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The 10 best mouthwashes to buy in the UK

Picture of a mouthwash

While not a necessary part of your daily oral hygiene regime, many people enjoy using mouthwash products, with dentists regarding it as a fine supplementary product to use alongside brushing and flossing. Yet with a bevy of products to choose from, not everyone is sure of how to find the best mouthwash for their oral hygiene, as some products are more suited for certain of dental issues.

Interested in using the best mouthwash possible to promote good oral hygiene? Then check out the guide below for all the info you need!

What are mouthwashes?

Mouthwash is an oral hygiene liquid used for a variety of reasons, from removing bad odours in the mouth to reducing bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay. It’s held in the mouth for a short time, often being swilled about at the same time, before being spit back out.

Why should you buy a good mouthwash?

There are few notable reasons to invest in a good mouthwash product, namely freshening your breath and removing any food debris in the mouth, although some specialist rinses offer relief or protection. For instance, fluoride rinses are the best mouthwash for protecting from decay, while antiseptic rinses are great at combating bacteria associated with gum disease. So, for anyone with a certain dental issue or those that want to maintain a high level of oral hygiene, buying a good mouthwash is certainly worthwhile

It’s worth noting however, even the best mouthwash products are only supplementary to brushing and flossing – you can’t replace either with just mouthwash!

How to choose the right mouthwash in 2024?

Another picture of a mouthwash

There’s a range of great mouthwash products out there, but they may not be the best choice depending on your dental health and any issues you might have. Here’s some important things to consider when looking the best mouthwash for your gums and teeth:

  • Breath problems: For anyone that is having a problem with or is conscious about bad odours in their breath, then a breath-freshening mouthwash is the best choice. These are designed to battle the main causes of bad breath while avoiding unnecessarily high alcohol content found in other mouthwashes.
  • Gum disease: If your main issue is dealing with – or looking to prevent – gum disease, then an antiseptic mouthwash is the better option to go for. This helps kill bacteria associated with gum disease, as well as decay, making them great for both dental problems.
  • Decay: Preventing tooth decay requires regular brushing and flossing, but when adding in some fluoride mouthwash you can further protect your teeth. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and is a natural mineral, so it’s a great option for many looking to protect their teeth from decay.
  • Sensitivity: Sensitive teeth or gums can make using a mouthwash rather uncomfortable, or even unbearable for some, so if this is the case be sure to look for suitable mouthwash. Natural or alcohol-free mouthwashes are typically the best option for sensitive teeth/gums.

What is the best kind of mouthwash in the UK?

There are a number of choices when it comes to types of mouthwashes, so one of them may be the best option for your own teeth and gums.

  • Cosmetic Mouthwash: Often known as breath-freshening rinses, this is the best mouthwash for hiding bad odours in the mouth, which will be especially helpful for anyone suffering from halitosis.  It’s also a great mouthwash even if your breath is fine, as it leaves it smelling minty fresh.
  • Fluoride Mouthwash: These rinses contain sodium fluoride, which is provides a proactive coating for tooth enamel, helping to prevent decay. Most people will get their fluoride from toothpaste anyway, so it is usually only necessary for those that are especially susceptible to decay.
  • Antiseptic Mouthwash: Kills bacteria associated with gum disease, and to a lesser extent tooth decay, making it a great mouthwash for those dealing with one or both issues. Can also be used to treat halitosis.
  • Natural Mouthwash: Contains no alcohol or fluoride, making them a natural alternative to cosmetic mouthwashes. Often the best mouthwash for sensitive teeth due to the lack of alcohol.

Top 10 list of mouthwashes in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their mouthwashes. Which mouthwash is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Listerine 108232399 mouthwash
Listerine Total Care Antibacterial Mouthwash (1000ml), Caring and…
  • Product details: Listerine Total Care Antibacterial Mouthwash (1000ml), helps to…
  • How to use: Pour 20ml (4 x 5ml teaspoonfuls) of Listerine mouthwash into a glass,…
  • Proven to be 5x more effective than floss at reducing plaque** (**Germ kills provides…
BUY NOW
TOP 2
Image of The Breath Co. DKBRCRS00115 mouthwash
The Breath Co.Breath Co Alcohol Free Mouthwash - Dentist Formulated…
  • Clean Label: Our mouthwash is made to the highest standards with no artificial dyes…
  • Alcohol Free: Our non-burning mouthwash is free from alcohol that can irritate and…
  • PH Balanced: Our unique formula is pH-balanced, unlike other acid-based mouthwashes,…
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 3
Image of Listerine 014425 mouthwash
Listerine Total Care Milder Taste (Zero Alcohol) Antibacterial Mouthwash…
  • Product details: Listerine Total Care Milder Taste (Zero Alcohol) Antibacterial Mouthwash…
  • How to use: Pour 20ml (4 x 5ml teaspoonfuls) of Listerine mouthwash into a glass,…
  • Proven to be 5x more effective than floss at reducing plaque** (**Germ kills provides…
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of Uttse 100666539 mouthwash
Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash 500 ml
  • 21% greater gingivitis reduction
  • The power to kill germs that lead to bad breath, plaque and gum disease
  • Reduce 52% more plaque than brushing and flossing alone
BUY NOW
TOP 5
Image of COLGATE 61031442 mouthwash
Colgate Plax Mouthwash, Cool Mint Mouthwash with 24/7* Plaque Protection,…
  • *Plaque bacteria, when used twice daily **No ethyl alcohol ***Colgate Brand, Toothpaste,…
  • UK'S TOP BRAND: Colgate is the number one dentist-recommended brand*** for toothpaste…
  • FRESHER BREATH: Enjoy a cool mint flavour with a new cooling sensation powered by…
BUY NOW
TOP 6
Image of COLGATE 61020169 mouthwash
Colgate Max White Expert Whitening 500ml Mouthwash | Instantly whiter…
  • Cavity Protection
  • Fresh breath
  • Daily stain defence
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of Corsodyl 60000000014302 mouthwash
Corsodyl Mouthwash Gum Disease Bleeding Gum Treatment Mouthwash, Fresh…
  • Package may vary
  • Clinically Proven: Clinically proven to be effective in treating early signs of…
  • Fast-Acting Formula: Works quickly to alleviate symptoms and improve oral healt…
BUY NOW
TOP 8
Image of Corsodyl 111964312 mouthwash
Prevents gum disease & Bleeding Gum Treatment, Antibacterial Mouthwash,…
  • Corsodyl Original Mouthwash contains chlorhexidine digluconate. For the treatment…
  • A short-term intensive treatment, pour 10ml of Corsodyl Mouthwash, rinse for 1 minute,…
  • This anti-bacterial mouthwash in 300ml comes in aniseed flavour
BUY NOW
TOP 9
Image of UltraDEX UDX37 mouthwash
Ultradex Daily Oral Rinse, 1000Ml
  • Free from alcohol and sugar
  • Gives fresh breathe
  • Instantly eliminates bad breath for 12 hours
BUY NOW
TOP 10
Image of Listerine A53191726142 mouthwash
Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash Pack of 4 (4 x 750ml), Helps Kill Up…
  • Product details: Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash Pack of 4 (4 x 750ml), helps to kill…
  • How to use: Pour 20ml (4 x 5ml teaspoonfuls) of Listerine mouthwash into a glass,…
  • The Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash is proven to be 5x more effective than floss at…
BUY NOW
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/12/26.