What is the best recommended mouthwash and why?

Answer 1

Antibacterial mouth rinses can be divided into 1st generation and 2nd generation agents.

• 1st generation agents such as essential oils, sanguinarine, cetylpyridinium chloride and peroxides, have been available as over-the-counter antibacterial rinses for a long time. Even though they are antibacterial, they have less substantivity than 2nd generation agents. Substantivity is the ability of an active agent to be retained in the mouth and is able to continue to be released over an extended period of time without losing its strength. Therefore, 1st generation agents need to be used more frequently to obtain results.
• 2nd generation agents have proven substantivity and antibacterial properties. Common 2nd generation agents include chlorhexidine and stannous fluoride which require prescription for use.

There are two categories recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) to be effective against plaque and gum disease:

1. Mouthwash that contains essential oils as an active ingredient. For example Listerine® mouthwash and other generic equivalents sold over the counter.
2. Mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine gluconate as an active agent which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ONLY as prescription products. For example Peridex® and Prevident®.

Answer 2

It depends on what effect you are looking for. ACT is best for helping to remineralize the teeth to help prevent tooth decay (cavities). If you have periodontal disease or cavities which have not been filled yet I would check with your dentist about getting a Rx for chlorahexadine. This rinse kills the bacteria in your mouth to help get things under control. Plax has been found to do nothing but coat your teeth in a soapy film which only makes them feel smoother. Scope and Listerine have high alcohol content, while they will temporarily freshen your breath the bad side is the alcohol ends up drying out your mouth and gums which allows the bacteria proliferated even more. You can try a new product called CloSys which is no alcohol, and you add in the mint flavor so you can make is as strong as is comfortable to you. It has ingredients that neutralize the sulfur compounds which cause bad breath. RDH :)

ADDING TO YOUR ANSWER: No Listerine!! AND PANCAKEZZZ!

Answer 3

In my opinion, Act Anticavity Fluoride Rinse because based off reviews I heard it's actually better than alcohol mouthwashes plus Act is alcohol-free.

Answer 4

A mouthwash that tastes nice is Listerine. The spearmint flavor is the best, but there are several to choose from, and each person's preferences will vary.