Dos and Don'ts of Mouth Rinsing

Reviewed by Michael Friedman, DDS on March 22, 2015
From the WebMD Archives


"Today mouthwashes are not just perfumes for the breath," says Mark Wolff, DDS, PhD, chair of cariology and comprehensive care at New York University College of Dentistry. "They can also reduce gingivitis [gum disease], tooth decay, tartar and plaque, and they can whiten."

Do I Need to Rinse?

Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. But if you have trouble doing those correctly, rinsing can help protect you from cavities or gum disease. Fluoride rinses help prevent tooth decay.

"Mouthwashes, when added to a good home care regimen of brushing and flossing, can target a condition that you are facing," Wolff says. "You don't swish for 2 minutes with a whitening mouthwash and suddenly have white teeth. But if you brush well and keep the plaque off of them and use that mouthwash as part of the package, you do get whiter teeth."

A mouth rinse won't cure serious problems, though. If you have regular bleeding of your gums or consistently bad breath, for example, see your dentist. They might prescribe a mouthwash that's stronger than the kind you buy over the counter.

Mouthwash Ingredients

Read the labels carefully on over-the-counter types. Ingredients -- and the benefits they provide -- vary by brand.

They usually include one or more of these:

Fluoride. It helps reduce tooth decay and prevent cavities.

Antimicrobials. They kill the bacteria that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums at the early stages of gum disease.

Astringent salt. It's a type of deodorizer that can temporarily cover up bad breath.

Odor neutralizers. They can attack the cause of bad breath.

Whiteners, such as peroxide. They can help against stains on your teeth.

How Do I Choose a Mouthwash?

It's sometimes hard to find one product that ticks all the boxes. "Select a mouthwash based on the largest condition that you need to treat," Wolff says.

Look for products with an American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the label. The group awards it to companies that show scientific proof that their products work.

If you prefer organic or natural products, the ADA recognizes some of those mouth rinses, too. You can also find the ADA seal on some generic and store brands.

What's the Best Technique for Mouth Rinsing?

Each product has its own instructions, but here are some tips:

When should I swish with mouthwash? It doesn't matter if you do it before you brush and floss or after.

How long should I swish? Do it for 30 to 60 seconds. Less than half a minute probably won't do much. And more than a minute is more than enough.

When will I see results? Be patient. If your mouthwash promises to whiten teeth or help against bleeding gums, it might take a few weeks to deliver.

WebMD Feature




Judith A. Jones, DDS, MPH, DScD, professor, director, Center for Clinical Research,

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

American Dental Association: "Learn more about mouthrinses."

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