The complete guide to mouthwash: what works and what doesn't

Walk down the mouthwash aisle and you'll find dozens of products making bold claims. Here's what the clinical evidence actually supports.

Cosmetic vs therapeutic

Cosmetic mouthwashes (typically the brightly coloured ones) mask bad breath temporarily but don't address the underlying cause. Therapeutic mouthwashes contain active ingredients that genuinely affect oral health.

What to look for

• **Fluoride mouthwash:** Use at a different time to brushing (not straight after) to add an extra fluoride hit. Good for cavity-prone patients.
• **Chlorhexidine rinses:** The clinical gold standard for gum health. Available in daily (0.06%) and treatment (0.12%) concentrations. Can stain teeth with long-term use.
• **Antibacterial (cetylpyridinium chloride):** Good for reducing bacteria and freshening breath long-term.
• **Whitening mouthwashes:** Minimal evidence for meaningful whitening effect.

When to use mouthwash

After flossing and before brushing, or as a separate third step. Using it immediately after brushing washes away the concentrated fluoride you want to keep on your teeth.