5 Best Fluoride Mouthwash 2023 (Dentist-Recommended)
Category: Adult Dentistry, Buying Guide, Dr. Advocate's Insight, Oral Health
By: Dr. Advocate
Updated: May 25, 2023
Fluoride is often hailed as the unsung hero in our daily oral hygiene regimen. It helps combat tooth decay, strengthens enamel, and is fundamental in maintaining a healthy smile. For anyone on a mission to improve their dental health, incorporating fluoride mouthwash into their routine is a brilliant way to up the ante.
Not only does it provide an extra dose of protection against cavities, but it also helps to keep your breath fresh and clean. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one to choose?
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve had the opportunity to test and evaluate 200+ dental products. I strive to find the best tools for achieving excellent oral hygiene. So, after using it for multiple days, let’s take a closer look at the 5 Best Fluoride Mouthwash from a dentist’s perspective.
Buying Guide
- Best Overall: ACT Restoring Mouthwash
- Best Anti-Cavity: Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash
- Best Value: Colgate Total Mouthwash
- Best Whitening: Crest ProHealth Advanced Whitening Mouthwash
- Best Sensitivity: CloSYS Silver Fluoride Mouthwash
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What Does Fluoride Do?
Fluoride is a natural mineral widely recognized for its dental health benefits. It has been a cornerstone of public health policy for many decades, primarily due to its remarkable ability to prevent tooth decay. But how exactly does it achieve this?
Here’s a breakdown of the pivotal role fluoride plays in oral health:
Cavity Prevention
Fluoride is integral to oral care because of its potent anti-cavity effects. When you consume food, especially sugary treats and carbohydrates, the bacteria in your mouth metabolize these foods and produce acids. These acids start to eat away at the minerals in your tooth enamel, a process known as demineralization. Over time, if left unchecked, this can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Fluoride intervenes in this process in two key ways. Firstly, it promotes remineralization, helping your teeth to rebuild the essential minerals worn away by these acids. Secondly, it inhibits the bacteria’s ability to produce acid in the first place. Together, these actions give your teeth a fighting chance against the constant onslaught of decay-causing elements.
Enamel Reinforcement
Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. It’s your teeth’s first line of defense, but it isn’t indestructible. It faces a barrage of challenges daily – from acid attacks to physical wear and tear. Fluoride aids in strengthening this enamel, making it more resistant to the daily grind. It achieves this by forming a new layer of fluorapatite on the surface of your teeth – a compound harder and more resistant to acid attacks than your original tooth enamel.
Sensitivity Reduction
If you’ve ever experienced a sharp, sudden pain while consuming hot, cold, sweet, or sour food, you’ve likely encountered tooth sensitivity. This happens when your tooth enamel wears down or your gums recede, exposing the underlying layer of your teeth called dentin. Dentin contains microscopic tubules that lead to the tooth’s nerve, and when these tubules come into contact with certain stimuli, it can trigger pain.
Fluoride can help combat this sensitivity. It works by accumulating in these exposed tubules within the dentin, effectively blocking the path to the nerve and reducing the painful response to certain stimuli. In this way, fluoride mouthwash can provide an added comfort layer for those struggling with tooth sensitivity.
Why Choose a Fluoride Mouthwash?
Fluoride mouthwash can be a beneficial addition to your oral hygiene routine. It acts as a third line of defense after brushing and flossing, targeting areas of your mouth that might otherwise be missed. Below are a few reasons why a fluoride mouthwash could be a game-changer for your dental health.
Supplemental to Brushing and Flossing
While brushing and flossing are fundamental to maintaining oral health, they don’t always reach every nook and cranny. Hard-to-reach areas, such as the back of your mouth, between your teeth, or under your gumline, may harbor plaque and bacteria, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Fluoride mouthwash, with its liquid form, can access these areas, ensuring your entire mouth is treated with cavity-fighting fluoride.
Extensive Reach in the Mouth
Unlike toothpaste, which primarily targets the teeth, mouthwash can deliver fluoride to all surfaces inside the mouth, including your gums, the roof of your mouth, and the inner cheeks. This comprehensive coverage can be especially beneficial in managing oral conditions like gingivitis, where the gums also require attention.
Additional Freshness and Breath Control
One of the most immediate benefits of using mouthwash is a fresh, clean mouth and pleasant breath. While the primary function of fluoride mouthwash is to promote dental health, it also helps to eliminate bad breath, providing that extra burst of freshness. It’s important to remember, though, that while mouthwash can help mask bad breath, it shouldn’t replace a comprehensive dental routine aimed at tackling the root causes of halitosis.
Incorporating fluoride mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine is an effective way to safeguard your dental health. Its ease of use and the ability to reach all corners of your mouth makes it a convenient and practical choice. Remember, mouthwash isn’t a standalone solution but a valuable supplement to regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Top 5 Best Fluoride Mouthwash
There’s no shortage of choices in dental care products, especially regarding fluoride mouthwashes. We’ve sorted through the top picks recommended by dental professionals to bring you this list of the top 5 fluoride mouthwashes that stand out in terms of effectiveness, taste, and value.
1. ACT Restoring Mouthwash (Best Overall)
ACT Restoring Mouthwash is a dentist-recommended fluoride mouthwash that contains zero alcohol, making it gentle and suitable for all. With 4 benefits in 1, it strengthens tooth enamel, remineralizes soft spots, prevents tooth decay, and freshens breath. Studies show that using this mouthwash can reduce cavities up to 70% more than brushing with fluoride toothpaste alone. Experience the trusted brand recommended by dentists for optimal oral health.
Help protect your teeth from weakening enamel and tooth decay with ACT Restoring Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash, Strengthens Tooth Enamel, Mint Burst.
This mouth rinse designed to help strengthen tooth enamel, remineralize soft spots, prevent cavities and freshen breath. Anticavity rinses like ACT Restoring Mouthwash are up to 70% more effective at reducing cavities versus brushing with fluoride toothpaste alone.
2. Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash (Best Anti-Cavity)
Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash is a fluoride-rich, fresh mint oral rinse. With 6-in-1 benefits, it kills germs, strengthens teeth, prevents cavities, restores enamel, cleans your mouth, and freshens breath. This 1-liter family-size bottle provides approximately 7 weeks of supply. Protect your mouth day and night with this ADA-accepted mouthwash that helps prevent tooth decay and leaves a refreshing clean feeling.
Give your mouth complete care with ADA-accepted Listerine Total Care Fluoride Anticavity Mouthwash. This Fresh Mint-flavored mouthwash for bad breath provides six dental hygiene benefits in one powerful oral rinse & up to four times the fluoride uptake versus Act,* & provides 50% greater strengthening of weakened enamel vs. brushing alone in lab studies. The fluoride-rich oral rinse formula helps prevent cavities, restores enamel, & strengthens your teeth to improve oral health.
3. Colgate Total Mouthwash (Best Value)
Colgate Total Mouthwash provides 12-hour protection against germs, keeping your mouth fresh and healthy. This alcohol-free mouthwash kills 99% of germs on contact, reduces plaque, and helps prevent gingivitis. With its refreshing Peppermint Blast flavor, it freshens breath and provides long-lasting cleanliness. Enjoy the benefits of Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash for a confident and healthy mouth.
Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash doesn't just freshen breath; it provides 12-hour protection against germs, even after eating and drinking, helping to keep your mouth healthy and fresh. It kills 99% of germs on contact, significantly reduces plaque and helps prevent gum disease and gingivitis. Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash is an alcohol-free mouthwash (does not contain ethanol) and has a refreshing Peppermint Blast flavor.
4. Crest ProHealth Advanced Whitening Mouthwash (Best Whitening)
Crest ProHealth Advanced Mouthwash is a powerful oral care solution that promotes a healthier mouth while offering the added benefit of enamel-safe whitening. With fluoride, it strengthens teeth and contributes to a stronger enamel, enhancing overall oral health. Additionally, this mouthwash aids in removing surface stains, providing extra whitening benefits when used in conjunction with brushing. Incorporate Crest ProHealth Advanced Mouthwash into your oral care routine for stronger teeth and a brighter smile.
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra Whitening mouthwash with Fluoride helps you have stronger teeth* for a healthier mouth while also providing the extra benefit of enamel-safe whitening.** *when added to a good oral care routine by strengthening enamel **with brushing by removing surface stains.
5. CloSYS Silver Fluoride Mouthwash (Best Sensitivity)
CloSYS Silver Fluoride Mouthwash is a gentle yet effective oral care solution. It helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel, strengthens teeth, and protects against cavities. This alcohol-free mouthwash freshens breath, neutralizes odor, and is non-burning for a comfortable experience. With its pH balanced formula, CloSYS Silver Mouthwash works without the burning sensation, making it suitable for longer rinses. Experience the benefits of this fluoride mouthwash for a healthier smile and long-lasting fresh breath.
Helps Rebuild - CloSYS Silver Mouthwash helps rebuild weakened enamel and reverse early tooth decay.
Strengthens Teeth - CloSYS Silver Mouthwash strengthens teeth and improves their appearance.
Protects Against Cavities - CloSYS Silver is formulated to reinforce enamel, protecting against sensitive or weakened teeth.
Freshens Breath - CloSYS Silver Mouthwash eliminates bad breath odor and fights the harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Non-Burning & Alcohol-Free - Alcohol-free formula hydrates, soothes, and relieves mouth without burning or irritating. Gentle enough for the most sensitive mouths.
Gentle pH Balanced - The pH-balanced formula is as gentle as water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should you use a fluoride mouthwash?
The frequency of usage can depend on your specific oral health needs, but generally, it is recommended to use fluoride mouthwash once a day. Always follow the instructions provided by your dentist or on the mouthwash packaging. However, keep in mind that mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but rather a supplement to your daily oral hygiene routine.
Is it possible to use too much fluoride mouthwash?
Yes, excessive use of fluoride products can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which can cause discoloration or spotting on the teeth. However, this is rare and typically only seen when fluoride supplements are improperly used or when children swallow fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. It's important to use fluoride mouthwash as directed and to ensure that children under six years old do not use it due to the risk of swallowing.
Can you use fluoride mouthwash if you already use a fluoride toothpaste?
Yes, you can use both fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash in your oral care routine. Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash work in different ways and offer different benefits. Toothpaste is directly applied and brushed onto the teeth, providing thorough cleaning and plaque removal. In contrast, mouthwash can reach areas of the mouth that brushing might miss and give an overall fluoride exposure to all oral surfaces. Thus, using both can offer a more comprehensive approach to cavity prevention.
My Experience & Expertise
As a dentist, I can attest to the significant impact that incorporating a fluoride mouthwash can have on maintaining optimal oral health. It’s comprehensive coverage, and cavity-fighting capabilities make it indispensable to any robust oral care routine. By choosing a fluoride mouthwash that best fits your needs and preferences, you’re making a worthwhile investment in your dental health today and in the future.
The more you know, the more healthy habits you can develop, saving you and your family from avoidable and potentially expensive dental procedures. Talk to your dental professional for more suggestions on improving oral health and check back for more blog posts and relevant information. Please share this site and let us know what else you’d like to know!