We all know that brushing our teeth twice a day is essential for oral hygiene, but if you want to ensure that your gums are healthy too, then adding a mouthwash to your routine can really make a difference. This type of product contains ingredients that can help to prevent the development of health problems such as gum disease, bleeding gums, and receding gums, as well as heal swelling, inflammation, and bad breath.
However, not all mouthwashes are made equal - depending on your needs, you may require something alcohol-free for a dry mouth, a formula specifically for sore/sensitive gums, or a natural product without chemicals like fluoride. To help you out, we've created a buying guide covering what to look out for when shopping for a mouthwash. Plus, we've curated a list of the best ones to buy at Amazon and eBay, from brands like Listerine, Colgate, and Corsodyl.
Quick List - Top Mouthwashes for Gums
Listerine
Cleans and Protects Your Teeth While You Sleep
Corsodyl
Affordable and Clinically Proven to Reduce Plaque
The Breath Co.
Premium Gum Protection That Lasts for Hours
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Table of Contents
Mouthwash usually comes in the form of a liquid, which you gargle or swish around your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute after brushing your teeth with toothpaste. It has three main benefits: freshens your breath, loosens debris between teeth, and prevents the build-up of plaque (one of the main causes of tooth decay).
Mouthwash is beneficial for gum health because it can clean areas that your toothbrush may not be able to reach. You can also choose a formula that corresponds to your oral hygiene needs - for example, there are rehydrating mouthwashes for dry gums or ones with strengthening ingredients if you have weak teeth.
So, let's run through what you should look out for when deciding on a mouthwash to buy. Factors that we'll cover include the pros and cons of common ingredients, how to pick a child-friendly product, and which flavour to choose.
In this section we'll look at ingredients that are commonly found in mouthwash, such as fluoride, ethanol, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, and essential oils. This will help you to make an informed decision about which product will work best with your gums.
Fluoride is a common ingredient in both toothpaste and mouthwash products, as it can help to strengthen sensitive teeth. By slowing the breakdown of enamel (the outer layer of a tooth), it can prevent the build-up of bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay.
However, some people prefer to avoid fluoride due to the fact that it's a chemical and there are some health concerns over ingesting it. Whilst it's recommended that we spit mouthwash out after using it, small amounts may still be accidentally ingested.
Over time, the ingested fluoride may cause "fluorosis", where the teeth permanently turn brown or mottled as a result of a lack of enamel mineralisation. Although this isn't a guaranteed consequence of using a fluoride product, you still might prefer to choose something with more natural ingredients.
Another ingredient that's typically found in mouthwash is ethanol, a type of alcohol used as both a preservative and a carrier for the formula's other active ingredients. However, those who often experience a dry mouth (known as xerostomia) or have sore gums should avoid this ingredient, as it can cause irritation and further discomfort.
Instead, try an alcohol-free mouthwash that will still leave you with fresh breath but won't dry your gums out. There are even formulas that are designed especially for people with dry mouths - these contain enzymes which can mimic the sensation of saliva and make your mouth feel moisturised!
For children, those who abstain from alcohol for personal reasons, and people with religious beliefs that prohibit alcoholic products, we also suggest this type of mouthwash as an alternative.
Even with regular brushing, substances like plaque (a sticky bacterial film) can form on your teeth after meals - this can turn into tartar, which causes discolouration, if left to harden. Anti-bacterial ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine can help to reduce plaque and control the onset of receding or bleeding gums, as well as preventing bad breath.
Essential oils such as menthol, eucalyptus, and thyme also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can penetrate the plaque biofilm and inhibit bacterial growth. Plus, they leave your mouth feeling nice and fresh!
As we've just mentioned, alcohol-based mouthwash is a no-no for little ones, as it can be very harmful if ingested. Similarly, fluoride-based products can cause fluorosis if a child's teeth are not yet fully developed.
Luckily, there are mouthwashes out there that are designed specifically for children, with a gentle formula that won't damage their baby teeth. Choosing one of these products ensures that your kids will be safe when swishing. You should also make sure to always supervise your little ones, in case they accidentally swallow some of the product.
Citrus is another top option which tastes fresh and clean, whereas clove (a common ingredient in natural formulas) has an unusual yet refreshing spicy flavour. Lastly, fruity mouthwashes tend to be especially popular with younger children.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Colgate Plax Soft Mint Mouthwash|Soft Mint | ![]() | Budget-Friendly, Long-Lasting Freshness | |
2 | Listerine Nightly Reset Mouthwash - Midnight Mint |Midnight Mint | ![]() | Cleans and Protects Your Teeth While You Sleep | |
3 | Corsodyl Daily Gum Care Mouthwash - Cool Mint|Cool Mint | ![]() | Affordable and Clinically Proven to Reduce Plaque | |
4 | The Breath Co. Healthy Gums Oral Rinse - Clean Mint|Invigorating Icy Mint | ![]() | Premium Gum Protection That Lasts for Hours | |
5 | Biotene Moisturising Mouthwash | ![]() | Instant Hydration Relief for Dry Gums | |
6 | Sensodyne Mouthwash Sensitive Care with Fluoride - Extra Fresh|Cool Mint | ![]() | A Gentle Formula That's Minty Fresh | |
7 | Dentyl Dual Action Fresh Clove Mouthwash | ![]() | Shake and Swish for Double the Cleanliness | |
8 | Aquafresh My Big Teeth Mouthwash|6-8 years | ![]() | A Cheap and Cheerful Option for Kids | |
9 | Swish To Go 3-in-1 Mouthwash Powder, Zesty Lemon - Pack of 20|Pack of 20 | ![]() | Convenient and Safe to Swallow | |
10 | Nature's Answer PerioBrite Natural Mouthwash | ![]() | Combines Organic Ingredients With a Spicy Flavour |
This gentle yet effective mouthwash by Colgate is clinically proven to fight over 99% of bacteria. Its zero-alcohol formula means it's ideal for those with sensitive gums or general mouth dryness.
Best of all, the cooling sensation of the mint flavour keeps your breath under control 24/7, so you can go about your day with no worries. All of these great health benefits, plus the super low price of less than £5, make this our top pick of the mouthwashes!
Plus we love the stylish packaging and the unique "midnight mint" flavour of this product - it's fresh but not overwhelming, so it won't wake you up too much before bed!
This alcohol-free mouthwash by leading dental health brand Corsodyl is clinically proven to help reduce plaque and prevent gum issues. The cool mint flavour also beats bad breath-causing bacteria, so you can breathe easy all day!
If you're looking for an affordable way to keep your gums in tip-top condition, you can't go wrong with this inexpensive yet excellent quality product. And if you're looking for a complete teeth cleaning regime, then Corsodyl have a line of toothpaste to work alongside your mouthwash, too.
It's a shame that this product is more expensive than most of our other recommendations, but we think it's worth paying a little extra for top-quality ingredients that won't irritate your mouth.
This soothing mouthwash by Biotene is designed to provide up to 4 hours of relief for dry mouths. With rehydrating ingredients such as glycerin, it gently refreshes and moisturises your gums so you can go about your day feeling relaxed.
The only downside to this product is that it doesn't have a cap with measurements, so you'll need to keep a spoon handy in the bathroom to measure out each 15ml dosage.
Sensodyne is the no.1 dentist recommended brand for sensitive teeth, so this mouthwash is perfect if you suffer from tooth pain or dry gums. It's gentle, alcohol-free, and has a fluoride formula that strengthens enamel.
Plus, it has an intense minty flavour that'll leave your breath fresh, and we think it's very affordable for the amount that you get in the bottle. And if you already use Sensodyne's line of toothpaste, you'll be able to pair it for a complete mouth cleaning experience.
This dual-action mouthwash by Dentyl combines a water-based solution to remove bacteria and plaque with a mix of essential oils designed to freshen breath. Shake the bottle vigorously to activate these two formulas together, and prepare for visible results!
We love the bright colour and strong clove flavour of this product, although it might be too spicy for sensitive mouths. Nevertheless, according to a study, it did find that using this mouth twice-daily reduced plaque by more than 60% after one month of use.
Recommended for ages 6 to 8 years, this mouthwash by Aquafresh has a fun, fruity flavour that kids will love! It provides 24hr protection against sugar acid and is gentle enough for sensitive mouths.
However, this product does contain fluoride, which some parents prefer to avoid. But if you're okay with this ingredient then this is a great, inexpensive choice for your little ones.
This convenient powder by Swish To Go makes oral hygiene quick and fun! You don't even need water - just tear open the sachet, swish it around for 10 seconds, and swallow when you're done.
As well as tasting great, this product neutralises the pH levels to prevent bacteria growth in your mouth. The fact that it's safe to swallow also means you won't have to worry about it affecting your little one's health either. It's a shame that it's not the most cost-effective option, but it could be handy for holidays as it won't leak in your bag or suitcase.
Sadly, the clove and cinnamon flavour may not be to everyone's taste, and the high price of this product is likely to put some potential buyers off. However, if you prefer to use an all-natural product that doesn't use any chemicals or artificial preservatives or sweeteners, then this is very much worth its price tag.
If we've got you thinking about more ways to improve your dental hygiene then you should check out some of our other oral health-related product guides. As always, we provide a great range of choices for every budget and taste, so you'll be sure to find something suitable!
Whether you're looking for an intense minty flavour or something soothing for sore gums, we hope you've found our guide helpful in your quest to choose the perfect mouthwash. Pop one of our suggestions into your basket and we guarantee you'll have amazing oral hygiene from now on!
Author: Nicola McClements
No. 1: Colgate| Plax Soft Mint Mouthwash|Soft Mint
No. 2: Listerine|Nightly Reset Mouthwash - Midnight Mint |Midnight Mint
No. 3: Corsodyl|Daily Gum Care Mouthwash - Cool Mint|Cool Mint
No. 4: The Breath Co.|Healthy Gums Oral Rinse - Clean Mint|Invigorating Icy Mint
No. 5: Biotene|Moisturising Mouthwash
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