Best mouthwash for gum disease: 15 smart options with pros & cons

Let's review the 15 best mouthwahes to help you choose the best one for your oral care. See how these mouthwashes can make a real difference in your personal care routine based on their features and cons.

Top 1. Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash

This all-in-one mouthwash fights cavities, strengthens enamel, and freshens breath naturally. It offers complete oral care with long-lasting freshness. However, its strong taste might not suit everyone, and it may cause temporary staining.

Pros:

• Complete oral care

• Long-lasting freshness

• ADA accepted

• Fights cavities naturally

Cons:

• Strong taste

• It may cause temporary staining

Top 2. ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash

With fluoride and essential oils, it fights cavities and strengthens teeth. This alcohol-free solution provides effective oral care, recommended by dentists. Yet, its strong taste may be overwhelming for some users.

Pros:

• Alcohol-free

• Strengthens enamel

• Recommended by dentists

• Fights cavities effectively

Cons:

• The taste is too strong

Top 3. Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash

Alcohol-free formula fights plaque and gingivitis while freshening breath. This mouthwash targets gum health and promises comprehensive oral care. However, it may not be as effective for severe gum disease.

Pros:

• Alcohol-free

• Fights plaque and gingivitis

• Freshens breath

• Targets gum health

Cons:

• May not be as effective for severe gum disease

Top 4. Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash

Kills 99% of germs and provides 12-hour protection against plaque and gingivitis. This mouthwash offers long-lasting protection with an alcohol-free formula. As for its con, you may experience a burning sensation.

Pros:

• Long-lasting protection

• Do no contain any alcohol

• Fights germs

Cons:

• A burning sensation possible

Top 5. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse

Dentist-formulated mouthwash fights bad breath without harsh chemicals. Clinically proven and free from artificial flavors, it will provide you with fresh breath. Bur it's expensive and may not provide complete protection against gum disease.

Pros:

• Clinically proven

• Natural ingredients

• Freshens breath

Cons:

• Expensive

• May not provide complete protection

Top 6. ACT Restoring Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash

Formulated to remineralize enamel, the best mouthwash provides comprehensive oral care. Its alcohol-free formula is gentle on sensitive teeth and gums, although some users may find the taste too intense.

Pros:

• Remineralizes enamel

• Prevents cavities

• It has no alcohol

• Gentle on sensitive teeth

Cons:

• Intense taste

Top 7. Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Multi-Care Whitening Mouthwash

This mouthwash is designed to whiten teeth while providing oral care. With its fresh mint flavor, it leaves breath feeling refreshed. However, prolonged use may lead to tooth sensitivity.

Pros:

• Whitens teeth

• Freshens breath

• Multi-care formula

Cons:

• Prolonged use may cause tooth sensitivity

Top 8. ACT Kids Anticavity Fluoride Rinse

Made for children, ACT's mouthwash strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. Its kid-friendly flavors make oral care fun. Parental supervision is recommended due to fluoride content.

Pros:

• Strengthens enamel

• Prevents cavities

• Kid-friendly flavors

Cons:

• Contains fluoride

• Parental supervision advised

Top 9. CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash

Gentle and pH balanced, this mouthwash is ideal for sensitive mouths. It eliminates bad breath and promotes healthy gums without burning or irritation. We tested out that it lacks fluoride, which may be a drawback for some users.

Pros:

• pH balanced

• Help bad breath

• Promotes healthy gums

Cons:

• Lacks fluoride

• May not provide complete protection against cavities

Top 10. Tom's of Maine Wicked Fresh! Mouthwash

Made with natural materials, Tom's mouthwash fights bad breath and supports oral health. Its flavorings provide a refreshing experience. But its effectiveness in combating serious oral issues may be limited.

Pros:

• Natural materials

• Reduce bad breath

• Refreshing flavor

Cons:

• Limited effectiveness against serious issues

Top 11. Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Mouthwash

This mouthwash is designed for to target and neutralize harmful bacteria below the gumline for a deep clean. It helps prevent gingivitis and promotes gum health. You may find it too intense for daily use.

Pros:

• Targets bacteria below gumline

• Prevents gingivitis

• Promotes gum health

Cons:

• Intense flavor

• Not be suitable for daily use

Top 12. ACT Dry Mouth Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash

Designed for people with dry mouth, this brand of mouthwash provides hydration and prevents cavities. Its fluoride formula strengthens enamel, although some may find the taste unpleasant.

Pros:

• Hydrates dry mouth

• Prevents cavities

• Strengthens enamel

Cons:

• Unpleasant taste

Top 13. Oral-B Pro Health Multi-Protection Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Alcohol-free formula fights germs, prevents cavities, and freshens breath. It complements brushing and provides a complete oral care routine. You may prefer a stronger mint flavor.

Pros:

• Alcohol-free

• Fights germs

• Prevents cavities

• Freshens breath

Cons:

• Mint flavor may be too mild

Top 14. ACT Braces Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash

This mouthwash prevents cavities and strengthens enamel. Its alcohol-free formula is gentle on braces and sensitive gums. You may find it lacking in flavor.

Pros:

• Designed for braces

• Prevents cavities

• Strengthens enamel

Cons:

• Flavor may be lacking

Top 15. SmartMouth Clinical DDS Oral Rinse

Clinically proven to eliminate bad breath for up to 12 hours with its patented dual-action formula. It neutralizes sulfur gases and prevents your production. It may not be as widely available as other brands.

Pros:

• Clinically proven

• Eliminates bad breath

• Prevents sulfur gases

Cons:

• Availability may be limited