Flavor Options: Mint | Alcohol-Free: Yes
Best Luxury Mouthwash: Marvis Mouthwash
Why It’s Worth It: The Marvis Mouthwash is as pleasant to rinse with as it is to look at. Its apothecary-style bottle holds a cocktail of peppermint-spiked mouthwash guaranteed to leave you with better-smelling breath. Its intensively minty formula is powered by a mixture of xylitol and propolis extract, an additive known for its soothing, sensitivity-neutralizing effects. This concoction also contains glycerin, a humectant that prevents dry mouth.
Flavor Options: Strong Mint | Alcohol-Free: Yes
Most Shelfie-Worthy Mouthwash: Quip Mouthwash Starter Kit
Why It’s Worth It: Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein loves the sleek, plastic-free dispenser of Quip’s Mouthwash Starter Kit, but it goes beyond aesthetics. “I love that its formula comes in a concentrate, which seems like a small amount at first, but they provide 90 doses of its breath-refreshing elixir when mixed with a bit of water,” she says. This formula contains mouth-loving ingredients, including fluoride, cetylpyridinium chloride, and xylitol. “Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that can inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of cavities,” explains Dr. Wei.
Flavor Options: Mint | Alcohol-Free: No
Best Mouthwash Tablets: Boka Restore Mouthwash Tablets
Why It’s Worth It: On top of each tablet’s innovative, travel-friendly format, we love the robust flavor of Boka’s Restore Mouthwash Tablets—you’ll enjoy a refreshing blend of lemongrass, green tea, and mint as you rinse your mouth. This mouthwash option stands out for its combination of xylitol, anti-inflammatory aloe vera extract, and hydroxyapatite, a fluoride alternative that gently cleanses teeth and gums.
Flavor Options: Signature (mint, green tea, lemongrass) | Alcohol-Free: No
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use mouthwash?
Like brushing your teeth and flossing, mouthwash helps prevent dental issues like bad breath (also known as halitosis), tooth decay, and gum diseases like gingivitis—think of it as your first line of defense in your oral hygiene routine. The experts agree, too. “[Mouthwash] helps to kill bacteria, freshen breath, and reduce plaque buildup, contributing to overall dental health and preventing issues like gum disease and cavities,” Dr. Sands confirms.
Dr. Goldman adds that the two types of mouthwashes provide different purposes. “Cosmetic mouthwashes temporarily mask bad breath and therapeutic mouthwashes usually provide alternative benefits, such as helping reduce plaque, gingivitis, prevent decay while freshening breath,” she explains. Dr. Goldman adds that therapeutic mouthwashes are especially beneficial for people who are cavity-prone, have gingivitis, or gum disease.
Which ingredients are found in mouthwashes?
The key to a high-performing mouthwash is in its active ingredients. All the dentists say the most popular ingredient in oral rinses is fluoride, which you’re probably familiar with. “Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay,” says Dr. Wei. “It is often added to mouthwashes for its remineralization properties.” Dr. Sands says antimicrobial ingredients cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine pop up often, too. As an alternative to these actives, Dr. Wei explains that formulas can opt for antimicrobial essential oils, including eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, and methyl salicylate.
