Best Mouthwash for Braces (Full Review)
Dentist Tested and Reviewed
Navigating the world with braces can be a challenge, especially when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene.
The intricate network of wires and brackets provides an ideal hiding place for food particles and plaque.
An essential ally in this battle for oral cleanliness? What is the best mouthwash for braces?
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 Braces from a dentist’s perspective.
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Buying Guide
- Best Overall: Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash
- Best Anticavity: ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash
- Best Value: Colgate Total Mouthwash
- Best Whitening: Crest ProHealth Advanced Whitening Mouthwash
- Best Sensitivity: CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash
Related Reviews
- 5 Best Fluoride Mouthwash 2024 (Dentist-Recommended)
- 5 Best Mouthwash for Gingivitis 2024 (Dentist-Recommended)
- 5 Best Mouthwash for Halitosis 2024 (Dentist-Recommended)
The Importance of Mouthwash for Braces
Oral care takes on a whole new level of importance for those sporting a mouth full of metal (or ceramic or plastic – we’re not discriminating). Brushing and flossing alone often won’t cut it.
Why, you ask? Braces are a labyrinth of nooks and crannies, inviting food particles and plaque to a never-ending hide-and-seek game.
And the consequences? These unwelcome guests can lead to cavities, gum disease, or staining around where the brackets are attached. That’s where mouthwash swoops in for the rescue.
Recommended Reading: 5 Best Toothbrush for Braces 2024 (Dentist Recommended)Mouthwash reaches the areas often missed by brushing and flossing. It reduces plaque, prevents decay, fights bad breath, and promotes gum health. For braces wearers, certain mouthwashes also come equipped with ingredients to soothe any discomfort or irritation caused by the braces.
In essence, mouthwash is a super tool in your braces hygiene kit, providing an extra line of defense in maintaining a healthy, happy smile throughout your orthodontic journey.
Best Mouthwash for Braces Criteria
Picking a mouthwash when you have braces is not the same as picking one for a braces-free mouth. There are a few special considerations to keep in mind.
Key Features
- Fluoride Content: Fluoride strengthens the enamel, helping to ward off cavities and decay. This is especially crucial when wearing braces as they can make teeth more vulnerable to these issues.
- Antibacterial Properties: A mouthwash with antibacterial properties can help reduce plaque and prevent gum diseases, both common issues when sporting braces.
- Alcohol-Free: Mouthwashes with alcohol can cause dryness and irritation in the mouth. Since braces can already cause some discomfort, alcohol-free mouthwash is advisable to avoid adding to this.
- Soothing Ingredients: Aloe vera or chamomile can relieve any irritation or sores caused by the braces.
- Taste: Okay, this isn’t a ‘must,’ but let’s face it, a pleasant-tasting mouthwash will make the daily rinse a more enjoyable experience!
Best Mouthwash for Braces
There’s no shortage of choices in dental care products, especially regarding the best mouthwash for braces. We’ve sorted through the top picks recommended by dental professionals to bring you this list of the top 5 best mouthwashes that stand out in terms of effectiveness, taste, and value.
1. Best Overall | Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash
Colgate seeks to develop products that promote healthy smiles.
They’ve been in the oral health care industry for over 145 years and offer various oral care products. Sustainability is also important to them as they recently created a first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube.
In addition, they strive to be an accessible company that offers many educational resources to the public and dental professionals. Peroxyl Mouth Sore Rinse is formulated with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide to cleanse and promote the healing of minor oral wounds.
Dentist Review
Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash is the best overall solution for braces wearers. It cleanses and promotes the healing of minor oral wounds, sores, irritations, and burns.
Its oxygenating action helps remove oral debris, facilitating faster healing and soothing minor gum inflammation from dental procedures, dentures, and orthodontic appliances.
This antiseptic mouthwash comes with an alcohol-free formula, ensuring a soothing and effective rinse experience.
2. Best Anticavity | ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash
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
ACT’s Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash, Arctic Blast flavor, offers a triple-action solution: preventing cavities, strengthening teeth, and freshening breath.
This 18 oz bottle, featuring an easy-to-use dosing cup, ensures the right fluoride dose each rinse. It’s an alcohol-free, dentist-recommended brand, ideal for braces wearers seeking a refreshing, cavity-fighting mouthwash.
3. Best Value | Colgate Total Mouthwash
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.
Dentist Review
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.
Its refreshing Peppermint Blast flavor freshens breath and provides long-lasting cleanliness. Enjoy the benefits of Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash for a confident and healthy mouth.
4. Best Whitening | Crest ProHealth Advanced Whitening Mouthwash
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra Whitening mouthwash with Fluoride helps you have stronger teeth.
For a healthier mouth, it provides the extra benefit of enamel-safe whitening.
When added to a good oral care routine by strengthening enamel with brushing and removing surface stains.
Dentist Review
Crest ProHealth Advanced Whitening 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.
5. Best Sensitivity | CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash
CloSYS Mouthwashes you can protect your mouth from harmful bad breath germs and freshen your breath without the painful burn.
CloSYS is one of the first mouthwashes to receive the American Dental Association seal for reducing bad breath. This gentle but powerful mouthwash is perfect for all ages because its patented formula is pH-balanced and so gentle you’ll actually use it longer for better results.
A 30-second rinse in the morning and evening after each brushing is easy, and all it takes to get great results. CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash comes unflavored so it's like water and even tastes like water.
Dentist Review
CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash provides a gentle yet effective solution for oral care, eliminating bad breath germs without burning. It’s ADA-approved and pH-balanced for all ages.
This unflavored mouthwash, customizable with optional mint drops, offers braces wearers a soothing rinse experience twice daily for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I use mouthwash with fluoride or without when I have braces?
Fluoride is a key ingredient you should look for in mouthwash if you have braces. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against cavities – issues you may be more susceptible to when wearing braces due to the increased difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene.
Is it better to use an alcohol-free mouthwash when I have braces?
Yes, it is generally better to use an alcohol-free mouthwash when you have braces. Alcohol can cause dryness and irritation in the mouth, which can be exacerbated when you’re already dealing with the discomfort of braces.
How often should I use mouthwash when I have braces?
As a general guideline, it’s beneficial to use mouthwash twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening, preferably after brushing and flossing. However, always follow the instructions on the bottle or any specific recommendations from your dentist.
My Experience & Expertise
As a dentist, I understand the complexities and challenges of maintaining oral health, especially when wearing braces.
From this professional perspective, I can confidently say that choosing the right mouthwash can significantly enhance your oral health and overall braces experience.
Whether it’s the cavity-fighting power of ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash, the gentle care of CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash for those with sensitive mouths, or the comprehensive benefits of Colgate Peroxyl Mouthwash as the best overall pick, there is a perfect mouthwash out there tailored to your specific needs.
Remember, while these mouthwashes are indispensable aids in oral care, they aren’t a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. When paired with diligent oral hygiene, the right mouthwash can make your journey with braces smoother, leading to a healthier and brighter smile.
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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