How to Use Mouthwash

Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: January 7, 2024 Approved

Using mouthwash correctly can freshen your breath, help prevent cavities and treat gingivitis. There are two main types of mouthwash that you can choose. Cosmetic mouthwash masks bad breath but does not treat the cause of bad breath. Therapeutic mouthwash, on the other hand, does kill the bacteria that causes bad breath while reducing plaque, gingivitis, and cavities. Once you have chosen your mouthwash, use it once a day before or after brushing, or more often if your dentist instructs you to do so. Keep in mind, it’s important to always brush twice a day and floss at least once a day, regardless of whether you’re using mouthwash or not.^{[1]
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Part 1

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Choosing Mouthwash

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1
Use cosmetic mouthwash to mask bad breath. If your aim is simply to freshen up your breath, there are a variety of products you can choose from to cover the bad odor. These leave your mouth tasting pleasant and temporarily make your breath smell better. Cosmetic mouthwash is a good choice for rinsing after you've eaten a particularly pungent meal, like garlic spaghetti sauce. It serves the same function as an after-dinner mint, with fewer calories.^{[2]
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- If you have chronic bad breath, cosmetic mouthwash isn't going to address the source of the issue nor will it help reduce plaque, gingivitis, or cavities. It masks bad smells, but it doesn't kill the bacteria that produces them. The point of cosmetic mouthwash is just to make your mouth taste and smell good.
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Use therapeutic mouthwash to fight bacteria. Therapeutic mouthwashes fight bacteria that cause bad breath while reducing plaque and treating gingivitis. Some may even whiten teeth. If you're looking for a mouthwash that actually cleans your mouth, choose one with therapeutic agents that will reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth. Look for an over-the-counter mouthwash in the toothpaste aisle that is labeled as being antibacterial or antiseptic.^{[3]
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- Using an antibacterial mouthwash may help you tackle the root of bad breath, which is often caused by bacteria. This is because it will kill bacteria and inhibit its reproduction in your mouth. That said, some antibacterial agents, such as such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium, may discolor your teeth.^{[4]
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- You might also want to try an antiseptic mouthwash. This will stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, protozoa, and viruses. However, antiseptic mouthwash contains a lot of alcohol, which can dry out your mouth and cause irritation.^{[5]
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Use fluoride mouthwash to prevent cavities. If your goal is specifically to keep your teeth from getting cavities, you might want to choose a therapeutic mouthwash that contains fluoride. It helps to reduce the lesions that lead to cavity formation. Fluoride is in most commercially available toothpaste, and it is also added to the water in many cities, but you might want to consider using extra fluoride if your teeth are particularly prone to cavities.^{[6]
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- Too much fluoride can be bad for you, but it’s not dangerous in the low levels found in toothpaste. It is also found naturally in water. Fluoride is really the best option if you want to re-mineralize the enamel on your teeth and prevent future cavities.^{[7]
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If you have an infection, mouth pain, lack of saliva (xerostomia), or another medical condition, your doctor or dentist might prescribe a special mouthwash to treat the problem.^{[8]
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Go to source} Use the mouthwash as directed by your physician. Check the instructions that come with your prescription to learn about dosage and side effects.
If you want to start using mouthwash, but would prefer to know exactly what you're using to rinse your teeth every day, choose one (or make your own) that is made with herbs that promote good oral health. Clove, peppermint and rosemary are all herbs that are traditionally used in preparations for the mouth and teeth due to their antibacterial, antiseptic and cooling properties.^{[9]
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Using it Effectively

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Pour the proper dosage into a small cup. Read the instructions on the label of your mouthwash to learn the proper dosage. Your bottle of mouthwash may have come with a small cup (often the bottle's cap) you can use to measure the correct amount. If your bottle didn't come with a cup, pour the mouthwash into a small cup you've set aside for this specific purpose.
- Most mouthwashes will recommend a dose of about 20 ml.^{[10]
  X
  Research source} This amount is enough to clean your teeth in one dose. Some fluoride mouthwashes, however, only require 10 ml.
- Unless you're using a prescription mouthwash, don't worry too much about using the exact amount. Use enough mouthwash to fill your mouth without making you feel uncomfortable. Always follow your dentist's instructions when using a prescription mouthwash.
Tip the cup into your mouth and pour in all of the mouthwash at once. Close your mouth to create a seal so that the mouthwash won't squirt out when you start swishing it. Do not swallow the mouthwash. It may contain strong chemicals that are not meant to be ingested.
Follow the directions on the bottle to learn exactly how long you should swish the mouthwash. Make sure it swishes in front of and behind your teeth. Swish it through your molars as well as your front teeth. Swish it under your tongue and across the roof of your mouth, too.
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Spit it out. When you're done swishing, spit it out into the sink. Rinse out the sink to get rid of the used mouthwash.
- Depending on what type of mouthwash you used, you might need to wait 1/2 hour or more before drinking water or eating in order to increase the effectiveness of the mouthwash. Read the directions on the bottle to find out if you should wait.

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Knowing When to Use It

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According to the American Dental Association, it doesn't matter whether you use mouthwash before or after brushing - both are equally effective. The more important thing is to use good quality mouthwash.
You can carry a little bottle of mouthwash with you during the day to refresh your breath after meals. If you have a problem with bad breath, this can be a good alternative to popping breath mints all day long.^{[11]
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Mouthwash is meant to be a supplement to other oral hygiene practices - not a replacement.^{[12]
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Research source} Make sure you continue to brush and floss your teeth as recommended by your dentist. In most cases you should brush twice a day and floss once a day.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.} Use mouthwash every time you brush, or just in the morning or at night - it's your choice.
If you're using mouthwash in an attempt to treat gingivitis, chronic bad breath, or cavities, you should make an appointment with your dentist to make sure you're using the right mouthwash. Mouthwash alone may not be effective enough to treat the problem you're dealing with, so it's important to get dental care before things get worse.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A

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Can I use mouthwash instead of brushing my teeth?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

No. Brushing your teeth is one of the most important parts of oral hygiene. Always brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. Use soft, circular motions and any toothpaste with fluoride in it to keep your teeth clean and prevent cavities.

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Tips

When purchasing mouthwash, look for one with the ADA's Seal of Acceptance.^{[15]
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Don't rinse with water immediately after using mouthwash. The cleansing properties of mouthwash continue to work after you have spit it out, and rinsing with water will dilute the wash and minimize these effects.

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If you use a toothpaste with fluoride and drink water treated with fluoride, you do not need a mouthwash with fluoride.

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Warnings

Do not swallow the mouthwash.

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Always read the directions. Call poison control right away if you swallow more than a single recommended dosage. A small amount will not hurt you, but an overdose can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or other problems.

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Children under the age of six should be kept away from mouthwash, unless it is specially formulated for children. Ask your child's dentist about how much they should use.

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Mint might be too strong for some people.

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Try to minimize mouthwashes containing alcohol as this may increase risk for cancer and many other health issues.^{[16]
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