The variety of mouthwashes on the market is overwhelming, and the question of which one is the best is often raised. With so many options, it is crucial to consider individual needs and concerns to find the optimal mouthwash. Below, we will take a closer look at different mouthwashes and their specific benefits. Discover which mouthwash best suits your needs and how it can contribute to your overall oral hygiene.
One question in advance: is mouthwash useful?
The use of mouthwash generally proves to be useful as it offers numerous advantages for oral hygiene. Compared to traditional brushing and using toothpaste, mouthwashes specifically address different concerns and offer additional benefits.
A key advantage is the ability to reach hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as between teeth and gum pockets, where mouthwashes can effectively reduce plaque and bacteria. Antiseptic, antibacterial, or probiotic mouthwashes help fight harmful microorganisms, which leads to a reduction in tartar formation and gum inflammation.
Mouthwashes with odor-inhibiting properties fight bad breath and ensure long-lasting, fresh breath. Particularly noteworthy is the variety of special mouthwashes that address individual needs, such as sensitive gums, periodontal disease, or fungal infestation.
Medicated mouthwash—what does that mean?
A medical mouthwash goes beyond the purely cosmetic aspect and is primarily used for therapeutic or preventative purposes. Unlike traditional mouthwashes, which primarily provide freshness and good taste, medicated mouthwashes are designed to treat or prevent specific oral health problems. These can range from inflammation and infection to specific concerns following dental surgery. The selection of a medicated mouthwash should therefore be based primarily on individual needs and the recommendations of a dentist.
Antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash—what’s the difference?
Choosing the right mouthwash can play a crucial role in oral hygiene. That's why it's important to know the difference between antiseptic and antibacterial mouthwashes. Both options have the common goal of promoting oral health, but their mode of action varies. Let's take a closer look to filter out the optimal choice for your needs.
Antiseptic mouthwash
Antiseptic mouthwashes are designed to inhibit or kill germs, viruses, and fungi. They are particularly suitable for preventing infections in the oral cavity, especially after dental procedures or minor injuries to the oral mucosa. These rinses contain active ingredients that can combat a wide range of microorganisms.
Antibacterial mouthwash
In comparison, antibacterial mouthwashes focus specifically on fighting bacteria in the mouth. They aim to reduce the bacterial population responsible for tooth decay, gum inflammation, and bad breath.
Mouthwash after dental extraction
After dental surgery, choosing the right mouthwash is very important to support rapid recovery and optimal wound healing. Special medical mouthwashes that have antimicrobial properties are particularly recommended. These help reduce the risk of infection while maintaining a fresh oral environment. It is advisable to ask the treating dentist for individual recommendations and to adhere to the prescribed care guidelines. Care should be taken to use a gentle and mild composition so as not to irritate the sensitive area after dental surgery.
Mouthwash for gums
An effective mouthwash against gum inflammation is tailored to your needs. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, suppressing bacteria that cause gum inflammation while helping to soothe the inflamed areas.
Active ingredients such as antibacterial probiotic complexes, natural peppermint oil, chamomile, aloe vera, or essential oils are contained in various mouthwashes against gingivitis to achieve an antiseptic effect. These ingredients help reduce bacteria and relieve inflammation.
With the Paro+ mouthwash, MINT offers a mouthwash that fully cares for and protects your gums. The alcohol-free formula offers gentle cleaning of both the gums and the spaces between the teeth and provides valuable protection thanks to the innovative active ingredient complex with vitamins B, E, K, and hyaluronic acid. We recommend using the MINT Paro+ toothpaste in the morning and evening after brushing your teeth.
The MINT Paro+ mouthwash is ideal for anyone who struggles with sensitive or irritated gums. The highly effective solution heals the gums with valuable ingredients, relieves swelling and irritation, nourishes the gums with plenty of moisture, and makes them beautiful and strong so that you can smile carefree again.
Click here for the MINT Paro+ mouthwash. Get all the information now!
Our advice for your oral health
Be sure to use a mouthwash without alcohol, as the alcohol irritates the sensitive oral mucosa and is generally too aggressive, which can disrupt the balance of your oral flora. Your fresh breath and your oral health depend on a balance of bacteria in your mouth. If you eliminate all bacteria with a mouthwash that is too aggressive, there will ultimately be no good bacteria left. And that is anything but beneficial to your oral health.
Mouthwash for Gingivitis
Mouthwash can be considered a supportive measure in dealing with periodontal disease, but it should be noted that it alone cannot provide complete healing. Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is an advanced form of gingivitis that affects the gums and jawbone.
Mouthwashes designed for use in periodontal disease often contain special active ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, that help reduce harmful bacteria. It also usually contains anti-inflammatory and nourishing ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, or essential oils to soothe the gums.
All of these components contribute to the fight against periodontal disease but are not successful measures on their own. If you have periodontitis, dental treatment is essential.
An important note for you
Although chlorhexidine is a common active ingredient for combating plaque bacteria, it has the disadvantage that it discolors teeth in an unsightly manner. Fortunately, there are excellent alternatives that also have the label of natural active ingredients. Peppermint oil, for example, has a natural antimicrobial effect and gently regulates the oral bacterial balance for a balanced oral flora.
Mouthwash against fungi and bacteria
A mouthwash against fungi and bacteria helps to keep the oral environment in balance and inhibits the growth of unwanted fungi and bacteria. Such a mouthwash often contains antiseptic active ingredients that work against harmful microorganisms. Antibacterial, probiotic complexes, or active ingredients such as peppermint oil, valuable vitamin B12, or vitamin E can be used.
The antiseptic properties of these active complexes and ingredients help reduce fungi such as Candida albicans or certain harmful bacteria. This is particularly important for people who suffer from fungal infections in the mouth, such as thrush, or who simply want additional prevention against bacterial contamination in the mouth.
At this point, we would like to point out that fungal infections or bacterial problems in the mouth should be looked at by a dentist; mouthwash alone is not the solution here. Nevertheless, a suitable mouthwash can provide excellent support for healing or prevent an imbalance in the oral flora.
Our MINT Biotic mouthwash with the innovative probiotic component SymReboot™ OC is such a suitable mouthwash. It prevents fungal diseases, tooth decay, and canker sores, and sustainably neutralizes unpleasant bad breath. The gums and the entire periodontium are strengthened, and the mouth feels generally fresh and healthy. The MINT Biotic mouthwash is alcohol-free, free of parabens and microplastics, and contains valuable vitamins and peppermint oil. It has a gentle texture and gently regulates the bacterial balance so that the good bacteria can continue to work for oral health while the bad ones are pushed out.
Click here for the MINT Biotic mouthwash. Get all the information now!
Would this also describe a mouthwash for bad breath?
Yes, similar to mouthwash against fungi and bacteria, mouthwash against bad breath can help reduce unpleasant odors. Bad breath is often caused by the activity of bacteria in the mouth, particularly between teeth, on the tongue, or in the gums.
A mouthwash for bad breath, like an antifungal mouthwash, contains antibacterial, antiseptic, or probiotic ingredients that inhibit or balance bacterial activity. Innovative active ingredient complexes such as SymReboot™ OC, zinc compounds, and essential oils such as peppermint oil or tea tree oil are some of the active ingredients used in mouthwashes to combat bad breath.
MINT's mouthwash for bad breath works with a groundbreaking innovation, a formula that intervenes in the bacterial balance and increases the good bacteria in the oral cavity, whereupon the bad bacteria are displaced. This new active ingredient is called SymReboot™ OC and can be found in our Biotic line. You can easily neutralize bad breath, and your oral health will benefit holistically.
Click here for the innovative MINT Biotic line!
Good to know: what is SymReboot™ OC
SymReboot™ OC combines probiotic microorganisms with prebiotic nutrients in an innovative combination. This synergy mimics probiotic signaling pathways, strengthens the defenses of the oral mucosa, and promotes a healthy oral microbiome.
The optimal composition of SymReboot™ OC creates an ideal breeding ground for health-promoting bacteria in the oral flora and minimizes harmful bacteria. A study has shown that the concentration of good bacteria increases after just seven days, while harmful germs are displaced.
In this way, the good bacteria take over dominance in the oral microbiome and leave no living space for the bad germs.
Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash
Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash is a variant of mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient. Hydrogen peroxide, also known as H2O2, is a compound of water and oxygen and is used in various medical and dental applications due to its oxidizing properties.
Hydrogen peroxide is used in oral care for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It helps reduce bacteria in the mouth, relieve gum inflammation, and improve oral hygiene. Fortunately, hydrogen peroxide also whitens teeth, which is why it is also contained in some teeth whitening products.
For example, in the MINT mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide or the legendary MINT Hollywood Smile mouthwash, this mouthwash not only brightens teeth sustainably with peroxide but at the same time provides effective protection against new discoloration thanks to the sodium polyphosphate it contains.
Our mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide from the Classic line combines gentle whitening with sustainable care for the gums and the spaces between the teeth. Rich ingredients such as vitamin B12, peppermint oil, and cucumber extract are used here. Who would have thought that whitening could also protect your gums?
Discover MINT mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide !
And of course, our legendary MINT Hollywood Smile mouthwash for beautiful white teeth.
Mouthwash without fluoride
Using a mouthwash without fluoride can be done for a variety of reasons based on individual preferences or special needs. Some people consciously choose mouthwashes without fluoride for various reasons:
Avoid fluoride overdose
In some cases, using fluoride toothpaste in combination with fluoride drinking water and other sources of fluoride can result in an overdose. People who already get enough fluoride from other sources may prefer a mouthwash without additional fluoride.
Allergies or intolerances
Some people are allergic to fluoride or have intolerances.
Children and fluoride intake
In children, especially young children, it is important to monitor fluoride intake to prevent the formation of fluorosis. Parents can opt for fluoride-free mouthwashes to control their overall fluoride intake. However, this only applies to children of a certain age, at which there is no longer a risk of choking.
Natural ingredient preferences
Some prefer oral care products with natural ingredients and therefore choose fluoride-free alternatives.
It is important to emphasize that fluoride has proven benefits for dental prophylaxis and is recommended by many dentists. The decision for or against mouthwashes containing fluoride should therefore be made based on individual needs and taking into account the recommendations of experts.
Alcohol free mouthwash
Alcohol-free mouthwashes are often preferred because they offer certain benefits. Here are some reasons why some people prefer alcohol-free mouthwashes:
Milder formulation
Alcohol-free mouthwashes contain no or only very small amounts of alcohol. This makes them particularly suitable for people with sensitive mucous membranes, gum problems, or taste preferences.
Avoiding a dry mouth
Alcohol can be dehydrating and cause dry mouth in some people. Alcohol-free mouthwashes are a gentler option for people prone to dry mouth.
Taste preferences
Some people don't like the harsh or strong taste of alcohol in mouthwash. Non-alcoholic versions offer a milder taste that is better tolerated.
Protection of the oral mucosa
Mouthwashes without alcohol are gentler on the sensitive oral mucosa, especially for people with certain diseases or after surgical procedures in the mouth area.
Pregnancy and health concerns
Pregnant women or people with certain health concerns, such as alcohol intolerances, often turn to alcohol-free mouthwashes as a precautionary measure.
Homemade mouthwash
Homemade mouthwashes may offer an individual alternative to commercial products and allow you to control the ingredients.
When making homemade mouthwashes, various ingredients are available that can be tailored to specific concerns. Here are some possible ingredients and their potential benefits:
Chamomile
Chamomile extract has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. A mouthwash with chamomile is particularly suitable for people with sensitive gums or mild inflammation.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint gives the mouthwash a refreshing taste while also having antimicrobial properties. It can help promote fresh breath and inhibit bacterial growth.
Sage tea mouthwash
A mouthwash with sage tea can be a simple and natural way to support oral hygiene. Sage is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Here are some steps on how to make your own sage tea mouthwash:
Preparation of the Sage Tea Mouthwash
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves or 2 to 3 sage tea bags
- 1 cup of boiling water
- Optional: A teaspoon of xylitol or honey for a sweet taste
Instructions
- Boil a cup of water and pour it over the dried sage leaves or tea bag.
- Let the sage tea steep for about 10 to 15 minutes to release the beneficial ingredients.
- Optionally, add a teaspoon of xylitol or honey to make the mouthwash sweeter.
- Filter the tea to remove the sage leaves or tea bags, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Application of mouthwash
- Use sage tea as a mouthwash after brushing your teeth thoroughly.
- Swish the tea back and forth in your mouth to coat your gums and teeth.
- Then gargle for about 30 seconds to a minute, and then spit it out.
Hints
This mouthwash can be used daily, but it should not be considered a replacement for brushing your teeth. People with specific dental problems or medical conditions should consult a dentist before using homemade mouthwashes.
Baking soda
Baking soda, also known as baking soda, can help balance pH levels in the mouth and remove surface stains. It could be an option for people looking for a mild whitening effect, but it should be used with caution. We advise against it!
Xylitol
In addition to having a pleasant taste, xylitol can also help inhibit the growth of tooth decay bacteria. Mouthwashes with xylitol can be a sweet and tooth-healthy alternative.
Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties and helps fight bacteria and fungi in the mouth.
It is important to note that individual needs and concerns vary. People with specific dental problems or medical conditions should consult a dentist before using homemade mouthwashes. Even though these ingredients are considered natural options, balanced use is crucial to avoid possible irritation or intolerance.
Mouthwash for children: yes or no?
Should or can my children also use mouthwash? This is a frequently asked question, and the answer depends on various factors. Here are some considerations:
Yes, under certain conditions:
age of the child
In older children, usually from around six years of age, if they are able to spit out the mouthwash and not swallow, its use may be considered.
Dental recommendation
It is advisable to consult the dentist before introducing mouthwash to children. The dentist can make specific recommendations based on the child's oral health and possible concerns.
Mouthwash children—no, if...
... there is a risk of choking
Younger children who are unable to spit out the mouthwash are at risk of choking. This is particularly concerning if the mouthwash contains fluoride.
...fluoride is already used with other products
If the child already uses toothpaste containing fluoride, this is usually sufficient for oral hygiene. Excess fluoride can lead to fluorosis.
Important Considerations Regarding Mouthwash for Children
Fluoride content
If mouthwash is used for children, care should be taken to ensure that it does not exceed the recommended fluoride content. Excessive fluoride can cause health problems.
Sugar content
The mouthwash should be sugar-free to prevent tooth decay. The decision to use mouthwash on children should always be made individually and based on the specific circumstances and the advice of a dentist. Parents should accompany and supervise their children while brushing their teeth to ensure proper use.
Mouthwash before or after brushing
The question of the ideal time to use mouthwash depends on individual preferences and dental recommendations. There are two common approaches:
Before brushing your teeth
Some people prefer to use mouthwash before brushing their teeth. This allows plaque and bacteria to be loosened, which can then be more easily removed during subsequent brushing. This approach can be particularly effective if the mouthwash contains fluoride, as the fluoride remains on the teeth longer.
After brushing your teeth
Others prefer to use the mouthwash after brushing their teeth. This helps fight any remaining bacteria and ensures long-lasting freshness in the mouth.
Recommended use for our MINT mouthwashes
We recommend rinsing with your MINT mouthwash after brushing your teeth or after meals. The MINT mouthwashes are very economical; a small amount is enough for the best results. The contents of the small cap are absolutely sufficient. However, when using it, tip it over into the large cap to avoid contamination of the contents.
In order for the mouthwash to have its full effect, it should remain in the mouth for at least 2 minutes. For this reason, too, it is particularly important to use a mild mouthwash without alcohol or harsh ingredients.
What mouthwash ist good — that is our conclusion
Choosing the best mouthwash depends heavily on individual needs and concerns, and there are a wide range of options to suit every need. Not only are mouthwashes a refreshing addition to dental care, but they can also effectively address specific concerns.
For those who want to combat gingivitis or periodontal disease, special ingredients in mouthwashes offer a targeted solution. Mouthwashes with antibacterial agents or probiotic effects are ideal for controlling the oral flora and preventing unpleasant bad breath. Sensitive teeth particularly benefit from gentle formulas without alcohol or harsh substances. Mouthwashes that are too aggressive can seriously disrupt the oral flora by not only eliminating the harmful bacteria, but also declaring war on the good bacteria. Gentle effects and natural ingredients give the mouthwash a high quality rating. And the quality of the mouthwash is crucial to the success of your oral hygiene and general oral health.
