Nearly half of adults 30 and older—approximately 55 million Americans1—have gingivitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the gums. Although gingivitis is a precursor to periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss, most people never know they have it until six months or more have passed, says Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, and CEO of The Super Dentists.
To prevent the disease from progressing to a more advanced stage, Dr. Hoss suggests using mouthwash daily as an extra line of defense against bacteria.
Our 5 Favorite Mouthwash With Fluoride
Best Mouthwash With Fluoride In 2022
1.Listerine Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash
| Active Ingredients | Sodium Fluoride |
| Flavor | Fresh Mint |
| Brand | Listerine |
| Liquid Volume | 1 Liters |
| Active Ingredients | Sodium Fluoride |
Give your mouth complete care with Listerine Total Care Fluoride Anticavity Mouthwash. This Fresh Mint-flavored mouthwash for bad breath provides six dental hygiene benefits in one powerful oral rinse and up to seven times the fluoride uptake versus Act,* and provides 50% greater strengthening of weakened enamel vs. brushing alone in lab studies.
The fluoride-rich oral rinse formula helps prevent cavities, restores enamel, and strengthens your teeth to improve oral health. Use this mint mouthwash to freshen breath, kill germs that cause bad breath, and clean your whole mouth.
This oral rinse is accepted by the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance Program and features a fresh mint flavor that gives your mouth a clean feeling you can taste. *In laboratory tests compared to Act Anticavity Kids Fluoride Rinse, Act Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Rinse, Act Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Rinse-alcohol free, Act Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash, Act Restoring Mouthwash.
Why Rinse – The Benefits of Mouthwash
Listerine is the next step to ensuring a healthier mouth. Focusing on good oral care habits, and sticking to them, includes regular visits to your dentist, and a daily regimen of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with Listerine. The truth is that brushing reaches 25% of your mouth. Listerine cleans virtually 100%.*
The power of the swish fights bad breath bacteria in your whole mouth, including on your teeth, tongue, and gums. Listerine mouthwash should be used twice a day to reach its deep-clean effectiveness. After all, bad breath germs are in your mouth all day, every day, and rinsing twice a day provides 24-hour gum protection. For Listerine rinse to
6 in 1 Benefits
Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash is a complete mouthwash.* Every member of the family has their very own oral care needs. With six benefits, Listerine Total Care is a simple solution to keep them all taken care of.** Listerine Total Care delivers six benefits to clean your whole mouth, kill bad breath germs, prevent cavities, restore enamel, freshen breath, and strengthen teeth. Listerine Total Care gives your mouth a clean, fresh feeling and taste.
How to Swish
What happens each time you swish properly? Research shows that antimicrobial Listerine mouthwash kills oral bacteria within 60 seconds for a difference you will notice with continued use. In fact, the bad breath bacteria in saliva samples were killed within 60 seconds of coming into contact with Listerine rinse. Don’t give germs a fighting chance. Swish the full 60 seconds to make sure you’re getting a truly clean mouth.
Cavities: Prevent, Prevent, Prevent
A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops as a result of tooth decay over time. Tooth decay is a result of bacterial buildup on the tooth surface. The bacteria use sugars from foods or drinks to produce acid, which over time and left untreated, breaks down the surface of the tooth and creates a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage to the tooth and requires professional treatment to repair it with a filling.
The good news is that cavities are preventable. The best way to prevent a cavity is to maintain a healthy oral care routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing twice a day. Good oral care habits keep your mouth clean and healthy; remove plaque, maintain a healthy diet, and see your dentist at least once every six months.
Features
- 1-liter of Listerine Fluoride Anticavity Mouthwash in fresh mint flavor to improve oral health by helping to prevent cavities, strengthening teeth, and leaving a refreshing, clean feeling you can taste
- Fluoride-rich mint mouthwash offers six dental hygiene benefits in one oral rinse to kill germs that cause bad breath, strengthen teeth, help prevent cavities, restore enamel, clean your mouth and freshen breath
- Anticavity mouthwash freshens breath while helping to make teeth 50% stronger than brushing alone, according to laboratory studies vs brushing alone
- Help protect your mouth by adding a 60-second rinse of this powerful anticavity mouthwash to your morning and evening oral care routines
- With approximately 7 weeks of supply, this multibenefit oral rinse in a refreshing Fresh Mint Flavor helps prevent tooth decay and is accepted by the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance Program
2. Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash to Kill 99% of Germs That Cause Bad Breath
| Product Benefits | Germ Protection,Antiseptic |
| Material Type Free | Alcohol Free |
| Active Ingredients | Alcohol Free |
| Flavor | Cool Mint |
| Brand | Listerine |
Protect your mouth from germs and get fresh breath with Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash. It kills 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque and gingivitis, for a fresher and cleaner mouth than brushing alone.
Accepted by the American Dental Association, this germ-killing mouthwash for bad breath is clinically shown to reduce plaque 52% more and reduce gingivitis 21% more than brushing and flossing alone. Adding a 30-second rinse to your morning and evening routines is all it takes to get 24-hour germ protection and achieve maximum results. Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash leaves your mouth feeling intensely clean.
Germs Will Beg for Mercy
What happens each time you swish properly? LISTERINE COOL MINT Antiseptic Mouthwash fights 99.9% of germs that cause plaque and gingivitis.
Why Rinse – FEEL THE WHOA
Brushing and flossing only go so far. Adding rinsing with LISTERINE COOL MINT provides a greater reach for a whole mouth clean.
Protect Against Gingivitis
A 30-second rinse, twice-daily with LISTERINE FRESH BURST Antiseptic Mouthwash, gives 21% greater gingivitis reduction compared to brushing alone.
Features
- Pack with two 1-liter bottles of Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash kills 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque and gingivitis for a fresher and cleaner mouth than brushing alone
- A germ-killing mouthwash for bad breath clinically shown to reduce plaque more than brushing and flossing alone by up to 52 percent more and reduce gingivitis by 21 percent more, all while giving you fresh breath and germ protection
- As an ADA-accepted antiseptic mouthwash, Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash does more than create fresh breath by offering 24-hour germ protection with twice daily use, more than brushing alone could
- With approximately 2 month supply, achieve maximum results from this fresh breath mouthwash by rinsing for 30 seconds twice a day, both morning and night, and experience a refreshing, clean feeling
- This antiseptic mouthwash features a minty flavor that works to leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed
3. ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash 18 fl. oz.
| Flavor | Arctic Blast |
| Brand | ACT |
| Material Type Free | Alcohol Free |
| Liquid Volume | 18 Fluid Ounces |
| Active Ingredients | Sodium Fluoride |
Start ACTing to help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth and freshen breath. ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash is a once-daily mouth rinse formulated to help improve your oral hygiene routine. This ACT Mouthwash contains the maximum strength of fluoride available in rinse form without a prescription and helps prevent tooth decay.
ACT Anticavity Mouthwash Without Alcohol comes with an accurate dosing cup to help give you the right amount of mouthwash with each use. When it comes to happy smiles, trust the No. 1 dentist-recommended fluoride brand*. *Among OTC mouth rinses.
Freshens Breath
So fresh, so clean! All ACT Anticavity Mouthwashes are designed to bust bad breath every time you rinse.
Strengthens
Out of all fluoride mouth rinses, ACT is the #1 dentist recommended brand.** It’s designed to strengthen enamel for up to 4x stronger teeth.*
Protects Against Cavities
ACT Fluoride Mouthwash helps you go beyond brushing to prevent tooth decay. It strengthens teeth to deliver superior cavity protection.
Features
- Contains one (1) 18 fluid ounce bottle of ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash Arctic Blast Flavor
- This ACT Oral Care Product is an alcohol-free mouthwash
- This fluoride mouthwash is designed to help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth and freshen breath
- Get the right dose of fluoride with the easy-to-use dosing meter
- ACT Fluoride Mouthwash is the #1 dentist recommended fluoride brand*
4. Colgate Total Alcohol Free Mouthwash for Bad Breath
| Product Benefits | Antiseptic |
| Material Type Free | Fluoride Free, Alcohol Free |
| Flavor | Peppermint |
| Brand | Colgate |
| Material Type Free | Fluoride Free, Alcohol Free |
Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash doesn’t just freshen breath, it provides 12-hour protection against germs, even after eating and drinking, helping to keep your mouth healthy and fresh. It kills 99% of germs on contact, significantly reduces plaque and helps prevent the gum disease gingivitis. Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash is an alcohol-free mouthwash (does not contain ethanol) and has a refreshing Peppermint Blast flavor.
Features
- Antiseptic Mouthwash Provides 12-Hour Protection Against Germs After Eating and Drinking
- Kills 99% of Germs on Contact
- Significantly Reduces Plaque
- Oral Care That Helps Prevent Gingivitis
- Alcohol Free Mouthwash – No Burn of Alcohol (Does Not Contain Ethanol)
5. hello Oral Care Naturally Healthy Antigingivitis Fluoride Free and SLS Free Mouthwash
| Product Benefits | Bad Breath Treatment |
| Material Type Free | Fluoride Free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free, Alcohol Free |
| Active Ingredients | Xylitol |
| Flavor | Mouthwash |
| Brand | Hello |
Say hello to naturally healthy antigingivitis mouthwash. Thoughtfully formulated with aloe vera to promote healthy gums, this rinse contains coconut oil to moisturize, mint to freshen and natural sweeteners to rock your taste buds.
And it prevents plaque and gingivitis, and freshens breath. But buckle-up, there’s more goodness: hello contains no alcohol, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavors, no dyes and no SLS sulfates. As if that weren’t enough magic for one bottle, hello is also vegan, never tested on animals (Leaping Bunny Certified and PETA recognized). Finally, your swish come true.
Take a Swish on the Wild Side.
this fluoride free black rinse rocks activated charcoal from sustainable bamboo, a natural detoxifier that keeps breath next-level fresh. it also contains coconut oil, tea tree oil, and xylitol.
So Delish, they’ll rush to Rinse.
finally, a kid’s fluoride free mouthwash they’ll seriously love to use. it tastes awesome, freshens breath, and rinses away stuff brushing might miss. no joke, it’s everyone’s swish come true.
More Rinsing, less Wincing.
make buds with your tastebuds and kick plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath to the curb. this super-friendly formula features aloe vera to protect gums, coconut oil to moisturize, mint to freshen and natural sweeteners that rock.
Features
- Contains 3- 473ml bottles of hello naturally healthy antigingivitis mouthwash.
- STAR Magazine 2018 A-List Beauty Award winner
- It also prevents plaque and gingivitis, freshens breath and tastes awesome.
- hello naturally healthy antigingivitis mouthwash contains no alcohol, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavors, no dyes, and no sls/sulfates.
- hello is also vegan, never tested on animals (Leaping Bunny Certified) and made in the USA. Brush and greet freely.
6. ACT Total Care Zero Alcohol Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash 18 fl. oz
| Product Benefits | Bad Breath Treatment |
| Material Type Free | Alcohol Free |
| Active Ingredients | Sodium Fluoride |
| Flavor | Fresh Mint |
| Brand | ACT |
Start ACTing to help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth, freshen breath and kill bad breath germs. ACT Total Care Zero Alcohol Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash Fresh Mint is formulated to improve your oral hygiene routine and freshen breath.
This ACT Total Care Mouthwash is an alcohol-free mouthwash. Also try ACT Total Care Icy Clean Mint (contains 11% alcohol). When it comes to happy smiles, trust the No. 1 dentist recommended fluoride brand*. *Among mouth rinses.
Superior Cavity Protection
Formulated to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay, this fluoride mouthwash is alcohol free and comes in three invigorating flavors: Mint, Cinnamon, and Arctic Blast.
Strengthens Enamel
Help fight cavities with ACT Restoring Mouthwash. It strengthens enamel by remineralizing soft spots for up to 4x stronger teeth. Choose from alcohol-free Mint Burst or invigorating Cool Mint.
Kills Bad Breath Germs
Kiss bad breath goodbye! ACT Total Care Mouthwash provides the same anticavity protection you expect, plus it kills bad breath germs.
Removes Surface Stains
See a whiter smile in four days.* This anticavity mouthwash helps remove surface stains with every swish, plus strengthens enamel and kills bad breath germs.
Features
- Contains one (1) 18 fluid ounce bottle of ACT Total Care Zero Alcohol Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash Fresh Mint
- This ACT Oral Care Product is an alcohol-free mouthwash
- This fluoride mouthwash is designed to help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth, kill bad breath germs and freshen breath
- Help promote healthy teeth and keep your breath fresh when you rinse with ACT Total Care
- ACT Fluoride Mouthwash is the #1 dentist recommended fluoride brand*
7. ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash 18 fl. oz.
| Product Benefits | Freshen Breath,Strengthen Teeth |
| Flavor | Cinnamon |
| Brand | ACT |
| Liquid Volume | 18 Fluid Ounces |
| Item Form | Liquid |
Start ACTing to help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth and freshen breath. ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash is a once-daily mouth rinse formulated to help improve your oral hygiene routine. This ACT Mouthwash contains the maximum strength of fluoride available in rinse form without a prescription and helps prevent tooth decay.
ACT Anticavity Mouthwash Without Alcohol comes with an accurate dosing cup to help give you the right amount of mouthwash with each use. When it comes to happy smiles, trust the No. 1 dentist recommended fluoride brand*. *Among OTC mouth rinses
Freshens Breath
So fresh, so clean! All ACT Anticavity Mouthwashes are designed to bust bad breath every time you rinse.
Strengthens
Out of all fluoride mouth rinses, ACT is the #1 dentist recommended brand.** It’s designed to strengthen enamel for up to 4x stronger teeth.*
Protects Against Cavities
ACT Fluoride Mouthwash helps you go beyond brushing to prevent tooth decay. It strengthens teeth to deliver superior cavity protection.
- Contains one (1) 18 fluid ounce bottle of ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash Cinnamon Flavor
- This ACT Oral Care Product is an alcohol-free mouthwash
- This fluoride mouthwash is designed to help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth and freshen breath
- Get the right dose of fluoride with the easy-to-use dosing meter
- ACT Fluoride Mouthwash is the #1 dentist recommended fluoride brand*
8. ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash
| Product Benefits | Freshen Breath,Strengthen Teeth,Kills Bad Breath Germs |
| Active Ingredients | Sodium Fluoride |
| Flavor | Icy Clean Mint |
| Brand | ACT |
| Liquid Volume | 18 Fluid Ounces |
Start ACTing to help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth, freshen breath and kill bad breath germs. ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash Icy Clean Mint is formulated to help improve your oral hygiene routine and freshen breath. This ACT Total Care Mouthwash contains 11% alcohol. Also try ACT Total Care Fresh Mint for an alcohol-free option. When it comes to happy smiles, trust the No. 1 dentist recommended fluoride brand*. *Among OTC mouth rinses.
Freshens Breath
So fresh, so clean! All ACT Anticavity Mouthwashes are designed to bust bad breath every time you rinse.
Strengthens
Out of all fluoride mouth rinses, ACT is the #1 dentist recommended brand.** It’s designed to strengthen enamel for up to 4x stronger teeth.*
Protects Against Cavities
ACT Fluoride Mouthwash helps you go beyond brushing to prevent tooth decay. It strengthens teeth to deliver superior cavity protection.
Features
- Contains three (3) 18 fluid ounce bottle of ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash Icy Clean Mint
- ACT Total Care Mouthwash Icy Clean Mint contains 11% alcohol
- This fluoride mouthwash is designed to help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth, kill bad breath germs and freshen breath
- Help promote healthy teeth and keep your breath fresh when you rinse with ACT Total Care
- ACT Fluoride Mouthwash is the #1 dentist recommended fluoride brand*
What to Look for in Mouthwash for Gingivitis
Alcohol vs. Alcohol-Free
Mouthwashes with alcohol kill bacteria and fight bad breath, but they may not be the best option when you’re looking to treat gingivitis. Opt for a gentle formula that’s made specifically for gingivitis to avoid causing further irritation to your gums.
Condition-specific
If you’re prone to canker sores, dry mouth, or sensitive teeth, look for a mouthwash that caters to that condition. If you’re unsure of which product to choose from, talk to your dentist for recommendations on the best product to use.
Bad Breath
If your main concern is bad breath, using a cosmetic mouthwash on the go during the day may be sufficient for increasing your confidence during that important afternoon meeting.
Dry Mouth
If you’re taking medications or have a condition that produces dry mouth as a side effect, using a mouthwash designed to provide oral comfort for many hours at a time may be your best bet.
Plaque or Gum Issues
Other conditions, such as plaque buildup, receding gums, and gingivitis can be addressed by choosing mouthwashes containing fluoride, or those with other active ingredients that fight bacteria.
Frequently Asking Question
Can Mouthwash Get Rid of Gingivitis?
You can use a mouthwash to get rid of gingivitis to a certain degree, says Vera W. L. Tang, DDS, MS, clinical assistant professor, and vice chair and predoctoral director, department of periodontology and implant dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry in New York City. “The etiology or cause of it is bacteria.” So, it comes down to reducing bacteria and any way this can be done, such as by using mouthwashes, would be beneficial to patients who are susceptible.
Can you Reverse Gum Gingivitis?
“Gingivitis is reversible,” says Dr. Tang. This is the early stage of the broader category of periodontal disease. “As it progresses you start to get bone loss, if it is left untreated, and that’s when it is no longer reversible,” she says. “The damage is done to the foundation and then we would either treat it or try to restore it.”
Is Mouthwash Bad for Gingivitis?
Dr. Tang says that while mouthwash itself won’t aggravate gingivitis, anything that’s used improperly can ultimately not be good for the condition. “The recommended use is once or twice a day, but if you’re using this five times a day, to a certain degree this can be problematic,” she says. This can not only be irritating for the gum tissues but also impact other mouth issues like gum sores.
What Type of Mouthwash Should I Use for Gingivitis?
“There are no specific types of ingredients to look for,” Dr. Tang says. “There are a lot of brands out there and a lot of patients have different needs.” She recommends choosing something that also addresses other conditions such as dry mouth that may also be causing a problem. “For a lot of people who are taking anti-anxiety medication, it could create dry mouth and in those cases, you want to use something that doesn’t have alcohol because that would only further dry out your mouth.”
Final Verdict
We chose the TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse as the best overall pick because it combats germs linked to gingivitis without irritating the gums. Listerine’s Zero Alcohol Mouthwash is another alcohol-free option.