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If you want to flash that bright smile of yours and confidently speak with a fresh breath, completing your oral care routine with the best mouthwash can do wonders. Using it with the right toothpaste can give you a set of healthy gums and teeth, as well as overall dental health.
Now, if you’re looking for the right mouthwash for you, then you’ve come to the right place! Below, we have prepared a list of the best mouthwashes in the market, and we've also made a guide with comments from board-certified dentist Dr. Carlo Umlas to help you choose the right mouthwash for your specific needs.
Dr. Carlo Umlas is a board-certified dentist and practices orthodontics and endodontics in the Philippines. He is also currently undergoing training in implantology. He enjoys educating patients on oral health and the impact of oral hygiene on overall health through his dental clinic, Avant Dental Solutions. You can book an appointment with him and know more about his practice through his Facebook page!
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Consider your oral health goals when choosing a mouthwash. Other key factors include ingredients and formulation, which you can read more about in the buying guide below!
Not all mouthwashes are created equal. Some mouthwashes are therapeutic, while others are merely cosmetic. Hence, before choosing a particular one, it is essential to determine your reason for using it to land on a mouthwash that is suitable for you.
If you aim to treat conditions like halitosis, dry mouth, and gum problems, you'll want to go for therapeutic mouthwashes that can target specific concerns. Meanwhile, if you're only using a mouthwash to temporarily mask bad breath and leave your mouth with a pleasant taste, cosmetic mouthwashes can do the job for you.
If you're looking to address bad breath quickly and boost your self-confidence, opt for mouthwashes that contain cetylpyridinium chloride. This ingredient is known for its antimicrobial properties that kill germs and reduce plaque.
It does an excellent job of preventing and warding off bad breath because it gets rid of plaque, which is the primary cause of gum disease and tooth decay that leads to bad breath.
CPC is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, so it's effective against a wide range of bacteria. In fact, studies have shown that it can even inhibit the infectivity of certain respiratory viruses.
Many of us are already familiar with fluoride because it is present in toothpaste and many types of mouthwash as well. Fluoride is a mineral used to strengthen the enamel of your teeth to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
This ingredient makes the teeth resistant to breaking down, and it also helps prevent plaque and other bacteria buildup. However, do note that while having a low level of fluoride causes tooth decay, too much fluoride can also cause dental fluorosis or discoloration of the teeth.
Fluoride mouthwashes do not remove plaque; instead, they focus on protecting your enamel from the acids produced by plaque. However, they are not recommended for kids younger than six because of the risk that they might ingest the mouthwash and its fluoride content.
Whether you have gum problems or you’re at risk for it, you might benefit from mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic, meaning it eliminates bacteria in the mouth. It is typically used to treat gum diseases since it can reduce inflammation caused by periodontal bacteria.
However, it is essential to note that you should observe proper usage of this ingredient since it can cause side effects, like tooth and tongue swelling, when used in large amounts. Apart from that, it can also alter or decrease taste and cause your mouth to dry.
Chlorhexidine is effective in destroying bacteria but it does have several side effects. These include staining on teeth and alteration in taste perception. It has also been observed that chlorhexidine increase the formation of tartar.
Mainly, there are two types of mouthwash formulations: alcohol-free formulas and ones with alcohol. The two vary in terms of many factors, so you have to weigh their pros and cons to determine which one suits your preferences more.
It's safe to say that most people in the country are more familiar with mouthwashes that have some alcohol content to them. They usually bring a stinging feeling or an initial burning sensation while gargling. For that reason, they are thought to leave a refreshed and clean feeling on your mouth after rinsing.
However, mouthwashes with alcohol tend to further dry your mouth, which may cause some discomfort and pain for some users, especially those who are already suffering from persistent dry mouth. Thus, if you have sensitivities like this, it is highly advised that you avoid mouthwashes with alcohol.
Alcohol-based mouthwashes should not be given to children under 6 years old because of the possibility of ingestion. You should also be careful when using mouthwash if you have sores that may be due to underlying health issues. In some cases, mouthwash might do more harm than good, so it's better to ask your dentist first before using an oral rinse.
If you have sensitive gums and teeth, alcohol-free mouthwashes are your best choice. These kinds of mouthwashes have the ability to clean your mouth without any sting or burning sensation. They are also recommended if you want to start introducing mouthwash to your children's oral hygiene routine because they are gentler than their regular counterparts.
Additionally, they are also the best pick for those who suffer from dry mouth or xerostomia. It is because they don't further dry your mouth like alcohol-containing mouthwashes. They can also freshen your breath and improve your oral hygiene just as effectively.
Compared to alcohol-based mouthwashes, alcohol-free mouthwashes have the advantage of having less effects on the color and wear of tooth composite restorations. Some studies have also shown that they may be better for the teeth in terms of gloss, color, and hardness.
For those who want to veer away from conventional mouthwashes, you can opt for natural ones made of essential oils extracted from plants that have aromatic or healing properties. You can find mouthwashes that contain ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, and peppermint that also provide a minty flavor.
Although mouthwashes are usually associated with mint flavors, they come in many other options available to choose from. For people who hate mint, there are fruity flavors, like citrus. Meanwhile, if you prefer a neutral taste in your mouth, you can also find unflavored ones.
Picking a flavor you like can help, especially for those who need to amp their oral health routine with mouthwashes. This way, it can be easier to commit to using them habitually for more improved dental health.
When choosing the flavor of your mouthwash, you also have to consider any allergies you might have. Another note is that certain flavors don't just mask the medicinal components of the mouthwash; they may also play a role in actually inhibiting acid production and bacterial growth. For instance, the combination of xylitol and a flavor composition works better than when these components are used alone.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Alcohol-Free | Flavor | Net Content | ||||||
1 | Listerine® Cool Mint Zero Alcohol | ₱251 Mid | A Gentle, Effective Non-Alcohol Mouthwash That Kills 99% of Germs | Essential Oils (Eucalyptol, Menthol, Thymol, Methyl Salicylate) | Mint | 500 mL | |||
2 | Human Nature Natural Mouthwash | ₱349.75 Mid | A Mouthwash With Antibacterial Actives and Zero Harsh Ingredients | Zinc Citrate, Peppermint Leaf Oil, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice | Mint | 400 mL | |||
3 | TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse | ₱679 High | Dentist-Formulated Solution for Long-Lasting Fresh Breath | Sodium Chlorite, Sodium Bicarbonate | Mint | 473 mL | |||
4 | Colgate® Plax® Peppermint Fresh | ₱395 High Mid | Promotes Healthy Gums and Fresh Breath for 24 Hours | Cetylpyridinium Chloride | Peppermint | 1000 mL | |||
5 | Orahex Forte With Zinc Oral Rinse | ₱500 High Mid | Fights Germs Effectively With Chlorhexidine Gluconate | Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Zinc | Not Specified | 500 mL | |||
6 | Watsons Cool Mint Mouthwash | ₱289 Mid | Freshens Breath and Promotes Healthy Smiles for the Whole Family | Sodium Fluoride | Mint | 500 mL | |||
7 | Perfect Smile Whitening Oral Rinse | ₱199 Low Mid | Whitens Your Teeth and Freshens Breath in Just a Week | Green Tea Extract, Vitamin C | Menthol | 250 mL | |||
8 | BETADINE® Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle & Mouthwash | ₱211 Low Mid | An All-In-One Fast Solution Against Common Oral Woes | Povidone-Iodine | Mint | 120 mL | |||
9 | Cocobody Oil Pulling Natural Mouthwash | ₱179.1 Low | A Natural Way to Freshen Your Breath and Improve Your Oral Hygiene | Virgin Coconut Oil, Peppermint Oil | Mild Peppermint | 250 mL | |||
10 | Bactidol® Hexetidine 0.1% Solution Oral Antiseptic | ₱430 Mid | An Antiseptic Solution for Complete Oral Care | Hexetidine | Not Specified | 250 mL |
Key Ingredients | Essential Oils (Eucalyptol, Menthol, Thymol, Methyl Salicylate) |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Mint |
Net Content | 500 mL |
Human Nature Natural Mouthwash is an excellent choice for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals. Formulated with 99.9% natural ingredients, this mouthwash is free of alcohol, synthetic dyes, PEGs, SLS/SLES, and other irritants. This makes it a perfect option for children and people with sensitive teeth and gums.
More than just a mouth cleanser, this product also promotes long-term oral health. The balanced formula neutralizes mouth acids that can cause tooth decay and plaque buildup. It also contains ingredients that combat odor-causing bacteria, leaving you with fresh breath for hours—a feature users love the most.
Key Ingredients | Zinc Citrate, Peppermint Leaf Oil, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Mint |
Net Content | 400 mL |
Struggling with bad breath? If so, TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse has got you covered. Its scientifically-backed formula doesn't just mask foul odors; it tackles the root cause—volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The sodium chlorite it contains neutralizes these compounds, keeping your breath fresh for more than 12 hours.
Moreover, it includes castor oil to prevent your mouth from drying out. It also ensures a pleasant aftertaste with its mild mint flavor. According to reviews, this powerful yet gentle rinse is perfect for a morning freshen-up or lasting confidence all day. Give it a try for a reliable choice in your overall oral hygiene routine!
Key Ingredients | Sodium Chlorite, Sodium Bicarbonate |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Mint |
Net Content | 473 mL |
Key Ingredients | Cetylpyridinium Chloride |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Peppermint |
Net Content | 1000 mL |
Key Ingredients | Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Zinc |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Not Specified |
Net Content | 500 mL |
Key Ingredients | Sodium Fluoride |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Mint |
Net Content | 500 mL |
Key Ingredients | Green Tea Extract, Vitamin C |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Menthol |
Net Content | 250 mL |
Looking for a way to boost your oral hygiene routine? Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle & Mouthwash might be the answer. This 1% antiseptic solution goes beyond standard mouthwashes by killing a wide range of bacteria that can cause mouth infections and sores.
With a refreshing mint flavor, it leaves your breath feeling clean after gargling. But that's not all. Betadine's gargle solution also tackles a broad spectrum of viruses that cause sore throats. Users report that if you sense a scratchy throat coming on, this powerful formula can provide fast and soothing relief.
Key Ingredients | Povidone-Iodine |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Mint |
Net Content | 120 mL |
Key Ingredients | Virgin Coconut Oil, Peppermint Oil |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Mild Peppermint |
Net Content | 250 mL |
Unlike many types of mouthwash that primarily aim for minty freshness, Bactidol® Hexetidine prioritizes overall oral hygiene. This antiseptic solution effectively tackles various oral issues using hexetidine as its main ingredient. It fights bad breath, prevents tooth decay and cavities, and soothes sore throats.
Bactidol® claims to work in as fast as 30 seconds to kill viruses that can lead to coughs, colds, and even trangkaso (influenza). While its taste may not be the most pleasant, many users rave about its effectiveness. They rely on this product to maintain good oral health and combat minor mouth and throat troubles.
Key Ingredients | Hexetidine |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Flavor | Not Specified |
Net Content | 250 mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Carlo Umlas.
Mouthwash can help control and remove plaque, but not all, which is why it shouldn't be used alone or to replace brushing. Plaque removal can only be achieved through a combination of brushing, flossing, and occasional mouthwash use.
Mouthwash isn't a necessary component in oral hygiene, but if you would still want to use it, we recommend using it no more than twice a day. More than that and it can be harmful because it contains alcohol and will kill even the good bacteria in your mouth.
Mouthwash freshens or masks bad breath temporarily, especially if it is caused by food with strong or pungent scents like garlic, onion, or improper hygiene. However, in cases when bad breath is caused by underlying medical conditions, it is better to treat these conditions to fully eliminate bad breath.
Having good hygiene means that you're taking good care of yourself and it also ultimately leads to having a healthy body that's from disease-causing germs. Check out our other articles for more product recommendations!
Re-editors: R. Victoriano, D. Trinidad
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Listerine®|Cool Mint Zero Alcohol
No. 2: Human Nature|Natural Mouthwash
No. 3: TheraBreath |Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
No. 4: Colgate®|Plax® Peppermint Fresh
No. 5: Orahex|Forte With Zinc Oral Rinse
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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