Mouthwashes have become a regular part of daily oral care routines, offering several advantages such as fighting bad breath, reducing plaque buildup, preventing gum disease, and promoting overall oral health.

However, many people are unsure about which mouthwash to use, when to use it, and how long to use it.

In this article, we will explore different antibacterial mouthwashes available and their proper usage.

Here are the top 10 antibacterial types of mouthwash

Colgate Plax Fresh Mint Mouthwash

A powerful yet alcohol-free solution that removes over 99% of germs causing bad breath and cavities, providing a fresher and cleaner mouth than brushing alone.

Active ingredient: Cetylpyridinium chloride

Pros:

• Claims to remove over 99% of germs causing bad breath and cavities
• The alcohol-free formula for a refreshing experience without a burning sensation
• Longer cooling sensation compared to brushing alone
• Helps prevent cavities, protects against germ build-up, and promotes healthier gums when used as directed

Cons:

• May stain teeth.
• Taste preferences may vary for the fresh mint flavor.
• Long-term use is not recommended as it can disrupt the microbial balance in the mouth.

BIO Resurge’s Mouthwash

A complete protection solution that strengthens gums and teeth while providing long-lasting fresh breath. This alcohol-free mouthwash effectively kills oral germs and protects against infections.

Active ingredients: clove oil, spearmint oil, alum

Pros:

• Strengthens gums and teeth for overall oral health
• Provides day-long fresh breath
• Effective in combating sore throat, cough, and bad breath
• The alcohol-free formula for a gentle and refreshing experience

 Cons:

• Alum can cause irritation in the long run
• Clove and spearmint oils can cause allergies

Enshine Mouthwash

A long-lasting fresh breath solution that removes gums, kills germs and bacteria and provides effective protection to gums and teeth. With a refreshingly cool mint flavor and no alcohol or burning sensation, it offers a pleasant and refreshing experience.

Active ingredients: methyl salicylate, eucalyptol oil, menthol, thymol

Pros:

• Long-lasting fresh breath with a refreshingly cool mint flavor.
• Removes bacteria causing bad breath and plaque.
• The alcohol-free formula for a comfortable rinse without a burning sensation.
• Helps stop plaque build-up.
• Claims to provide a 24/7 fresh feeling with daily use.

Cons:

• Irritation and allergies may be experienced.

Listerine Cavity Fighter Mouthwash

Mouthwash claims that with its unique formula containing 4 Essential Oils, it effectively penetrates the plaque biofilm to remove bacteria. In just 2 weeks, Listerine claims to help reduce gum problems.

Active ingredients:

Methyl salicylate, eucalyptol oil, thymol

Pros:

• Helps prevent cavities in hard-to-reach areas
• Prevents bleeding gums
• Reduces gum inflammation

Cons:

• May cause teeth to stain
• The taste and sensation of Listerine may not be suitable for everyone
• Some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity or irritation

Dente91 Mouthwash

An alcohol-free cool mint flavored mouthwash enriched with Lactoferrin for healthy teeth and gums. This fluoride-free and sugar-free mouthwash effectively fights plaque, prevents dental caries, and helps prevent bad breath. it provides a refreshingly cool mint flavor without any burning sensation.

Active ingredients: lactoferrin, xylitol, peppermint oil, zinc citrate

Pros:

• Enriched with Lactoferrin for healthy teeth and gums
• Effective against plaque with zinc citrate
• Dental caries prevention with xylitol and fluoride
• Helps prevent bad breath
• Alcohol-free formula eliminates burning sensation and dryness
• Antimicrobial properties of Lactoferrin provide antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits

 Cons:

• Xylitol, in the long term, can cause gastric issues
• Allergies may be experienced
• Zinc citrate can stain teeth

Daybreak Mouthwash

A gentle formulation enriched with a multi-mineral complex and powerful natural ingredients for optimal oral care. This alcohol-free mouthwash helps in enamel remineralization, fights gum inflammation, neutralizes plaque formation, and balances oral bacterial levels, all without any burning sensation.

Active ingredients: L-arginine aloe vera zinc lactate

 Pros:

• Contains a multi-mineral complex for enamel remineralization and cavity prevention
• Aloe vera extracts prevent gum inflammation
• Amino acids help neutralize plaque formation
• Zinc lactate fights bad breath for long-lasting freshness
• The alcohol-free formula balances oral pH levels and protects the oral microbiome
• Clean label with no fluoride, SLS, parabens, triclosan, titanium dioxide, artificial colors, or fragrance
• Biocompatible, vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free formulation

 Cons:

• Allergies may be experienced
• Staining of teeth when used for long

Oralvit Probiotic Mouthwash

Anti-Plaque Thyme-Flavour Mouthwash cleans your teeth, freshens your mouth, and can be used as a soothing gargle. It claims to reach all parts of your mouth, removes 99.9% of germs, and helps prevent oral problems like bad breath, bleeding gums, and plaque.  Oralvit products state that they are free of toxins, parabens, sulfates, and chemicals, and are cruelty-free.

Active ingredients: probiotics, L-arginine, aloe vera

Pros:

• Probiotics improve gum health
• Thoroughly cleans
• Sure, here are the remaining points for Oralvit Probiotic Mouthwash
• Thoroughly cleans the mouth and freshens breath
• Helps restore and maintain a healthy balance of oral microbiota
• Supports natural defenses against harmful bacteria
• Alcohol-free and gentle on the gums and oral tissues
• Suitable for daily use and long-term oral health maintenance
• Can be used alongside other oral care products like toothpaste and floss

Cons:

• Some individuals may experience temporary digestive discomfort when ingesting the mouthwash due to the probiotic nature of the product
• It may take time to see noticeable results in terms of oral health improvement

Perfora Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

A potent solution that promotes fresh breath and optimal oral health. This mouthwash utilizes the beneficial properties of Lemon, Tea Tree, Peppermint, and Spearmint essential oils to provide long-lasting freshness after each rinse. It claims to offer continuous control over bad breath, safeguard against harmful bacteria, and does so without causing any burning sensation or unpleasant aftertaste.

Active ingredients:  lemon oil, spearmint oil, and hyaluronic acid.

Pros:

• Enjoy long-lasting freshness through a blend of essential oils.
• Provides 24/7 control over bad breath.
• Delivers a comfortable rinsing experience with its alcohol-free formulation.
• Contains a clinically proven probiotic strain that promotes a healthy oral microbiome.
• Hyaluronic Acid effectively removes plaque and acts as an anti-gingivitis agent.
• Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and free from toxins.
• Claims to use 100% non-toxic ingredients, devoid of artificial sweeteners and harmful additives.

Cons:

• Long-term use of hyaluronic acid may be abrasive to teeth.
• Lemon oil and spearmint oil can potentially trigger irritations and allergies in some individuals.

Freshclor Mouthwash

An alcohol-free solution specifically designed to enhance oral wellness and provide comprehensive protection for your mouth. This mint-flavored mouthwash effectively fights bad breath, safeguards gums, and ensures a cleaner and fresher mouth.

Active ingredients are sodium phosphate and mint.

Pros:

• Its cavity-fighting properties promote oral health and prevent tooth decay.
• Mint flavor provides a refreshing taste and fresh breath.
• Does not cause a burning sensation, dryness, alteration in taste, or teeth stains.
• Claimed to be safe for regular use and suitable for daily oral care routines.
• Powerful yet gentle antimicrobial action helps eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Contains stabilized chlorine dioxide, an effective oxidizing agent that combats bad breath and reduces microbial infections.
• Promotes gum health and helps prevent gum disease.
• Suitable for pre and post-dental treatments to maintain oral hygiene.

Cons:

• Sodium phosphate and citric acid present in the mouthwash may be abrasive to teeth in the long run.

Teeth-a-bit Multiprotection Mouthwash

Mouthwash tablets are suitable for all. This claims on being “Zero” in many aspects, including zero alcohol, zero water, zero artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, zero peroxides, zero dyes, zero SLS, zero parabens, zero plastic, zero spills, and zero cruelty.

Active ingredients:  clove, cinnamon, natural cardamom fennel, lavender extract, natural mint extract, 100% natural menthol, natural salt, non-GMO xylitol, and non-GMO mannitol sweeteners.

Pros:

• Claims to have anti-cavity, anti-inflammatory, and pro-whitening properties.
• Contains zero alcohol, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and other undesirable ingredients.
• Travel-friendly with a compact size and leak-proof packaging.
• Easy to use: simply bite, sip, swish, and spit.
• Environmentally friendly with no plastic waste.

Cons:

• Not suitable for children under 9 years of age.
• May require getting used to the format of mouthwash bits.
• Availability may be limited in some regions.

While these products can help combat bacteria and promote oral health, they should be used as a complement to, not a substitute for, proper brushing and flossing techniques.

It’s always advisable to consult with your dentist or healthcare provider to determine the most suitable oral care routine for your individual needs.