5 Best Alkaline Mouthwash 2024 (Dentist Recommended)
Dentist Tested & Reviewed
Oral health is not just about pearly whites and fresh breath.
The pH level in the mouth plays a crucial role in determining overall dental well-being.
With the modern diet often leaning towards the acidic side, an alkaline mouthwash can be a game changer, helping to neutralize excess acid and providing a protective shield against tooth decay and gum disease.
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 250+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the Best Alkaline Mouthwash from a dentist’s perspective.
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Buying Guide
- Best Overall: CariFree Maintenance Rinse
- Best Dry Mouth: Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse
- Best Gum Health: TheraBreath Healthy Gums Mouthwash
- Best Whitening: Hello Activated Charcoal Mouthwash
- Best Bad Breath: TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash
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Understanding Oral pH (Why It Matters)
The pH scale, ranging from 0 to 14, measures how acidic or alkaline a solution is. A neutral pH is 7, anything below that is considered acidic, and anything above is alkaline.
Our mouth’s natural pH hovers around 6.5 to 7.5, leaning towards the neutral side. However, the foods we consume, especially sugary and processed foods, can dramatically lower the oral pH, creating an acidic environment.
Why is this a concern? An acidic oral environment is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
These bacteria thrive in low pH levels, leading to cavities, gum disease, and tooth erosion. By maintaining a balanced oral pH, we not only keep our teeth and gums healthy but also prevent bad breath and ensure overall oral hygiene.
Recommended Reading: 5 Best Natural Mouthwash 2024 (Dentist Recommended)Benefits of Alkaline Mouthwash Over Traditional Options
While traditional mouthwashes are effective in killing bacteria and freshening breath, they might not address the issue of oral acidity. This is where alkaline mouthwashes step in.
Common Benefits
- Neutralizing Acidity: Alkaline mouthwashes increase the mouth’s pH level, counteracting damaging acids that can harm tooth enamel and irritate gums.
- Natural Ingredients: Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and baking soda in these mouthwashes not only neutralize acids but also soothe and reduce inflammation.
- Long-Lasting Protection: By balancing pH levels, alkaline mouthwashes offer extended defense against harmful bacteria, promoting a healthier oral environment.
Top 5 Best Alkaline Mouthwash
Given the significance of maintaining a balanced oral pH, selecting an effective mouthwash becomes imperative. Transitioning beyond just freshening breath, the right mouthwash can be pivotal in ensuring optimal oral health.
Here, we present a list of the top five alkaline mouthwashes evaluated for their efficacy and ingredients. Let’s delve deeper to identify the most suitable choice for your dental regimen.
1. CariFree Maintenance Rinse (Best Overall)
An imbalance in your mouth causes cavities, and when dentists drill and fill cavities, they are only treating the result, not the imbalance itself—and the decay returns.
Until recently, dentists were taught that you'd be free of decay if you have good oral hygiene. The problem is that it’s just not that simple.
Break the cycle of decay with CariFree. CariFree's pH-elevated products fix the problem at its source. Safe to use every day, our non-abrasive products are highly effective and scientifically proven to prevent cavities.
Dentist Review
The CariFree Maintenance Rinse has cemented its position as a standout in alkaline mouthwashes. Backed by dentists’ endorsements and a robust scientific foundation, this rinse is tailored to maintain an optimal pH balance and ward off cavities.
Its unique formulation effectively raises the pH level in the oral environment, ensuring tooth enamel remains safeguarded. Additionally, its fluoride content provides an added defense against cavities, making it a comprehensive oral care solution.
Why It’s The Best Overall
Its efficacy isn’t merely rooted in its alkalizing capabilities. The CariFree Maintenance Rinse offers a multi-faceted approach to oral health.
Beyond balancing pH and offering cavity protection, it ensures breath remains fresh and reduces bacterial growth. When considering a holistic solution for maintaining oral health, this rinse emerges as a top contender, delivering both protection and freshness.
2. Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse (Best Dry Mouth)
Biotene is the “#1 dentist, pharmacist and hygienist recommended brand for dry mouth management”.
Biotene offers many products to combat this issue, including oral rinse, moisturizing spray, toothpaste, moisturizing gel, and lozenge.
Dry Mouth Oral Rinse is their most popular product; however, their updated version, Dry Mouth Gentle Oral Rinse, is specifically formulated for people prone to gum irritation.
Dentist Review
The Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse stands as a specialized solution for individuals grappling with dry mouth symptoms. Dry mouth can disrupt the natural pH balance of the oral cavity, making an effective alkaline rinse crucial for such conditions. Biotène, with its unique enzyme-based formula, not only alleviates dry mouth discomfort but also restores a healthier pH level, ensuring overall oral protection.
Why It’s Best for Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can compromise oral health in various ways, from causing bad breath to elevating the risk of tooth decay. The Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse goes beyond mere symptom relief.
It actively helps moisturize oral tissues, maintaining the mouth’s pH balance and curbing harmful bacteria. Its enzyme-rich composition is tailored to reinforce the mouth’s natural defenses, making it an unmatched choice for those seeking relief from dry mouth while ensuring their oral environment remains alkaline and healthy.
3. TheraBreath Healthy Gums Mouthwash (Best Gum Health)
It is estimated that nearly 50% of the population of the United States lives with gum disease in some form.
Whether you’re noticing sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, or have been diagnosed with gingivitis, TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is an effective solution.
Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is a safe and effective treatment to fight bacteria and common symptoms of gum disease, which can also be related to diabetes.
Dr. Katz’s Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is periodontist-formulated to help people living with gum disease.
Dentist Review
Gum health serves as the bedrock of overall oral wellness, and the TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is expertly formulated to support and enhance this crucial aspect.
Designed by a periodontist, this rinse offers a clinical-grade solution for those aiming to combat gum issues like gingivitis. Infused with CPC (Cetylpyridinium Chloride), an active ingredient recognized by the ADA for gum health improvement, this rinse is therapeutic and preventive.
Why It’s Best for Gum Health
Gum disease, often heralded by symptoms like bleeding, inflammation, and receding gums, requires specialized care. TheraBreath’s Healthy Gums rinse offers just that, targeting the root causes of gum-related issues.
Its formula not only combats harmful bacteria but also creates an alkaline environment, discouraging bacterial growth and supporting the mouth’s natural defense mechanisms.
Moreover, its ADA recognition offers an added assurance of its effectiveness. For those focusing on maintaining robust gum health or those on a journey of gum recovery, TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse emerges as a top-tier choice in the domain of alkaline mouthwashes.
4. Hello Activated Charcoal Mouthwash (Best Whitening)
Say hello to naturally friendly activated charcoal extra freshening mouthwash.
Thoughtfully formulated with activated charcoal (made from sustainable bamboo), coconut oil to moisturize, tea tree oil to cleanse, fresh mint to freshen breath, and xylitol because it rocks.
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 and never tested on animals.
Dentist Review
For individuals desiring a radiant smile without compromising on breath freshness, the TheraBreath Whitening Fresh Breath Oral Rinse is a stellar choice. Seamlessly integrating teeth whitening capabilities with its renowned breath-freshening formula, TheraBreath has created a product that tackles dual oral concerns in one rinse.
Its innovative formula works diligently to reduce tooth staining, amplifying the natural brightness of your smile, while simultaneously neutralizing odor-causing bacteria.
A splash of this rinse not only elevates the dazzle of your teeth but also ensures that your breath is as captivating as your smile.
5. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash (Best Bad Breath)
Dr. Harold Katz created TheraBreath to help his daughter overcome her struggle with bad breath.
Since 1994 they’ve been creating oral care products that treat halitosis, gum disease, tooth decay, stained teeth, immune support, tooth sensitivity, and dry mouth. The original TheraBreath formulation attacks odor-causing bacteria rather than masking it with heavy flavors or powerful odors.
TheraBreath is one of the five largest oral care companies and the largest privately-held manufacturer. TheraBreath Oral Rinse stimulates saliva flow and circulates antibacterial, oxygen-rich bacteria throughout your mouth.
Dentist Review
The TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse is meticulously crafted to target and neutralize bad breath, ensuring users feel confident in close-up interactions. Recognized for its potent oxygenating agent, this rinse doesn’t just mask odors; it eradicates them at their source.
The dual-action formula not only combats sulfur-producing bacteria (common culprits of halitosis) but also works to maintain a balanced, alkaline pH level in the mouth, thereby ensuring long-lasting freshness.
Why It’s Best for Bad Breath
Bad breath can be a confidence-diminishing ailment for many, and tackling it requires more than just a momentary minty mask. TheraBreath’s rinse goes a step further by deploying an oxygen-based formula that neutralizes bacteria responsible for foul odors.
Furthermore, its commitment to maintaining an alkaline environment means that it works to prevent the growth of these unwanted bacteria in the first place.
For those who are keen on securing fresh breath throughout the day while upholding a healthy oral pH, TheraBreath emerges as the leading choice in the bad breath segment of alkaline mouthwashes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an alkaline mouthwash replace regular tooth brushing and flossing?
No, an alkaline mouthwash is a supplemental oral care product and should not replace regular tooth brushing and flossing. Brushing removes food particles and plaque from the teeth’s surface, while flossing dislodges debris from between the teeth. An alkaline mouthwash complements these routines by balancing oral pH and reducing bacteria but cannot substitute the mechanical cleaning provided by brushing and flossing.
What are common symptoms of an overly acidic oral environment?
An overly acidic oral environment can lead to symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, frequent cavities, bad breath, and gum irritation or inflammation. If unchecked over time, it can also result in tooth enamel erosion, making teeth more susceptible to staining and decay.
How can one naturally maintain an alkaline environment in the mouth?
Naturally maintaining an alkaline environment involves a combination of dietary and oral care practices. Consuming a balanced diet with plenty of leafy greens, fresh vegetables, and reducing acidic or sugary foods and beverages can help. Drinking water frequently, especially after meals, can also assist in neutralizing acids. Regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and occasional use of baking soda as a mild abrasive, can also promote an alkaline setting.
My Experience & Expertise
As a dentist, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact our daily choices can have on oral health.
The mouth is a dynamic ecosystem, constantly influenced by what we eat, drink, and adopt care routines.
The emphasis on alkaline mouthwashes underscores a fundamental truth in dentistry: the delicate balance of our oral environment is paramount.
The acid-alkaline balance, often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our teeth and gums from potential threats. While the array of products in the market can be overwhelming, navigating these choices with knowledge and discernment is essential.
A mouthwash isn’t just about freshness; it’s a tool, a protective shield that can enhance the natural defenses of our oral cavity.
Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hannan, also known as “Dr. Advocate,” is a board-certified dentist on a mission to provide accurate dental patient education. He attended Baylor University before completing dental school at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. He now lives in Arizona with his beautiful wife and 4 kids. Dr. Hannan believes everyone should access easy-to-read dental resources with relevant, up-to-date dental research and insight to improve their oral health.
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