Tortoise blood, berries, a mix of mint and red wine vinegar – there have been some strange mouthwash combinations throughout history. And then, there is St. Hildegard von Bingen who believed that swishing straight, pure, cold water would do the trick in holding plaque and tartar at bay. It’s a very different story today with a wide array of mouthwashes geared toward gum health, reducing plaque buildup, and/or preventing dreaded gingivitis. With that in mind, we’ve compiled for you a list of our favorite mouthwashes for adults.
Say ahhh
This rinse from TheraBreath is clinically proven to be effective for up to 24 hours. The first ingredient is purified water, but the second is OXYD-8, which was patented as an oxychlorine compound (which serves as an effective disinfectant). It is also gluten-free with no artificial colors or flavors, and certified vegan.
Worth smiling about
As you might imagine for a brand as old as Listerine, there’s an interesting story behind it. The product was developed in 1879 by a St. Louis chemist who was trying to invent a surgical antiseptic. Named for Joseph Lister, a British surgeon who inspired the idea, Listerine has been marketing over the decades as a floor cleaner and dandruff fighter. The medicinal flavor of the original product was the only option until 1992, when “Cool Mint Listerine” joined the family. These days nearly a dozen flavors are available. The “Total Care” variety is a fluoride-rich, anti-cavity mouthwash. It 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. It kills up to 99 percent of germs that cause bad breath.
Alcohol-free
ACT is designed to boost your dental care by helping to remineralize soft spots, which help prevent tooth decay. This mouthwash has been clinically proven to reduce cavities up to 70 percent more than brushing with fluoride toothpaste alone. Its alcohol-free formula ensures no stinging and no burning.
Much-needed help
The main active ingredient in this mouthwash is 1.4 percent hydrogen peroxide, which helps in cleaning and healing minor wounds, sores, irritations, and mouth burns. The oxygenating action removes oral debris to facilitate healing, and soothes minor gum inflammation that can occur after dental procedures.
Peroxide free
While it is alcohol and peroxide free, Crest’s advanced whitening formula is effective in removing surface stains with brushing. That means a whiter smile in just 7 days, while leaving your mouth with a great, clean, mint taste. It’s free from peroxide and alcohol.
Zac Jones is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Zac is a former broadcast journalist, TV actor, voiceover artist, and executive producer. As a baseball aficionado, he enjoys rooting for Florida’s Tampa Bay Rays.
