated use
Cons
- Not suitable for kids under 12
Buyer’s Guide for Finding a Top Antiseptic Mouthwash
Although oral hygiene is important, your mouth is a delicate part of your body. It’s important to thoroughly research an antiseptic mouthwash before using it. There are quite a few mouthwash formulas that can be too alcoholic or harsh for sensitive mouths. But don’t worry – we’ve designed the perfect buyer’s guide to help you pick the most effective antiseptic mouthwash for your mouth. Let’s take a look!
Consider This Before Purchasing an Antiseptic Mouthwash
Ingredients
Since mouthwash goes directly into your mouth, taking note of the mouthwash ingredients is vital. Some people might have allergies, and some might be sensitive to particular ingredients, so make sure that you read through the entire ingredients list before purchasing. Keep in mind that not all mouthwashes are alcohol-free. Also, if you’re looking for natural mouthwash, be sure to avoid ingredient lists that contain synthetic dyes and chemicals. Ultimately, choose a mouthwash based on your specific needs.
Alcohol
Although alcohol is an excellent antiseptic agent, it's not always advisable for certain users, such as children. Although most antiseptic mouthwashes include a percentage of alcohol, there are also quite a few types of mouthwash that are made from natural ingredients; these are alcohol-free and are perfectly suitable for children or those who wish to avoid alcohol altogether.
Medical conditions
If you have an underlying medical condition that causes ailments in your mouth, always consult your dentist first before purchasing or starting to use an antiseptic mouthwash. Many types of mouthwash have harsh ingredients and antimicrobial agents that may cause a reaction if you're taking a specific medication. Talk to your doctor about what you can and can’t use to avoid doing more harm than good.
Taste
If you’re using mouthwash daily, you’ll want it to taste good. If your mouthwash tastes bad or has an overpowering taste, it could affect your taste buds, leading to a morphed sense of taste. This is why we recommend first testing the taste of the product of your choice to make sure that it’s something you’re willing to use on a regular basis. You can easily do this by buying a travel-size version.
Why Should You Use Mouthwash?
Using an antiseptic mouthwash is the quickest way to achieve your oral hygiene goals. It will give you a fresher mouth and prevent many diseases, impacting not only your mouth but your overall health, including your internal organs. Your mouth is the access point to all other organs; any bacteria that survive in your mouth can travel to other parts of your body and affect other organs such as your kidneys or liver. Using mouthwash also helps with the following:
- A strong antiseptic mouthwash helps you get rid of bad breath
- Regularly using mouthwash combats dry mouth and removes tartar
- Mouthwash also fights the buildup of plaque and gum-related diseases
