Mouthwash: do you need it, and which kind?
Do you need mouthwash? Fluoride vs antiseptic rinses (CPC, chlorhexidine), alcohol-free options, and when to use it so you don't wash off your toothpaste.
Written by the Glowpedia team · not yet reviewed by our dentist
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Quick answer Most people don't need mouthwash if they brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between their teeth. A fluoride rinse can help if you get cavities easily and an antiseptic rinse can help gums or breath; use it at a different time from brushing, not straight after.
Do you need it?
Mouthwash is an extra, not a replacement. It can't remove plaque the way brushing and cleaning between teeth do. If your teeth and gums are healthy and your routine is good, you can skip it. It's worth considering if you:
- get cavities easily, wear braces or have a dry mouth (fluoride rinse)
- have early gum inflammation your dentist wants to calm down (antiseptic rinse)
- want fresher breath while you deal with the cause (see bad breath)
- need extra help for a short time, for example after mouth surgery, on your dentist's advice
Cosmetic or therapeutic?
Cosmetic rinses only mask odor and leave a pleasant taste for a short time. Therapeutic rinses contain an active ingredient with a specific job. Check the active ingredient on the label:
| Active ingredient | What it does | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium fluoride (often 0.05%) | Helps prevent tooth decay | For daily use; useful with a high cavity risk |
| Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) | Reduces bacteria and breath odor | For daily use; may stain teeth slightly in some people |
| Essential oils (thymol, menthol, eucalyptol) | Help control plaque and gingivitis | Many versions contain alcohol |
| Chlorhexidine | Strong antiseptic for gum problems | Short-term only; prescription-only in the US |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Light whitening | Small effect; see whitening options |
Chlorhexidine: short-term only
Chlorhexidine is the strongest antiseptic rinse. Dentists use it for gum disease, after some dental surgery or when brushing is hard for a while. It's prescription-only in the US and sold in pharmacies in some other countries, such as the UK. Use it only as directed, usually for up to 4 weeks, because longer use can:
- stain teeth and the tongue brown
- change how food tastes
- increase tartar buildup
Toothpaste ingredients can stop chlorhexidine from working, so use it at a different time from brushing. If you have to use it after brushing, the NHS advises rinsing your mouth well with water and waiting at least 5 minutes first.
Alcohol or alcohol-free?
Alcohol-free rinses are widely available and gentler, while alcohol can sting and dry the mouth. Choose one if you have a dry mouth, sensitive gums or mouth ulcers, or if you avoid alcohol for personal or religious reasons. A meta-analysis cited by the ADA found no link between alcohol-containing rinses and mouth cancer. Mouthwash isn't recommended for children under 6, because they may swallow it.
In the US, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on over-the-counter rinses; it means the product was tested for safety and effectiveness.
When to use it
The NHS advises not using mouthwash straight after brushing, even a fluoride one, because it rinses off the concentrated fluoride your toothpaste leaves on your teeth. Instead:
- Use it at a different time of day, for example after lunch.
- Swish the amount on the label (often 10–20 ml) for 30–60 seconds, then spit. Don't rinse with water afterward.
- Don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after a fluoride rinse.
The ADA treats timing as largely a personal choice, so if your dentist has given you a routine, follow it. Either way, keep up twice-daily brushing and daily cleaning between your teeth.
What you need for this
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See a dentist if you feel you need mouthwash to control bad breath or bleeding gums, since that can point to gum disease or tooth decay. Use chlorhexidine for longer than a few weeks only if a dentist or doctor tells you to.
Questions people ask
Can I use mouthwash instead of brushing?
No. Mouthwash can't remove plaque from your teeth. It's an add-on to brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth once a day.
Should I use mouthwash right after brushing?
The NHS says no, because rinsing straight after brushing washes off the fluoride from your toothpaste. Use it at another time, such as after lunch.
Does alcohol in mouthwash cause cancer?
A meta-analysis cited by the ADA found no link between alcohol-containing mouthwash and mouth cancer. Alcohol-free rinses are still gentler if your mouth is dry or sensitive.
How long can I use chlorhexidine mouthwash?
Usually up to about 4 weeks, or as long as your dentist or doctor says. Longer use can stain teeth and change your sense of taste.