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Others, Merch, RecreationIf you want to flash that bright smile of yours and confidently speak with a fresh breath, completing your oral care routine with the best mouthwash can do wonders. Using it with the right toothpaste can give you a set of healthy gums and teeth, as well as overall dental health.
Now, if you’re looking for the right mouthwash for you, then you’ve come to the right place! Below, we have prepared a list of the best mouthwashes in the market, and we've also made a guide with comments from board-certified dentist Dr. Carlo Umlas to help you choose the right mouthwash for your specific needs.
Dr. Carlo Umlas is a board-certified dentist and practices orthodontics and endodontics in the Philippines. He is also currently undergoing training in implantology. He enjoys educating patients on oral health and the impact of oral hygiene on overall health through his dental clinic, Avant Dental Solutions. You can book an appointment with him and know more about his practice through his Facebook page!
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Not all mouthwashes are created equal. Some mouthwashes are therapeutic, while others are merely cosmetic. Hence, before choosing a particular one, it is essential to determine your reason for using it to land on a mouthwash that is suitable for you.
If you aim to treat conditions like halitosis, dry mouth, and gum problems, you'll want to go for therapeutic mouthwashes that can target specific concerns. Meanwhile, if you're only using a mouthwash to temporarily mask bad breath and leave your mouth with a pleasant taste, cosmetic mouthwashes can do the job for you.
If you're looking to address bad breath quickly and boost your self-confidence, opt for mouthwashes that contain cetylpyridinium chloride. This ingredient is known for its antimicrobial properties that kill germs and reduce plaque.
It does an excellent job of preventing and warding off bad breath because it gets rid of plaque, which is the primary cause of gum disease and tooth decay that leads to bad breath.
CPC is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, so it's effective against a wide range of bacteria. In fact, studies have shown that it can even inhibit the infectivity of certain respiratory viruses.
Many of us are already familiar with fluoride because it is present in toothpaste and many types of mouthwash as well. Fluoride is a mineral used to strengthen the enamel of your teeth to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
This ingredient makes the teeth resistant to breaking down, and it also helps prevent plaque and other bacteria buildup. However, do note that while having a low level of fluoride causes tooth decay, too much fluoride can also cause dental fluorosis or discoloration of the teeth.
Fluoride mouthwashes do not remove plaque; instead, they focus on protecting your enamel from the acids produced by plaque. However, they are not recommended for kids younger than six because of the risk that they might ingest the mouthwash and its fluoride content.
Whether you have gum problems or you’re at risk for it, you might benefit from mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic, meaning it eliminates bacteria in the mouth. It is typically used to treat gum diseases since it can reduce inflammation caused by periodontal bacteria.
However, it is essential to note that you should observe proper usage of this ingredient since it can cause side effects, like tooth and tongue swelling, when used in large amounts. Apart from that, it can also alter or decrease taste and cause your mouth to dry.
Chlorhexidine is effective in destroying bacteria but it does have several side effects. These include staining on teeth and alteration in taste perception. It has also been observed that chlorhexidine increase the formation of tartar.
Mainly, there are two types of mouthwash formulations: alcohol-free formulas and ones with alcohol. The two vary in terms of many factors, so you have to weigh their pros and cons to determine which one suits your preferences more.
It's safe to say that most people in the country are more familiar with mouthwashes that have some alcohol content to them. They usually bring a stinging feeling or an initial burning sensation while gargling. For that reason, they are thought to leave a refreshed and clean feeling on your mouth after rinsing.
However, mouthwashes with alcohol tend to further dry your mouth, which may cause some discomfort and pain for some users, especially those who are already suffering from persistent dry mouth. Thus, if you have sensitivities like this, it is highly advised that you avoid mouthwashes with alcohol.
Alcohol-based mouthwashes should not be given to children under 6 years old because of the possibility of ingestion. You should also be careful when using mouthwash if you have sores that may be due to underlying health issues. In some cases, mouthwash might do more harm than good, so it's better to ask your dentist first before using an oral rinse.
If you have sensitive gums and teeth, alcohol-free mouthwashes are your best choice. These kinds of mouthwashes have the ability to clean your mouth without any sting or burning sensation. They are also recommended if you want to start introducing mouthwash to your children's oral hygiene routine because they are gentler than their regular counterparts.
Additionally, they are also the best pick for those who suffer from dry mouth or xerostomia. It is because they don't further dry your mouth like alcohol-containing mouthwashes. They can also freshen your breath and improve your oral hygiene just as effectively.
Compared to alcohol-based mouthwashes, alcohol-free mouthwashes have the advantage of having less effects on the color and wear of tooth composite restorations. Some studies have also shown that they may be better for the teeth in terms of gloss, color, and hardness.
For those who want to veer away from conventional mouthwashes, you can opt for natural ones made of essential oils extracted from plants that have aromatic or healing properties. You can find mouthwashes that contain ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, and peppermint that also provide a minty flavor.
Although mouthwashes are usually associated with mint flavors, they come in many other options available to choose from. For people who hate mint, there are fruity flavors, like citrus. Meanwhile, if you prefer a neutral taste in your mouth, you can also find unflavored ones.
Picking a flavor you like can help, especially for those who need to amp their oral health routine with mouthwashes. This way, it can be easier to commit to using them habitually for more improved dental health.
When choosing the flavor of your mouthwash, you also have to consider any allergies you might have. Another note is that certain flavors don't just mask the medicinal components of the mouthwash; they may also play a role in actually inhibiting acid production and bacterial growth. For instance, the combination of xylitol and a flavor composition works better than when these components are used alone.
Since this is alcohol-free, it is a great choice for people with sensitive gums and teeth and also if you want to introduce mouthwash to children 6 years old and above. It possesses a mint flavor, but compared to its regular counterpart, it has a less intense minty taste.
If you're the type of person who is highly concerned about getting even a single drop of chemical in whatever you're putting in your mouth, then this mouthwash is your best bet! It uses a blend of pH-balanced natural ingredients that include sage extract, clove oil, xylitol, funnel extract, chamomile, Glycyrrhizin extract, vitamin C, and eucalyptus.
All these ingredients work hand in hand to reduce bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay. On top of that, reviewers have mentioned that this mouthwash leaves the mouth feeling clean, fresh, and hydrated. Adding to that, it leaves a long-lasting fresh breath!
Containing antimicrobial agent, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), as its active ingredient, this mouthwash works effectively against germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. On top of that, even those with a dry and sensitive mouth can use it since it's alcohol-free and it doesn't burn.
In terms of flavor, it has a minty aftertaste that tends to linger on your mouth and freshen your breath. This mouthwash by Crest can be a great pick to finish your oral care routine. However, note that the CPC ingredient that this mouthwash contains is said to cause some side effects to some people.
This product is unlike many types of mouthwash available on the market because it prioritizes healing rather than giving you a minty fresh breath. It’s an oral antiseptic with hexetidine as its main active ingredient. Hexetidine helps prevent tooth decay and oral cavities, fights off bad breath, and if you feel a sore throat coming up, this will help relieve it.
Bactidol claims that it works as fast as 30 seconds to kill viruses that cause sore throat, eventually leading to coughs, colds or trangkaso. Many wouldn’t find the taste appealing, but it does a great job in maintaining oral health! To get the full benefit, this is best used two times a day.
Here is another mouthwash on our list that ticks all the boxes for ensuring safety first. This product is ideal for kids and people sensitive to strong ingredients because it is 99.9% natural, alcohol-free, free from synthetic dyes, PEGs, SLS/SLES, or other toxic chemicals.
This mouthwash will balance your mouth's pH level so that the tooth enamel doesn't break down. It can also boost your plaque defense and gum health. It uses peppermint leaf essential oil, corn mint leaf oil, and plant-derived menthol to give you that long-lasting minty fresh breath.
If you're concerned with your overall oral hygiene, you might want to incorporate this one into your routine. This 1% antiseptic solution can kill a range of bacteria that can cause various mouth infections and sores. Although presented differently than usual mouthwashes, it also possesses a mint flavor that can freshen up your mouth after gargling.
Apart from targeting various mouth concerns, this gargle solution by Betadine is also known for its ability to combat a broad spectrum of viruses that typically cause sore throat. Thus, many people use it when they begin to feel something on their throats because it can deliver fast and soothing relief.
Additionally, if you experience canker sores or mouth ulcers, this mouthwash will be beneficial for you because it also contains glycerin that will help relieve pain and stinging. This mouthwash is also a good pick for those who do not want to feel any sting on their gargle since it is alcohol-free.
If you often experience pangingilo or other signs of tooth sensitivity, you're better off with mouthwashes like this one by Gumtect. Specifically formulated for sensitive teeth, it has a dynamic desensitizing system that helps relieve signs of tooth sensitivity.
Apart from that, it also contains various ingredients that provide some care for your gums. It has allantoin that strengthens your gums and vitamin E that soothes and moisturizes them. This alcohol-free mouthwash also comes with triclean that shields your mouth against plaque and bacteria.
Not a lot of mouthwash promotes teeth whitening as its main benefit, but if you're looking for one that can grant you that, this one by Oral-B is straight up your alley. This alcohol-free mouthwash helps remove surface stains to leave you with a set of cleaner or whiter teeth.
Another thing we love about this mouthwash is that it brings no burning sensation to your mouth since it is alcohol-free. With that said, it is also a good pick for those suffering from dry mouth. Thanks to its clean mint flavor, it is also able to leave you with a fresher breath.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Carlo Umlas.
Mouthwash can help control and remove plaque, but not all, which is why it shouldn't be used alone or to replace brushing. Plaque removal can only be achieved through a combination of brushing, flossing, and occasional mouthwash use.
Mouthwash isn't a necessary component in oral hygiene, but if you would still want to use it, we recommend using it no more than twice a day. More than that and it can be harmful because it contains alcohol and will kill even the good bacteria in your mouth.
Mouthwash freshens or masks bad breath temporarily, especially if it is caused by food with strong or pungent scents like garlic, onion, or improper hygiene. However, in cases when bad breath is caused by underlying medical conditions, it is better to treat these conditions to fully eliminate bad breath.
Having good hygiene means that you're taking good care of yourself and it also ultimately leads to having a healthy body that's from disease-causing germs. Check out our other articles for more product recommendations!
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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