Top 10 Mouthwash Types Explained

How this list is ordered

The types are ordered by how well the benefit is supported and how widely a type is suitable for ordinary people, with the most useful first. This is an editorial ordering based on general NHS and professional guidance and not a comparison of brands, and we do not recommend any product. Ingredients and strengths vary between products and countries, so always read the label and follow the instructions. Where evidence is mixed or limited, we say so. Mouthwash is an optional extra: the NHS advice for healthy teeth is brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth and regular dental check-ups.

Do you need mouthwash?

Most people do not need mouthwash if they brush and clean between their teeth well, and it should never replace those steps. A mouthwash can help in particular situations, for example for extra fluoride in people at higher risk of decay, for short-term control of gum problems on dental advice, for dry mouth, after certain dental procedures or as a pleasant finish to a routine. Using one to mask bad breath without finding the cause can delay treatment of gum disease or decay. If you are unsure, ask your dentist or hygienist whether a mouthwash would help you and which type. A dentist can also tell you if one you are using is not suitable.

1. Fluoride mouthwash

Fluoride mouthwashes provide an additional dose of fluoride, which strengthens enamel and helps early damage to repair. Dentists often suggest them for people at higher risk of decay, including people with fixed braces, a dry mouth, a history of cavities or exposed roots. They are used at a different time of day from brushing, for example after lunch, so that they do not wash away the fluoride from toothpaste. Follow the label on how long to swish and not to eat or drink for a short period afterwards. Age limits apply, and young children should not use them unless advised. It ranks first because the benefit is well supported for the right people. Watch out for swallowing it, for use by young children and for rinsing straight after brushing.

2. Alcohol-free daily mouthwash

Alcohol-free mouthwashes freshen breath and leave a clean taste without the sting of alcohol, and they suit people with a dry or sensitive mouth. Some contain mild antibacterial ingredients or flavourings, while others are mainly cosmetic. They have a role as a pleasant finishing step, but their benefit for teeth and gums is modest compared with brushing and interdental cleaning. They rank second because they are gentle and suitable for most adults. They suit people who like a rinse and want a gentler option. Watch out for assuming they treat bad breath without addressing its cause, for products with no fluoride used instead of fluoride toothpaste and for giving adult products to children.

3. Antibacterial mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils

Antibacterial mouthwashes use ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride or blends of essential oils to reduce bacteria in the mouth. Studies suggest that, used alongside good brushing and cleaning between teeth, some can reduce plaque and mild gum inflammation modestly. They do not replace mechanical cleaning. Some products carry guidance about how long they should be used continuously. They rank third because the benefit is modest and depends on use. They suit people with early gum inflammation who have discussed it with a dentist. Watch out for staining, a burning feeling or altered taste, for using them long term without advice and for ignoring bleeding gums that do not improve.

4. Prescription chlorhexidine mouthwash

Chlorhexidine is a strong antibacterial often prescribed or recommended by a dentist for a short time, for example to control plaque after gum treatment or surgery, or when cleaning is difficult. It is effective at reducing plaque but is not meant for long-term daily use, because it can stain teeth and the tongue brown, change taste and, in some people, cause irritation. Staining can usually be removed by a hygienist. It ranks fourth because it is effective but specialist. It suits people for whom a dentist has advised it. Watch out for using it for longer than advised, for using it at the same time as toothpaste, which can reduce its effect, and for expecting it to treat the cause of gum problems.

5. Saline or salt-water rinse

A warm salt-water rinse is simple, cheap and recommended by the NHS for mouth ulcers, sore gums and after some dental procedures. It is soothing and mildly cleansing, but it does not remove plaque and is not a substitute for brushing. The NHS suggests mixing about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water for short-term use. It ranks fifth because it is useful for specific situations. It suits short-term soreness. Watch out for using a strong solution, for frequent long-term use, for swallowing it, and for ulcers or sore patches that last more than three weeks, which need a dentist or doctor. Children should use only as advised by a clinician.

6. Mouthwash for dry mouth

Dry mouth can come from medicines, dehydration, mouth breathing, some conditions and radiotherapy, and it raises the risk of decay and gum problems. Mouthwashes and sprays designed for dry mouth moisten the mouth and may contain ingredients that mimic saliva, and some contain fluoride. They are used as often as the label directs. They rank sixth because they help a specific group. They suit people with a persistently dry mouth who have talked to a pharmacist or dentist. Watch out for alcohol-based products, which can make dryness worse, for ignoring the cause of the dryness and for dry mouth that comes with other symptoms, which should be reviewed by a GP or dentist.

7. Children's mouthwash

Some mouthwashes are formulated for children, with milder flavours and sometimes fluoride at a suitable level. They are generally meant for older children who can swish and spit reliably, and age limits on the label should be followed. Many children do not need one if they brush well with fluoride toothpaste, and a dentist can advise if extra fluoride would help, for example during orthodontic treatment. They rank seventh because they suit a limited group. They suit children old enough to spit. Watch out for children swallowing mouthwash, for using adult products, for sweet flavours that encourage swallowing and for using mouthwash instead of supervised brushing. Keep it out of reach of young children.

8. Natural and herbal mouthwash

Natural mouthwashes use ingredients such as herbal extracts, aloe or tea tree and are chosen by people who prefer plant-based products. Some freshen the breath pleasantly, and some small studies suggest that certain herbal ingredients may reduce plaque, but the evidence is limited and mixed. Many contain no fluoride. They rank eighth because the benefit is uncertain. They suit people who like them as a pleasant extra and keep fluoride toothpaste in their routine. Watch out for essential oils that irritate, for allergies, for tea tree oil that must not be swallowed, for relying on them for gum problems and for assuming natural means free of risk. Our guide on natural oral care trends covers the evidence.

9. Whitening mouthwash

Whitening mouthwashes claim to brighten teeth, using low levels of peroxide or stain-lifting ingredients. Because a mouthwash is in contact with the teeth for only about thirty seconds to a minute, any effect is small, and in the UK peroxide in consumer products is limited by law. Some products may help to reduce new surface stain, but they do not change the underlying shade much. They rank ninth because the benefit is modest. They suit people who enjoy the routine and have realistic expectations. Watch out for products that irritate gums, for sensitivity, for expecting results like professional whitening and for overuse. Our whitening guides explain the supervised options.

10. Alcohol-based mouthwash

Many traditional mouthwashes contain alcohol, which gives a strong taste and helps to dissolve other ingredients. The sting can be unpleasant, and alcohol can dry the mouth, which may make bad breath worse later and is unsuitable for people with dry mouth or sore tissues. Some research has discussed possible links between alcohol-containing mouthwash and oral health risks, but the evidence is not conclusive, and many dental professionals simply suggest alcohol-free options for those who prefer them. They rank last in this list because alcohol-free alternatives are available. They suit people who like them and have no dry mouth. Watch out for use in children, for swallowing and for stinging that suggests irritation.

Mouthwash with braces and aligners

People with fixed braces have more places for plaque to collect and a higher risk of decay and white marks around brackets, so a fluoride mouthwash at a separate time from brushing is often recommended by orthodontists and dentists. Careful brushing around the brackets and interdental brushes still do the main job. Aligner wearers should avoid rinsing with coloured or hot products with trays in, and should take them out before using mouthwash, unless the instructions say otherwise. Ask your orthodontist which product suits your appliance. Our guides on fluoride, white spot lesions and cleaning braces explain the routine.

How to use mouthwash well

Read the label, measure the amount, swish for the time stated and spit, without swallowing. Do not rinse with water straight afterwards, as this removes the active ingredient, and avoid eating or drinking for the period advised. Use fluoride mouthwash at a different time from brushing, such as after lunch. Do not use mouthwash straight after toothpaste unless the instructions say so. Do not give mouthwash to young children. Store it safely, away from children, and check expiry dates. If a product burns, stains your teeth or tongue, or makes your mouth sore, stop and ask a pharmacist or dentist.

When mouthwash is not the answer

If you have bad breath that does not clear, bleeding gums, a persistent sore or ulcer, tooth pain or a bad taste, mouthwash will not fix the cause, and may hide it. See a dentist, who can check for gum disease, decay, infection and other causes. Our guides on bad breath and gum disease explain what to look for. A mouthwash is best treated as a small extra on top of a good basic routine, not as a way of avoiding professional care.

Reading a mouthwash label

Look for the active ingredient, such as sodium fluoride, cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine, and check whether it says that it contains alcohol, sometimes listed as ethanol or alcohol denat. Note the age range, how much to use, how long to swish and any limit on how many days in a row it can be used. Check whether the product is a cosmetic, meant for freshening, or intended to prevent decay, and look for a UK address and batch information. Claims such as kills 99 per cent of germs describe laboratory tests, not benefits to teeth, so look instead for advice from your dentist.

Safety and storage

Mouthwash is not a drink. Swallowing it can cause stomach upset, and alcohol-containing and fluoride products can be harmful to young children if swallowed in quantity. Keep bottles out of reach of children, close the cap tightly and avoid decanting into drinks bottles. If a child swallows a large amount, contact NHS 111 or poison advice services, or go to A&E if they are unwell, and take the bottle with you. Adults who have had mouth surgery or have mouth sores should check with a dentist before using any product with alcohol or strong flavours. Replace mouthwash that has passed its expiry date.

Questions to ask your dentist or hygienist

Useful questions include whether a mouthwash would help you at all, which type suits your risk of decay and gum health, when in the day to use it, how long to use it for, whether it is safe with your braces or aligners, and what to do about bad breath or a dry mouth. Ask them to write the product name down if they recommend one. A short conversation can save money on products you do not need and make sure that those you do use are used well.

Key takeaways

Mouthwash is optional. Fluoride mouthwash has the best support for people at higher risk of decay, antibacterial rinses may help mild gum inflammation, chlorhexidine is for short-term use on dental advice, and whitening and natural rinses have limited evidence. Use it at a different time from brushing, never as a replacement for cleaning, and ask your dentist what suits you. This is general information, not personal medical advice.

Useful related pages

This guide is for general information only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for advice from a registered dentist or orthodontist.