Nearly half of adults 30 and older have gingivitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the gums. “Common causes of gingivitis are poor diet, improper oral hygiene, smoking, aging, certain medications, and systemic conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disease,” says Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, CEO of The Super Dentists. Luckily, mouthwashes can kill bacteria and maintain gum hygiene.
Dr. Hoss recommends mouthwashes because they have "antimicrobial ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, and essential oils, that may temporarily reduce gingivitis by reducing the microbial load." Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol “since alcohol can change the balance of the oral microbiome and cause more harm than good in the long run.”We researched dozens of mouthwashes for gingivitis and evaluated them for cost, formula, and size. We also had a dentist from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for accuracy regarding how to select the right type of mouthwash and how often to use it.
Best Overall
TheraBreath Healthy Gums Periodontist Formulated 24-Hour Oral Rinse
4.8
Formulated with FDA-approved cetylpyridinium chloride, this mouthwash kills germs linked to gum disease and other periodontal problems, making it the best option for people with gingivitis. This formula also helps fight periodontitis, which is a later-stage gum disease that occurs when gingivitis is left untreated.It's free of alcohol, artificial colors, or flavors, so it won't irritate your gums.
Price at time of publication: $18
The 9 Best Toothbrushes of 2023
Reviewers love the clear formula that is free from chemical coloring dyes. This ACT Mouthwash contains the maximum strength of fluoride available in rinse form without a prescription. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay.
And since it's available at a reasonable price, it’s a great budget option to add to your daily routine for oral health.
Price at time of publication: $5
If you’ve ever used mouthwash before, chances are it was Listerine—because it’s been around since 1914. This is an updated formula from its classic antiseptic rinse that is made alcohol-free for comfort.
This mouthwash helps fight gingivitis and halitosis (also known as bad breath). FDA-approved ingredients and a formula that won’t burn your mouth make it a solid upgrade to a formula you’re likely used to.
Price at time of publication: $6
The CloSYS Original Mouthwash strips away harsh chemicals and dyes and only leaves you with the best: a formula designed for oral health care without all the filler ingredients. For this reason, this unflavored option is perfect for people with sensitive mouths.
If you’re only looking for an alcohol, sulfate, and gluten-free formula but want the minty flavor you’re used to, you can actually add flavor as you wish with an optional mint flavor dropper that’s included. Its pH-balanced formula is gentle on your mouth and won’t burn as you swish it around.
Price at time of publication: $12
Dry mouth is an uncomfortable condition that occurs when your salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. This can be hereditary or be caused by stress, medications, or smoking. Whatever the cause, this formula by Colgate can help hydrate your mouth in between brushing. According to the label, it relieves dry mouth for up to four hours.
If you’re experiencing dry mouth, make sure to talk to your dentist about it. Reviewers noticed that this formula provides the relief they’ve been looking for and provides multiple hours of hydration.
Although gingivitis is caused by dry mouth, it is reversible. With the right care, you can heal your mouth from home.
Price at time of publication: $11
The 8 Best Toothpastes of 2023 for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Gingivitis can cause gum irritation; the pain can be almost unbearable if you have a canker sore. If you have a hard-to-reach canker sore (like in the back of your mouth between your gums and cheek), swishing with this rinse can help apply for targeted relief. This formula contains a concentrated powder that mixes with water to make up to 36 ounces of mouthwash, which makes it a great value for the price.
Reviewers loved that it provided instant relief and didn't cause a burning sensation.
Price at time of publication: $8
Swishing for 30 seconds with mouthwash can be annoying, but with this fresh citrus flavor, reviewers note that this mouthwash tastes more like a dessert than an oral care product. Using mouthwash daily can help prevent gum disease and gingivitis. This unique flavor can be hard to find on shelves, so stock up the next time you shop online. It also boasts the clean feeling you can usually only get at the dentist, without an unpleasant aftertaste or lingering burning feeling.
Many people who grew to love this flavor note that their dentist recommended this brand—especially to make daily use as easy and as enjoyable as possible.
Price at time of publication: $54 for 32 FL Oz
Best Whitening
Crest 3D White Brilliance Alcohol Free Whitening Mouthwash
This product has a guarantee of noticing a whiter smile after just seven days. This alcohol-free formula also excludes peroxide, so there’s no unnecessary foaming action—just high-quality ingredients that clean your gums and whiten your smile simultaneously, making it a great pick to maintain bright teeth after using a teeth whitening kit.
Fans of this product love the taste and the fact that it’s alcohol-free. With American Dental Association-approved ingredients and a fast-acting stain-removing power, this rinse is a great way to knock off multiple dental issues with one rinse.
Price at time of publication: $42
The 5 Best Electric Toothbrushes, Tested in Our Lab
How We Rated Mouthwashes for Gingivitis
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best mouthwashes for gingivitis we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These mouthwashes for gingivitis are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great mouthwashes for gingivitis, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These mouthwashes for gingivitis are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend mouthwashes for gingivitis with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
What to Look for in Mouthwash for Gingivitis
Alcohol vs. Alcohol-Free
Mouthwashes with alcohol kill bacteria and fight bad breath, but they may not be the best option when you're looking to treat gingivitis. Opt for a gentle formula that's made specifically for gingivitis to avoid causing further irritation to your gums.
Condition-specific
If you're prone to canker sores, dry mouth, or sensitive teeth, look for a mouthwash that caters to that condition. If you're unsure of which product to choose from, talk to your dentist for recommendations on the best product to use.
How We Selected the Best Mouthwashes for Gingivitis
Our process for selecting the best mouthwashes for gingivitis involved extensive research, and consultation with dental professionals Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, CEO of The Super Dentists and Steven Lin, DDS, to identify the best mouthwashes for combating gingivitis. We analyzed ingredients, potency, and clinical efficacy to ensure the products we recommend deliver effective results. Additionally, we considered user feedback and customer reviews to gauge overall satisfaction and real-life experiences. Our commitment to providing accurate and trustworthy information led us to curate a list of top mouthwashes that effectively combat gingivitis and promote optimal oral health.
Which Mouthwash Is Best for You?
BySteven Lin, DDS
It’s probably the most common question dentists get: "Which mouthwash should I be using?" Or,"is this mouthwash good?"
The answer often depends on what your needs are. People look to mouthwashas a breath freshener or to stop bad breath, but mouthwash is also used to stop bleeding gums, tooth decay, and some are used for teeth whitening.
One big misconceptionis that mouthwash can remove plaque from your teeth and gums. Swishing a mouthwash may have antibacterial action, but won’t remove plaque itself, so it should never replacebrushingandflossing.
Before using any mouthwash you should go through these steps:
- Determine the primary reason for using mouthwash. Is it to treat a condition or simply to prevent dental disease?
- Consult your dentist. You should first gain a diagnosis of your problem and get your doctor's recommendation before using a mouthwash.
- Read the label carefully: be judicious in understanding what is in the product.
- Follow the directions.
The health claims and benefits of mouthwash vary quite a bit, so let’s see which contains what and if they live up to their claims.
Mouthwashes With Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most common mouthwash ingredients.Thethought is that alcohol kills bacteria that cause diseases in the mouth, but alcohol in mouthwash isn’t the active ingredient. Alcohol is present to help diffuse other active ingredients, like essential oils.
Most alcohol mouthwashes are used to freshen breath and fight bleeding gums or gum disease.
Bleeding gums and bad breath are due to the presence of certain types of bacteria in the mouth. The problem is that little is known about the specific mode of action alcohol has against them. Generally, it’s believed that alcohol destroys bacterial cell walls, but it’s not known whether it is effective against those that cause gum disease and bad breath.
Alcohol mouthwash has drawn widespread concern regardingalcoholic contentbeing a risk factor for oral cancer. There is research to show that alcohol makes the mouth's cells more vulnerable to cancer-causing agents. When alcohol is broken down, the product is acetaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.
There can be temporary side effects of alcoholic mouthwash, such as:
- Taste disturbances
- Tooth staining
- The sensation of a dry mouth
- Worsening bad breath: Alcohol-containing mouthwashes may make dry mouth and halitosis worse since they dry the mouth out more.Soreness, ulcerations, and redness may sometimes occur.
Do your best to avoid alcoholic mouthwashes. They aren't particularly effective against gum disease or bad breath and may increase the risk of oral cancer.
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash
Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial used as an active ingredient in certain mouthwash brands. It is a broad spectrum antimicrobial with particular use against bacteria that cause gum disease.
Dentists do sometimes employ chlorhexidine mouthwash to treat patients with gum disease. Studies have shown it can reduce inflammation caused by periodontal bacteria.
One concern is that chlorhexidine maynot be that effectiveagainst the particular bacteria known to cause bad breath.
Long-term use of chlorhexidine mouthwash is known to cause tooth and tongue swelling. It can also alter or decrease taste and cause dry mouth. In some patients, it can increase the build-up of dental tartar. This may be due to shifts in oral bacteria. It may also interact with toothpaste ingredients, so should always be used separately.
Some people experience rash or burning sensations, in which case use should be ceased immediately.
Chlorhexidine mouthwash may be helpful in treating gum disease; however, it is not effective for bad breath. It should always be used under guidance from your dental professional.
Fluoride Mouthwash
Many types of mouthwash containfluorideto help prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride has been shown to be effective in preventing tooth decay, with fiveto 50%less dental decay. However, it should only be used in high-risk cases.
Situations where fluoride rinses may be effective are:
- For orthodontic patients: this is a good alternative (or supplement) to foam tray applications if you are having orthodontic treatment.
- Moderate to high caries risk, including for elderly patients and early enamel caries
- Partial dentures
- Patients with xerostomia
It’s important that you don’t accidentally swallow fluoride-containing mouthwash, as it can be toxic. Fluoride mouthwash should be avoided in children under seven because the chance is too highthat they will swallow it. The daily rinses are probably the most effective and contain about 0.05% fluoride. Weekly or fortnightly mouth rinses at 0.2% are also available.
Fluoride rinses probably only have a significant effect if you are at an increased risk of dental caries and certainly should not be used as a substitute for brushing with a fluoride toothpaste—you need to do both. Fluoride-containing mouthwash should only be used for patients with high-risk tooth decay. It should be taken under direction from your dental professional.
Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash
Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient found in most household cleaning products. It has wide anti-microbial properties due to its oxidizing chemical action. Oxidation acts to damage and kill bacterial cells.
It has been proven safe at 1-3% concentrations. The problem is that people have very different reactions to hydrogen peroxide and safe use depends on proper dilution. Studies suggest that there may be a slight decrease in gum inflammation. There also may be a slight teeth whitening effect.
Hydrogen peroxide is known to cause damage to the cells of thedental pulp. It can cause the tooth nerves to become infected and eventually die (called pulpitis). Do your best to avoid hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. There doesn’t seem to be enough research on the benefits to balance the risks that hydrogen peroxide mouthwash has.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are extracted from plants that are known to have aromatic or healing properties. Some mouthwashes do have essential oils added to their ingredients. However, you can make your own by adding drops of essential oils to the water.
Essential oilscontain the "essence of" the plant's fragrance—which is characteristic of the plant from which it is derived. Their properties include antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory actions. These healing oils are rapidly growing in popularity because they act as natural medicine without any side effects.
Generally, these mouthwashes are considered as safe as they are natural products. Some essential oils have been found to have particular antibacterial properties that may make them useful as a mouthwash. These include:
- Peppermint oil
- Spearmint oil
- Clove oil
- Eucalyptus oil
Essential oils mouthwash may be a good breath freshener. You shouldn’t solely rely on essential oil mouthwash ahead of oral hygiene practice though.
Salt Water Mouthwash
Salt water is an isotonic solution, which means it contains the same salts and minerals as our body fluids and won’t irritate your gums.
Salt water is commonly used and recommended after dental extraction. The anti-bacterial properties seem to decrease dental infections and gum inflammation, as well as a dry socket. Warm salt water is known to help with sore throats and tonsils. It also can alleviate mouth sores or ulcers.
As it has a low pH, salt water may help to treat bad breath. Bacteria that cause bad breath require a high pH in the mouth in order to thrive. You can make a mixtureat home by adding ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. You can do this two to three times and repeat up to four times a day. Salt water is a good DIYoption for keeping your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Other Considerations When Using Mouthwash
Other Ingredients:Most mouthwashes contain other chemicals that help to increase shelf life or give it a desirable color. You should read the label carefully to make sure you know all of the ingredients in the type you are using. If you have an adverse reaction it could be due to one of these substances.
Detergents:Water-soluble cleansing agent combines with impurities and dirt to make them more soluble. It’s stated that they loosen residue that has accumulated on teeth; however, this claim isn’t heavily supported. Common detergents are listed on labels as sodium benzoate and sodium lauryl sulfate. There are concerns about the safety of consuming these chemicals and some people do report adverse reactions.
Flavors:Artificial flavoring will give the mouthwash its color and taste. They don’t contribute to its action or effectiveness and may have adverse reactions.
Preservatives:These prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouthwash. Common preservatives are sodium benzoate or methylparaben. They don't contribute to the action of the mouthwash.
Water:Water is used to dissolve and carry the other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mouthwash get rid of gingivitis?
You can use a mouthwash to get rid of gingivitis to a certain degree, says Vera W. L. Tang, DDS, MS, clinical assistant professor, and vice chair and predoctoral director, department of periodontology and implant dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry in New York City. "The etiology or cause of it is bacteria." So, it comes down to reducing bacteria and any way this can be done, such as by using mouthwashes, would be beneficial to patients who are susceptible.
Can you reverse gum gingivitis?
"Gingivitis is reversible," says Dr. Tang. This is the early stage of the broader category of periodontal disease. "As it progresses you start to get bone loss, if it is left untreated, and that's when it is no longer reversible," she says. "The damage is done to the foundation and then we would either treat it or try to restore it."
Is mouthwash bad for gingivitis?
Dr. Tang says that while mouthwash itself won't aggravate gingivitis, anything that's used improperly can ultimately not be good for the condition. "The recommended use is once or twice a day, but if you're using this five times a day, to a certain degree this can be problematic," she says. This can not only be irritating for the gum tissues but also impact other mouth issues like gum sores.
What type of mouthwash should I use for gingivitis?
"There are no specific types of ingredients to look for," Dr. Tang says. "There are a lot of brands out there and a lot of patients have different needs." She recommends choosing something that also addresses other conditions such as dry mouth that may also be causing a problem. "For a lot of people who are taking anti-anxiety medication, it could create dry mouth and in those cases you want to use something that doesn't have alcohol because that would only further dry out your mouth."
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won't break the bank.