5 Best Mouthwash for Acid Reflux 2024 (Dentist-Recommended)
Dentist Tested & Reviewed
Is the unpleasant taste of acid reflux spoiling your day?
Perhaps it’s the discomfort that’s making you restless.
You are not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which affects your digestive health and disrupts your oral hygiene.
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 Mouthwash for Acid Reflux from a dentist’s perspective.
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Buying Guide
- Best Overall: TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
- Best All-Natural: Hello Peace Out Plaque Mouthwash
- Best Value: Listerine Total Care Mouthwash
- Best Anticavity: ACT Anticavity Mouthwash
- Best Sensitivity: Closys Sensitive Mouthwash
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Understanding Acid Reflux (Causes & Symptoms)
Acid reflux, often referred to as heartburn or medically known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), is a common condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
This backward flow can cause a burning sensation in your chest or throat, often after eating, lying down, or bending over.
Primary Causes
- Overeating or lying down immediately after meals
- Consumption of certain foods and beverages like citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol
- Obesity, pregnancy, or other conditions that increase abdominal pressure
- Certain medications like aspirin or ibuprofen
While these are the common triggers, remember each individual is unique, and what triggers acid reflux in one person might not affect another in the same way.
Mouthwash for Acid Reflux
Choosing the right mouthwash when you’re dealing with acid reflux can make a significant difference in managing your symptoms. Here are some important considerations.
Recommendations
- Go Alcohol-Free: Alcohol in mouthwash can dry out your mouth. Choose alcohol-free options to keep your saliva flowing, which helps neutralize acids.
- Pick Mouthwashes with Neutral or High pH: If you have acid reflux, the acidity of your mouthwash matters. Go for ones with neutral or high pH to counteract mouth acids.
- Fluoride is Your Friend: Mouthwashes with fluoride strengthen enamel and guard against acid erosion.
- Avoid Irritants: Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can irritate sensitive mouths. Look for mouthwashes without these components for a gentler clean.
Remember, while mouthwash is an important tool in managing oral health for those with acid reflux, it should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan and not the sole solution.
Always consult with your healthcare provider for a holistic approach to managing your acid reflux symptoms.
Top 5 Best Mouthwash for Acid Reflux
With my background in oral care, I’ve combed through countless products to bring you the top 5 types of mouthwash perfect for dealing with acid reflux.
These picks are about tackling bad breath and easing the discomfort caused by acid reflux. They’re effective, safe, and easily incorporated into your daily routine.
1. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse (Best Overall)
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 Oral Rinse stimulates saliva flow and circulates antibacterial, oxygen-rich bacteria throughout your mouth.
Dentist Review
Our top pick for the best overall mouthwash for acid reflux is the TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse.
This antacid mouthwash boasts a pH of 8.2, which is fantastic for neutralizing the acids caused by reflux.
The rinse doesn’t just freshen your breath, it also soothes any discomfort and helps maintain a healthy balance in your mouth.
It’s safe for daily use and free from artificial colors, flavors, and harsh ingredients, making it a smart choice for people with acid reflux.
With TheraBreath, you get an immediate solution for bad breath and practical aid in your daily battle against acid reflux symptoms. It’s a truly comprehensive mouthwash, so it’s easy to see why it stands out as our top overall pick.
2. Hello Peace Out Plaque Mouthwash (Best All-Natural)
Say hello to naturally healthy antigingivitis mouthwash.
Thoughtfully formulated with aloe vera to promote healthy gums, this rinse contains coconut oil to moisturize, mint to freshen and natural sweeteners to rock your taste buds. And it prevents plaque and gingivitis, and freshens breath.
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, never tested on animals.
Dentist Review
Our top recommendation for those who prefer all-natural products is the Hello Oral Care Naturally Healthy Antigingivitis Mouthwash.
This mouthwash is free from artificial sweeteners and dyes, making it a great option for those looking for a more natural approach to oral care. Despite its gentle formulation, it still packs a punch when combating the oral symptoms of acid reflux.
It freshens breath effectively and helps soothe the mouth, making it a valuable addition to your daily routine.
Hello Oral Care takes a nature-loving approach to oral health, ensuring their mouthwash is not just kind to your mouth but to the environment. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a balance of natural ingredients and effective oral care.
3. Listerine Total Care Mouthwash (Best Value)
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.
Dentist Review
For those seeking great value without compromising effectiveness, our top pick is the Listerine Total Care Zero Alcohol Mouthwash.
This mouthwash offers six benefits in one, including preventing cavities, restoring minerals to enamel, killing bad breath germs, cleansing your mouth, and freshening your breath – all crucial for individuals dealing with acid reflux.
It’s alcohol-free, meaning it won’t dry your mouth out, an added advantage for people battling acid reflux.
Listerine Total Care Zero provides comprehensive oral care at a wallet-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for those seeking effective oral care on a budget.
It’s a testament that quality oral care for acid reflux doesn’t have to break the bank.
4. ACT Anticavity Mouthwash (Best Anticavity)
This ACT Anticavity Mouthwash is an alcohol-free mouthwash.
The fluoride mouthwash is designed to help prevent cavities, strengthen teeth and freshen breath.
ACT Fluoride Mouthwash is dentist-recommended!
Dentist Review
Our top recommendation for defending against cavities while managing acid reflux is the ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash.
This mouthwash is formulated with fluoride, a crucial ingredient for strengthening tooth enamel and fighting tooth decay – problems often associated with acid reflux.
It aids in re-mineralizing soft spots and has a refreshing mint flavor that effectively neutralizes the sour or bitter taste that acid reflux can leave in your mouth.
ACT’s formulation is gentle yet provides serious protection against cavities, which is key for those dealing with acid reflux.
It’s the perfect choice for anyone seeking to balance their oral pH while keeping their teeth strong and healthy.
5. Closys Sensitive Mouthwash (Best Sensitivity)
In 1980, Dr. Perry Ratcliff founded Closys to replace ineffective and irritating oral rinses.
He formulated an extremely effective yet gentle oral rinse that a small group of dentists praised. Closys Oral Care was born and continues to create high-quality, comfortable oral rinses.
Their products are made in the USA and are free from alcohol, sulfates, and triclosan.
Dentist Review
Our top recommendation for those experiencing oral sensitivity alongside acid reflux is the CloSYS Sensitive Antimicrobial Mouthwash.
CloSYS Sensitive is uniquely formulated to be gentle yet effective, making it perfect for individuals with sensitive mouths.
It’s a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash that effectively neutralizes harmful acids without burning or stinging, a feature that individuals with acid reflux will particularly appreciate.
Plus, it contains Cloralstan, a powerful yet gentle antimicrobial that reduces harmful bacteria, promoting oral health and reducing discomfort from acid reflux.
This mouthwash is also a fantastic choice for dealing with bad breath, a common issue among people with acid reflux. With CloSYS, you can manage your acid reflux symptoms, freshen your breath, and keep your sensitive mouth comfortable—all in one swish.
*I highly recommend Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash if you struggle with mouth sores. This unique formula cleanses and promotes the healing of minor oral wounds, easing discomfort and aiding in faster recovery. It’s gentle on your mouth but tough on mouth sores, providing the relief you need as you navigate your journey with acid reflux.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can mouthwash help manage the oral symptoms of acid reflux?
Yes, mouthwash can indeed help manage some of the oral symptoms of acid reflux. A good mouthwash can neutralize some of the acid in the mouth, reducing the impact on teeth and gums. It can also help to freshen breath, which can be a significant issue for those with acid reflux. However, mouthwash is not a cure for acid reflux itself, and other treatments and lifestyle changes will likely be needed to manage the condition effectively.
What properties should a mouthwash for acid reflux have?
When choosing a mouthwash for managing the oral symptoms of acid reflux, there are several factors to consider. First, the mouthwash should effectively neutralize acid and freshen breath. It should also be gentle on the mouth, as acid reflux can lead to oral sensitivity. An alcohol-free formula is often a good choice, as alcohol can dry out the mouth, potentially exacerbating symptoms. A mouthwash that promotes saliva production can also be beneficial, as saliva naturally neutralizes acid and aids in protecting tooth enamel.
Are there any ingredients in mouthwash that I should avoid if I have acid reflux?
If you have acid reflux, it’s best to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, decreasing the production of saliva, which is your body’s natural way of neutralizing stomach acid in the mouth. You might also want to avoid mouthwashes that are very acidic (low pH), as these could potentially exacerbate tooth erosion. Always look for a mouthwash that’s gentle and formulated for sensitive mouths to ensure it doesn’t aggravate your symptoms.
My Experience & Expertise
As a dentist, I understand how challenging managing acid reflux can be, particularly when it comes to its impact on your oral health.
The good news is that many products, such as specific mouthwashes, can help mitigate these effects.
Remember, a good mouthwash is one tool in your toolbox, but it’s not a cure-all. Regular dental check-ups, a balanced diet, and other lifestyle modifications are key in managing acid reflux and its oral symptoms. Let’s strive for better oral health, one day at a time.
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.
Connect with Dr. Hannan!
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