Sometimes, during a really busy day, your mouth could use a quick pick-me-up. A mouthwash gives your breath that extra boost to finish the day strong. However, something that mouthwashes containing alcohol forget is that your saliva is your mouth's natural cleaning agent. Alcohol dries up your saliva, which could actually cause bad breath. Because of this, alcohol-free mouthwashes are a better option.
However, with all the different kinds of alcohol-free mouthwashes that are available, it can be a bit difficult to choose the right one for you. Well, we've done the work for you. Check out our top 10 list of the best mouthwashes, topped by Neturogena's six-in-one mouthwash, which freshens your breath and prevents cavities! Give our buyer's guide a read too, so you know what to look for in an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Because a buildup of bacteria in your mouth causes bad breath, many kinds of mouthwash contain alcohol which eliminates the bacteria. However, your saliva is actually your body's natural defense against oral bacteria.
A mouthwash that contains alcohol will not only kill bacteria, but it can also dry up your mouth and inhibit the production of saliva. Because of this, in the long run, a mouthwash that contains alcohol could actually cause bad breath. Alcohol also causes a burning sensation in the mouth which can cause irritation in some people.
An alcohol-free mouthwash won't inhibit your saliva production and is generally milder, which means it isn't likely to cause a burning sensation when you gargle. Some alcohol-free mouthwashes even target specific areas of oral health such as enamel reinforcement, cavity prevention, or plaque elimination.
Alcohol-free mouthwash eliminates bad breath without inhibiting your natural saliva production process. Some even have specific target areas. Pick one that suits whatever oral issues you may have.
2 pack
$12.61
Type | Therapeutic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 33.8 oz. |
Flavor | Fresh mint |
ADA approved | Yes |
Targets | Kills bacteria, strengthens teeth, prevents cavities, restores enamel, freshens breath |
2 pack
$14.44
Type | Cosmetic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 16 oz. |
Flavor | Mild mint |
Targets | Kills bacteria |
ADA approved | Yes |
Bottle cap | Screw-off cap |
$5.54
Type | Therapeutic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 33.8 oz. |
Flavor | Mint burst |
ADA approved | Yes |
Targets | Freshens breath, re-mineralizes soft spots, restores enamel, prevents cavities |
3 pack
$14.97
Type | Therapeutic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 33.8 oz. |
Flavor | Peppermint |
ADA approved | No |
Targets | Kills bacteria, freshens breath, reduces plaque, prevents gingivitis |
6 pack
$23.88
Type | Cosmetic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 16 oz. |
Flavor | Cool mountain mint |
ADA approved | Yes |
Targets | Freshens breath |
3 pack
$14.97
Type | Therapeutic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 16 oz. |
Flavor | Natural mint |
ADA approved | Yes |
Targets | Prevents gingivitis and plaque, freshens breath |
$6.25
Type | Therapeutic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 16 oz. |
Flavor | Cinnamon clove |
ADA approved | No |
Targets | Freshens breath, controls tartar, soothes gums |
$8.98
Type | Therapeutic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 16.9 oz. |
Flavor | Mild mint |
ADA approved | No |
Targets | Promotes healing of mouth sores, irritations, and mouth burns; soothes gum inflammation |
$15.99
Type | Therapeutic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 16 oz. |
Flavor | Mint |
ADA approved | No |
Targets | Prevents tooth decay, cavities, and white spots; strengthens teeth; freshens breath; balances oral pH |
$11.95
Type | Therapeutic |
---|---|
Amount per bottle | 16 oz. |
Flavor | Fresh mint |
ADA approved | No |
Targets | Eliminates bad breath, reduces plaque and tartar, prevents gingivitis |
Image | 1 ![]() Listerine | 2 ![]() TheraBreath | 3 ![]() ACT | 4 ![]() Colgate | 5 ![]() Tom's of Maine | 6 ![]() Hello | 7 ![]() JĀSÖN | 8 ![]() Colgate | 9 ![]() CariFree | 10 ![]() Oxyfresh |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Total Care Zero Alcohol | Fresh Breath Oral Rinse | Restoring Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash | Total Mouthwash | Wicked Fresh! Mouthwash | Naturally Healthy Anti-Gingivitis Mouthwash | Healthy Mouth Tartar Control Mouthwash | Peroxyl Mouth Sore Rinse | CTx3 Rinse | Pro Formula Mouthwash |
Features | An Alcohol-Free Mouthwash With Six Different Specialties | Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Kosher Cosmetic Mouthwash That Combats Bad Breath | Protects Your Teeth from Cavities by Reinforcing Your Enamel | Alcohol and Fluoride-Free Mouthwash That Reduces Plaque and Keeps Your Breath Fresh | A Zinc-Based Mouthwash That Keeps Your Breath Fresh | Go Natural With This Mint, Aloe Vera, and Coconut Oil Mouthwash | Control Tartar With a Tea Tree Oil-Based Mouthwash | An Antiseptic Mouthwash for Mouth Wounds | Anti-Cavity Mouthwash That Balances Your Mouth's pH Level | A Fast-Acting Mouthwash With Essential Oils |
Price | $12.61 | $14.44 | $5.54 | $14.97 | $23.88 | $14.97 | $6.25 | $8.98 | $15.99 | $11.95 |
Type | Therapeutic | Cosmetic | Therapeutic | Therapeutic | Cosmetic | Therapeutic | Therapeutic | Therapeutic | Therapeutic | Therapeutic |
Amount per bottle | 33.8 oz. | 16 oz. | 33.8 oz. | 33.8 oz. | 16 oz. | 16 oz. | 16 oz. | 16.9 oz. | 16 oz. | 16 oz. |
Flavor | Fresh mint | Mild mint | Mint burst | Peppermint | Cool mountain mint | Natural mint | Cinnamon clove | Mild mint | Mint | Fresh mint |
ADA approved | Yes | Kills bacteria | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Targets | Kills bacteria, strengthens teeth, prevents cavities, restores enamel, freshens breath | Yes | Freshens breath, re-mineralizes soft spots, restores enamel, prevents cavities | Kills bacteria, freshens breath, reduces plaque, prevents gingivitis | Freshens breath | Prevents gingivitis and plaque, freshens breath | Freshens breath, controls tartar, soothes gums | Promotes healing of mouth sores, irritations, and mouth burns; soothes gum inflammation | Prevents tooth decay, cavities, and white spots; strengthens teeth; freshens breath; balances oral pH | Eliminates bad breath, reduces plaque and tartar, prevents gingivitis |
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Because each mouthwash has a specific purpose, you want to consider exactly what oral problem you want to address. However, before you do that, it's important to understand why it's better to use an alcohol-free mouthwash than one that contains alcohol.
A cosmetic mouthwash only freshens your breath by washing your mouth with a strong flavor. Though this type of mouthwash gives your breath a good scent, its effects are usually only temporary. Since they usually just mask the bad breath, they're not really designed to address other dental issues.
A therapeutic mouthwash on the other hand addresses a specific oral health concern such as gingivitis or cavities. These are specially formulated and contain specific ingredients. So if you’re dealing with any issues like plaque or tartar buildup, consult your dentist and be ready to get a therapeutic mouthwash.
All mouthwashes freshen your breath, but many have different specialties or focus points. A mouthwash that prevents bad breath protects your mouth from bacteria growth by eliminating them with ingredients like zinc or even coconut oil that have anti-microbial properties.
Other mouthwashes aim to strengthen the enamel of your teeth by re-mineralizing calcium into them, which reverses the softening of the enamel. Fluoride, in particular, is an ingredient known for its effect on the enamel of your teeth. It strengthens your pearly whites, preventing cavities in the process.
Some mouthwashes work specifically to prevent the formation of plaque throughout the day. Active ingredients like sodium pyrophosphate work against tartar and prevent plaque. Other mouthwashes target gum health and contain ingredients that soothe your gums. Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that is known for its soothing properties.
Mouthwashes that target mouth sores have antiseptic ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide destroys bacteria through a process called oxidation, by which it destroys the cell walls of the bacteria.
Peroxide helps to whiten teeth. Cetylpyridinium chloride works to control bad breath. Essential oils like eucalyptol and peppermint also work as ingredients in therapeutic mouthwash.
Look for key active ingredients which can tell you a lot about what specific issues a particular mouthwash addresses. And of course you also want to make sure that the effects of your mouthwash last. After all, most of us don't gargle with mouthwash multiple times a day. Some mouthwashes can protect your mouth for up to 24 hours!
It’s also a good idea to look for a mouthwash that's approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). An ADA seal certifies that the manufacturer of the mouthwash has submitted scientific evidence that its product is both safe and effective.
It also shows that the product has been cleared by the Council on Scientific Affairs. The Council on Scientific Affairs double-checks that the product works and is safe.
Don't forget to consider the packaging that a mouthwash comes in. Choose one that is easy to open and use, but child-proof if you have small kids in the house. Screw-off caps are easy to open, and some have a special locking feature that requires you to squeeze the base of the cap while twisting it open.
Most times, the caps can even be used as a little cup. Make sure that the cap is big enough if you don’t plan to buy a separate mouthwash cup.
If you're looking for a way to impress your dentist, check these products out! Your mouth needs its pampering too.
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