Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are oral care essentials.Mouthwash, on the other hand, isn’t exactly a necessary part of your routine.
Think of it as a way to enhance your oral care routine, says Dr.Chris Salierno, the chief dental officer at Tend, a dental studio company with several locations in major cities including New York City, Boston and Washington DC.
“Mouthwash is a great addition, but it should complement, not replace, brushing and flossing,” he says.“It can quickly apply special ingredients to your teeth, gums and other oral surfaces for an intended effect, like freshening breath, preventing cavities and protecting against gum disease.”I talked to dentists to learn how to choose a mouthwash and how often you should use it.
I also rounded up a handful of options from brands like Act, Colgate and Listerine.Selected.Our top picksBest overall26.Listerine Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash$undefined$8.87AmazonLearn moreBest for cavity preventionAct Anticavity Fluoride Rinse$5.74$5.74AmazonLearn moreBest for bad breathTheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse$undefined$14.68AmazonLearn moreBest for kidsAct Kids Anticavity Fluoride Rinse$undefined$5.99WalgreensLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedShould you use fluoride-free toothpaste? Dentists explainWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.The best mouthwashes of 2026With all of that in mind, I rounded up ADA-accepted options available over the counter.
I included important information about each mouthwash, like its type, purpose, active ingredients and what flavors it comes in.Every option is also alcohol-free.
Best overall26.Listerine Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash$8.87Amazon$8.87Walmart$10.99WalgreensWhat to knowType: therapeutic | Purpose: treating tooth sensitivity | Active ingredients: dipotassium oxalate | Flavors: fresh mintWhat we likeGood for sensitive teethFreshens breathDoesn...