Summary:
Choosing the best mouthwash is crucial for oral health, just like brushing and flossing. This guide explains what to look for in mouthwash rather than recommending specific products.
- Dentist Recommendations: The ideal mouthwash depends on your specific issues, like gingivitis or gum disease, which may require antibacterial properties or prescription-grade options.
- Bad Breath in Children: For kids, the SuperMouth Hydroxamin Non-Fluoride Mouthwash is recommended. It’s safe, fluoride-free, and comes in kid-friendly flavors.
- Fluoride Mouthwash for Kids: Transition children to fluoride mouthwash, like SuperMouth Hydroxamin™ Fluoride Mouthwash, when they can properly rinse and spit.
- Whitening Mouthwash: For adults, SNOW Whitening Mouthwash, which contains hydrogen peroxide, is a safe and effective option.
- Healthy Oral Microbiome: Prebiotic mouthwashes, which support good bacteria, are recommended over antibacterial or antibiotic ones to maintain a balanced oral flora.
- Receding Gums: Look for mouthwashes with prebiotic ingredients. Avoid antibiotics that can cause resistance and consult an expert for tailored advice.
Your specific dental concerns should guide your mouthwash choice. Consider factors like antibacterial agents, alcohol content, and fluoride for optimal results. For further guidance, explore my other blog posts on establishing healthy habits for your teeth & gums.
Choosing the best mouthwash is just as important for your oral health as brushing and flossing. In this guide, we’ll break down the best types of dentist recommended mouthwashes for various situations, issues, and concerns.
Note: this is not intended as a list of product recommendations. While I have recommended products for your convenience, the aim of this piece is to teach you what to look out for in a mouthwash rather than simply telling you what to buy.
What Kind of Mouthwash Do Dentists Recommend?
The type of mouthwash we recommend depends on the issues you’re having. For example, the best mouthwash for gingivitis or periodontitis may contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. If your Dentist is telling you that you’re at risk for gingivitis, you’ll want to be sure to use a mouthwash geared towards gum disease.
Many of the options recommended in this guide will not work for you and you’ll likely need a prescription-grade mouthwash.
What’s the Best Type of Mouthwash for Bad Breath?
Children face unique issues with bad breath because they lack a true understanding of proper oral health. Without constant and direct supervision, your kids may not brush their teeth or tongue long enough, floss, or use any type of mouthwash.
That said, it’s important to have the right kind of mouthwash for children. The SuperMouth Hydroxamin Non-Fluoride Mouthwash is our recommended choice for children with bad breath because it comes in a range of delightful flavors like strawberry, chocolate, vanilla and mint.
This mouthwash is also fluoride-free so it’s the right choice for young children who are still learning how to rinse their mouth and spit. It’s safe for them to swallow. SuperMouth Mouthwash uses nano-hydroxyapatite (what makes up 97% of enamel and 70% of dentin), sodium bicarbonate and many other safe ingredients to help whiten teeth naturally. It’s also packed with prebiotics such as xylitol to promote a healthy oral microbiome, and inulin to reduce odor-causing bacteria.
SuperMouth takes children’s health seriously. Their mouthwash contains no artificial colors or harsh chemicals (or any other artificial ingredients whatsoever) that may cause allergies or irritate sensitive mouths. This makes it a safe and trusted choice for parents who want the best for their children.
What’s the Best Fluoride Mouthwash?
Once your child is able to swish and spit their mouthwash, they can transition to a fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen their tooth enamel.
We recommend the SuperMouth Hydroxamin™ Fluoride Mouthwash for this. It still comes in all the flavors your kids love and the fluoride in SuperMouth Mouthwash with Fluoride actively works to prevent cavities by remineralizing tooth enamel. This results in stronger teeth that are more resistant to decay, providing long-term dental protection for your child.
What’s the Best Whitening Mouthwash?
While we don’t recommend using whitening mouthwash on children, you can still educate yourself and learn what types of ingredients you want to look out for in whitening toothpaste as your children get older and start caring more about their physical appearance.
SNOW Whitening Mouthwash is a high-quality, alcohol-free mouthwash made using gentle ingredients to prevent bad breath and promote natural tooth whitening.
It includes hydrogen peroxide, a proven teeth-whitening agent, and a controlled concentration that ensures both safety and efficacy. This ingredient, combined with other carefully selected components, delivers impressive whitening results without compromising dental health.
What is the Most Effective Mouthwash for a Healthy Oral Microbiome?
We do not recommend using antibacterial or antibiotic mouthwashes or toothpastes. Instead, we recommend using prebiotic mouthwashes because they contain compounds that nourish the bacteria in your mouth rather than destroy it.
By supporting the growth of good bacteria, prebiotic mouthwash helps create a balanced and healthy oral flora. This balance can help prevent oral health issues such as bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.
If you wonder what ingredient you should look for in mouthwash, it’s prebiotics plant or fruit-based ingredients like inulin, xylitol and erythritol.
How Do I Choose a Mouthwash for Receding Gums?
There are a few things you’ll want to look for in mouthwash for receding gums. First is prebiotic ingredients that restore balance in your mouth but retain the helpful bacteria necessary for gum health.
Some mouthwashes designed for receding gums can contain antibiotics which can foster the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which is what causes receding gums, sensitivity, and other oral health issues.
The most important thing to do is consult with an expert like Dr. Kami Hoss. Doing this will ensure you get exactly what you need whether it’s an over-the-counter mouthwash or a prescription.
Final Thoughts
Your journey to selecting the best mouthwash for your needs is a crucial step toward maintaining optimal oral health. With a myriad of options available on the market, it’s essential to consider your specific dental concerns and preferences when thinking about what the best mouthwash is for your circumstances.
Whether you’re seeking a mouthwash for daily use, specialized treatments, or to address specific oral conditions, there is a mouthwash designed to meet your needs. Prioritize factors such as the presence of antibacterial agents, alcohol content, fluoride for enamel protection, and gentle formulations when making your selection.
Need more help choosing mouthwash and other oral care products? Check out the rest of my educational blog or Read my book “If Your Mouth Could Talk”.
