Some people love it, but mouthwash isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Yes, it can give you minty, fresh breath, but the burning sensation that comes with it isn’t exactly enjoyable. Luckily, there are some safe and effective alternatives to mouthwash you can try.
Although it’s not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing, many people use mouthwash daily for different reasons. However, some of the common complaints about it are hard to ignore. If you’re looking for an alternative to your daily Listerine, you’ve come to the right place.
Some Common Problems with Conventional Mouthwash
Read the label on any average mouthwash, and you’ll find claims that it can kill 99.9% of bacteria, and prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. These all seem like perfectly good reasons to use it.
However, while the knowledge and sensation of having a clean mouth are reassuring, many people find that using mouthwash comes with an unpleasant price.
The most common complaints associated with mouthwash include:
- A burning sensation: The culprit behind this is alcohol. It kills the bacteria in your mouth—and you can feel it! It’s something that those with sensitive gums find challenging to endure. It’s even worse if you’re prone to canker sores, as the commonly used foaming agent, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), can cause an outbreak or irritate any sores you already have.
- Dry mouth: Again, alcohol is to blame. It evaporates very quickly, so the minute you’re done rinsing your mouth, it can feel dry to the point of discomfort. Alcohol can also irritate canker sores and make it more difficult for them to heal.
- Teeth staining: Most conventional mouthwashes contain colorants, which can stain your teeth over time. Some prescription mouthwashes contain an ingredient called chlorhexidine (CHX), which can have an even stronger effect on your teeth, but also cause temporary staining—not something anyone really wants from their daily mouth rinse.
Of course, everyone’s different, so you might not have experienced any of these problems at all. However, if you have or are concerned about them, rejoice! We have some alternatives for you.
Navigating the market for a safe and effective mouthwash can be a little tricky if you don’t know exactly what to look for and avoid. If you’re tired of that burning or dry mouth sensation, or want to prevent any teeth staining, we’ve got your back! Here are three excellent alternatives to mouthwash.
The Natural Dentist Healthy Breath Antiseptic Mouthwash
As the name suggests, this Natural Dentist mouthwash is primarily made with natural ingredients, no harsh chemicals, abrasives, artificial colors, or preservatives.
The main active ingredient is menthol, which kills bacteria and will keep your mouth feeling refreshed.
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
With over 25 years of experience in the business, TheraBreath has developed an oral rinse that can prevent bad breath for up to 24 hours. It does this by fighting the sulfur-producing germs that cause it.
It also doesn’t contain any alcohol or artificial colors or flavors. It’s everything you need without any of the downsides of regular mouthwash.
$14.44 
Lumineux Oral Essentials Clean & Fresh Mouthwash
Another leading brand in the industry is Lumineux’s certified nontoxic mouthwash. It can effectively improve your oral hygiene without harsh or harmful chemicals.
This rinse eliminates harmful bacteria, while simultaneously improving your oral microbiome. This helps maintain a balanced ecosystem that keeps your teeth and gums healthy and your breath minty fresh.
$11.99
Conventional mouthwash isn’t for everyone. Thankfully, these alternatives can give you fresh breath without any of the burning or dry mouth you get with the regular stuff.
