There are many types of mouthwash available, each with different ingredients and purposes. Here are some of the best mouthwashes according to dental experts, along with their positive and negative aspects and key ingredients:
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ACT Alcohol-Free Anticavity Fluoride Rinse: This mouthwash is best for cavity prevention and contains fluoride, which is effective in reducing dental decay, strengthening tooth enamel, and promoting healthy gums. It comes in two flavors, one with alcohol and one without.
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CloSYS Silver Fluoride Mouthwash: This mouthwash is best for older adults and is designed to provide lasting moisture. It contains fluoride and is free of aluminum, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
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Colgate Total Pro-Shield: This mouthwash is best for protection against plaque buildup and contains cetylpyridinium chloride, which is an antiseptic ingredient that kills bacteria and reduces plaque.
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Listerine Cool Mint: This mouthwash is best for its minty taste and contains essential oils like thyme, eucalyptus, and menthol, which provide antiseptic properties.
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TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse: This mouthwash is best for its clinical strength formula and is designed to eliminate severe bad breath caused by sulfur-producing bacteria. It contains peppermint oil, citric acid, castor oil, tetrasodium edta, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chlorite, and sodium benzoate.
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Biotene Oral Rinse Mouthwash for Dry Mouth: This mouthwash is best for lasting moisture and contains several ingredients that dentists recommend, including sodium fluoride, which fights cavities, and menthol, eucalyptol, and thymol, which have antiseptic properties.
When choosing a mouthwash, it is important to look for effective ingredients that meet your specific needs. Some ingredients to look for include fluoride, essential oils, and antiseptic ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride. It is also important to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and other harmful chemicals.
