Rating of the best mouth rinses for 2024

A beautiful smile and fresh breath are important components of self-confidence. More recently, dental hygiene advertisements have recommended mouth rinses in addition to standard toothpaste and floss care. Is it really necessary, or is it just another publicity stunt?

Is it really necessary to use rinse aid

In recent years, shop windows selling hygiene products have increasingly filled their shelves with various oral care products. Along with toothpaste and floss, rinses appeared. Let's figure out if they are really needed, as the advertisement says.

First of all, it is best to consult your dentist before purchasing any additional oral care product. Indeed, in some rare cases, the use of a rinse aid can be not only useless, but even unsafe. The specialist will advise on what direction the product should be purchased.

There are several directions of rinse aid action. The former reduce the rate of formation of soft plaque. They must necessarily contain calcium citrate, chlorhexidine, even alcohol. The latter are fighting tooth decay. They must contain minerals (calcium and fluoride) to mineralize the teeth and strengthen the enamel. Still others support gum health. They should contain cetylpyridinium chloride, triclosan.

Secondly, it is important to take into account the characteristics of your body and track the reaction to the use of such funds. Some components can in rare cases cause allergies, stomach pains, dry mouth, etc. Also products containing neovitin, cetylpyridinium chloride, as well as those with an increased concentration of calcium are not recommended for use by pregnant women.

Third, don't expect the instant effect that commercials shout about (especially from whiteners). A lasting positive effect is achieved through the complex use of several products of the same brand, which are designed to complement each other.

In general, dentists recommend using mouth rinses as an adjunct to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Best mouth rinses

In our rating, 4 most popular brands are considered: Forest Balsam, Colgate, Lacalut and Listerine. Each of them is in demand among buyers, a wide range of products and a large number of positive reviews from real consumers. Learn more about each of them.

Forest balm

Russian-made mouthwash. Included in the complex for the care of the oral cavity, produced under the brand name "Forest Balsam". Directly rinse is used both for preventive purposes and for solving specific dental problems: repulsive mouth odor, the presence of wounds on the gums and bleeding, slowing down the formation of tartar, etc. Several types of rinse are produced, which differ in active components, the main of which are extracts medicinal herbs.But most of the lineup is focused on addressing gum disease. More on each species below.

"Forte" - recommended for various gum problems: bleeding, swelling, as well as increased tooth pain. Components such as tea tree oil, oak bark extract fight inflammation in the gums.

With chamomile and birch sap - the basis is extracts from chamomile, nettle, celandine, yarrow, St. John's wort, as well as fir and oak bark extract. Such a herbal composition fights against pathogenic microorganisms, while restoring normal microflora in the mouth, and also relieves sore gums.

With propolis and St. John's wort it helps to strengthen the gums, eliminate foci of inflammation and bleeding. Recommended for the elderly, including those with dentures.

Natural Whitening & Gum Care - the name itself underlines the direction of action of this type of mouthwash. In addition to caring for the gums, the drug should promote natural teeth whitening by eliminating soft dental plaque.

Forest Balm - this variety is distinguished by the presence of Phytoprotectin in the composition of the Forest Balm line. This is a complex of capillary protectors aimed at regenerating the soft tissues of the gums, protecting them from inflammation and bleeding. Forest Balm is especially useful for acute gum soreness and for exposing the neck of the teeth. Does not contain fluoride.

"Active-gel" is recommended as a prophylactic agent. A distinctive feature is the gel structure of the rinse aid. During rinsing, the gel creates a thin film on the teeth and gums, which protects them from pathogenic flora, helps to reduce the rate of plaque formation, strengthen the enamel, etc.

With mint and forest herbs - most suitable for eliminating unpleasant odor in the mouth. Specially selected components help to restore normal microflora, reduce carious processes and eliminate inflammation.

In addition to the named varieties, the manufacturer of "Forest Balsam" offers rinses, the name of which indicates the problem in which they are used: "For sensitive teeth and gums", "For bleeding gums", "For inflammation of the gums."

Despite some differences, all varieties of "Forest Balsam" are united by the presence of medicinal plants, triclosan, fluorine (except for Forest Balm), and alcohol in the extracts.

All types of "Forest Balsam" are available in a volume of 250 or 400 ml. The cost of the rinse aid varies depending on the type and varies from 76 rubles. up to 170 rubles. for 250 ml.

• effectively removes bad breath;
• helps with inflammation and bleeding of the gums;
• reduces the sensitivity of teeth and gums;
• most of the components are of natural origin;
• low cost;
• does not require dilution with water and is easy to use.

• 30% of people using this mouthwash notice a pungent smell and not a very pleasant aftertaste;
• burning tongue;
• contains alcohol.

Colgate

Another well-known brand of dental and oral care products. Currently, the most popular rinse aids of this brand are the Colgate Plax (C.P.) series. It includes 7 types of rinses, differing in composition and direction of action. The main active ingredients in this series are sodium fluoride and cetylpyridinium chloride.

C.P. "Ancient secrets" is aimed at full protection of the oral cavity: it strengthens the gums and soft tissues, reduces the rate of appearance of soft plaque and caries, and gives fresh breath.

C.P. Refreshing Mint is recommended for patients with halitosis caused by dental problems. Peppermint not only relieves bad smell, but also reduces sore gums.

C.P.Forte "Bark of Oak and Fir" maintains the state of soft tissues in normal condition. Regular use can help combat gum inflammation and bleeding. Contains oak and fir extract. They are associated with antibacterial, antiseptic, wound healing action.

C.P. Tea freshness has a pleasant refreshing tea taste that does not leave a burning sensation after use. Recommended for permanent use.

C.P. "Altai herbs" contains extracts of sea buckthorn, mint, chamomile. This composition has a beneficial effect on the condition of the gums. The action of the product is aimed at the prevention of inflammatory processes in soft tissues, as well as their elimination.

C.P. "Healing herbs" in action is similar to the previous rinse, but stronger. It contains eucalyptus, sage, myrrh, chamomile. All components are aimed at preventing periodontal inflammation, because have aseptic (prevent harmful microorganisms from entering the wounds), anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties.

C.P. “Fruit freshness” differs from all Colgate Plax products in its pleasant mild fruit-mint taste. Suitable for permanent use and comprehensive protection.

All types of rinse aid are available in a volume of 250 ml. Cost from 89 to 136 rubles.

• does not contain alcohol;
• most of the products in this series effectively cope with plaque, gum disease;
• economical consumption;
• decent quality for a low price.

• contains the sweetener sodium saccharinate;
• the sharp, scalding taste of the Oak Bark and Fir Rinse, Refreshing Mint;
• Colgate Plax Tea Freshness is too sweet and lacks refreshing effect.

Lacalut

Lacalut is a German brand of dental products. The main active ingredient in the products of this brand is aluminum lactate. This substance has an anti-inflammatory effect and is responsible for the astringent effect after using Lacalut products.

As for the rinses from this manufacturer, they, like most others, are aimed at solving a whole range of oral cavity problems. Although the name indicates the main problem, consider the entire line of rinse aids of this brand.

L. basic - means for daily hygiene: cleans teeth from food debris and freshens breath. In addition, this mouthwash removes soft plaque and prevents inflammation in the gums.

L. flora contains natural ingredients: parsley oil, olive oil and peppermint extract. Such a composition restores the normal microflora of the oral cavity and restores fresh breath.

L. sensitive is recommended for people with sore teeth when eating cold, hot, sweet, etc. The special composition, which includes aluminum lactate and aminofluoride, strengthens the enamel, which has a beneficial effect on reducing sensitivity.

L. aktiv is an antibacterial agent containing chlorhexidine among its components, which gives an almost instant tangible effect. The product is recommended for use in acute manifestations of gum disease: bleeding, inflammation, and the presence of wounds.

L. white helps to preserve the whiteness of the enamel and is an excellent addition to the toothpaste of the same series. Removes soft plaque, prevents the formation of tartar.

All of these types of Lacalut mouthwash are recommended for use after brushing your teeth and after meals. The volume of the measuring cap is sufficient for one use. It is necessary to rinse the oral cavity for at least 1 minute to achieve the required preventive effect.

The L. fresh rinse aid differs from the entire line. This is a concentrated product: 5 drops are enough for 100 ml of water for an effective rinse. L. fresh is a complex care product.It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-caries action. In addition, L. fresh relieves bleeding gums while strengthening them.

Rinses are produced in a volume of 300 ml, except for concentrated L. fresh - 75 ml. The cost varies from 240 rubles. (basic) up to 350 rubles. (fresh).

• does not contain alcohol;
• pleasant to the taste;
• helps with bleeding and inflammation of the gums (aktiv);
• the entire line of rinses effectively fights soft plaque;
• eliminates unpleasant odor;
• most of those using the sensitive series report a decrease in tooth sensitivity.

• rinse aktiv series can cause yellowing of tooth enamel due to chlorhexidine in the composition;
• the whitening effect from the white series is rather conditional and cannot be observed without the use of an appropriate toothpaste;
• more expensive than competitors.

Listerine

The Listerine trademark belongs to Johnson & Johnson LLC. She also took the leading position in our rating.

A feature of Listerine rinses is the presence of 4 essential oils in their composition, which give an antibacterial and antimicrobial effect. These are eucalyptol, menthol, thymol and methyl salicitate. All these oils are chemically synthesized and are identical to natural counterparts. Like other manufacturers, Listerine offers a range of dental and gum care products that provide both comprehensive care and a targeted solution to a specific task. Let's take a look at each product.

L. Expert "Tooth and Gum Protection" has a bi-directional action to protect teeth and gums. In addition to the above essential oils, the composition contains sodium fluoride. Such a composition helps to reduce the inflammatory process on the gums, reduces the rate of plaque and caries formation. Also, the manufacturer, with regular use of rinse aid, guarantees the strengthening of the enamel.

Expert "Gum Protection" is primarily aimed at maintaining and restoring the normal state of the gums: it helps to eliminate inflammatory processes in the gums and their bleeding. In addition to protecting the gums, it reduces the formation of soft plaque and keeps the microflora of the oral cavity normal. Also in the Expert line there are rinses "Protection against caries", "Expert whitening", which, in addition to the general refreshing and cleaning effect, are aimed at solving a specific dental problem.

L. Fresh Mint maintains fresh breath by killing bacteria that cause unpleasant odors and build up soft plaque. Composition - essential oils and fluoride to strengthen the enamel. Differs in a milder taste.

L. Total Care is a broad spectrum product. Fights plaque and calculus, maintains microflora normal and eliminates unpleasant odors, prevents tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel, is beneficial for gum health.

L. "Green tea" is distinguished by the presence of green tea extract in addition to the main 4 essential oils. Permanent use is allowed. The product has a fresh green tea flavor. In addition to fresh breath, the use of this rinse reduces the amount of plaque and strengthens the enamel.

L. "Baby" is an excellent addition to daily care and helps to make up for the gaps in brushing your teeth. The manufacturer promises to strengthen the enamel and protect against caries. The composition contains menthol, sodium fluoride and cetylpyridinium chloride (antimicrobial component). It is worth noting the pleasant berry taste.

L. "Night recovery" is recommended for use before bed and after. Unlike previous products, which come in 250 ml bottles, this one comes in 400 ml bottles. It is a new addition to the Liserin rinse line.

The cost varies from 120 to 270 rubles.

• most products do not contain alcohol;
• does not contain sugar;
• use by children from 6 years old is possible;
• protective cover from small children;
• is economically spent;
• noticeable positive effect after application;
• 55 ml probes are available, by purchasing which you can decide whether the rinse aid is suitable or not.

• rinse L. "Protection against caries" contains alcohol
• foams a little;
• dry mouth after use.

Summing up our review, I would like to emphasize that the daily use of mouth rinses is a really good way to prevent dental diseases. It is important to remember that mouth rinses are not a panacea for all oral problems. The advertised effect can only be achieved in the case of comprehensive care in combination with toothpaste and dental floss. In addition, visits to the dentist 2 times a year have not been canceled either. Only timely detection of the problem, correct and complete care of teeth and oral cavity can guarantee a healthy and beautiful smile.