10 Best Mouthwashes for Cavities of 2026
Finding the right mouthwash for cavities is essential to maintaining optimal oral health. With countless options available, selecting the most effective one for cavity prevention can be overwhelming. We’ve enlisted esteemed dental expert Dr. Alice Hsieh to explain things.
In our buying guide, we'll cover the essential criteria to consider when choosing a mouthwash for cavities. We'll also introduce our top 10 picks from among the best-selling mouthwashes for cavities on Amazon to help you make an informed decision for your dental hygiene routine.
If cavities aren't your primary concern and you're just looking for a boost of freshness, check out our article on the best overall mouthwashes.
Dr. Alice Hsieh is a highly skilled board-certified prosthodontist specializing in cosmetic and implant dentistry. She has devoted her time to private practice and academia for the past 13 years.
Mirai earned her degree in Marketing Management from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. Throughout her studies, she gained valuable experience in content planning, research, and editing through various academic projects and internships. Her practicum further strengthened her marketing, sales, and public relations skills, where she learned to craft well-researched and tailored content for different audiences. Mirai applies her expertise to create engaging and informative content on various categories, including fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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How to Choose Mouthwash for Cavities
Look for a Fluoride Mouthwash to Prevent and Reverse Tooth Decay
A three-year-long study... showed that the use of 0.2% sodium fluoride mouthwash decreased as much as 51.5% of cavities and restorations.
Fluoride mouthwash helps protect hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as around crowns, bridges, retainers, and braces, where food particles and bacteria may be missed. It provides an extra layer of protection, potentially preventing decay before it starts.
For Expert Care, Choose Dentist or ADA-Approved Mouthwash for Cavities
Choose an Antiseptic Mouthwash to Prevent Bacterial Growth
Mouthrinses with therapeutic agents like antimicrobials, however, may be effective for more long-term control of bad breath.
While cosmetic mouthwashes only temporarily mask bad breath, therapeutic options with antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine, chlorine dioxide, and essential oils provide longer-lasting control. However, some combinations, like chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, may cause tooth staining with prolonged use.
Look for Mouthwash With Aloe Vera for Oral Comfort
Preliminary studies show aloe vera to have promise in reducing plaque and plaque-induced gingivitis without reported adverse effects.
However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm its effectiveness in killing harmful bacteria that lead to cavities, tooth decay, and more severe gum conditions. While it is included in some dental products like mouthwashes, long-term studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better grasp its role in promoting overall oral health and preventing more severe oral issues.
10 Best Mouthwashes for Cavities Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fluoride | Dentist/ADA Approved | Antiseptic | Aloe Vera | Flavor | Volume | ||||
1 | Listerine Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash |  | Fresh Mint | 1 L | |||||
2 | TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse w/ Added CPC｜Clean Mint |  | Clean Mint | 16 Fl Oz | |||||
3 | Listerine Zero Alcohol Mouthwash COOL MINT® for Bad Breath |  | Cool Mint | 33.8 Fl Oz | |||||
4 | ACT® ACT®｜Anticavity |  | Mint | 18 Fl Oz | |||||
5 | Crest Pro-Health Advanced with Extra Whitening Alcohol Free Mouthwash |  | Mint | 32 Fl Oz | |||||
6 | ACT® ACT®｜Restoring Mouthwash |  | Mint | 33.8 Fl Oz | |||||
7 | Crest Pro-Health Advanced with Extra Deep Clean Mouthwash |  | Fresh Mint | 33.8 Fl Oz | |||||
8 | Tom's Of Maine Fresh Mint Whole Care® Mouthwash |  | Fresh Mint | 16 Fl Oz | |||||
9 | Colgate® Peroxyl® Mouth Sore Rinse |  | Mild Mint | 16.9 Fl Oz | |||||
10 | Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash w/Spearmint |  | Spearmint | 8 Fl Oz | |||||
ListerineTotal Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash
| Fluoride | |
|---|---|
| Dentist/ADA Approved | |
| Antiseptic |
- Aloe Vera
- Flavor
- Fresh Mint
| Volume | 1 L |
|---|
TheraBreathHealthy Gums Oral Rinse w/ Added CPC ｜ Clean Mint
| Fluoride | |
|---|---|
| Dentist/ADA Approved | |
| Antiseptic |
- Aloe Vera
- Flavor
- Clean Mint
TheraBreath Healthy Gums Mouthwash is a dentist-formulated, alcohol-free solution that supports oral hygiene and promotes gum health. Its use of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), an antimicrobial agent, is formulated to help reduce plaque and combat gingivitis. The clean mint flavor provides a pleasant, refreshing aftertaste, while the absence of alcohol helps minimize dryness. Packaged in 16 fl oz bottles and often sold in a 2-pack, this mouthwash can be conveniently integrated into a daily oral care routine.
| Volume | 16 Fl Oz |
|---|
ListerineZero Alcohol Mouthwash COOL MINT® for Bad Breath
| Fluoride | |
|---|---|
| Dentist/ADA Approved | |
| Antiseptic |
- Aloe Vera
- Flavor
- Cool Mint
| Volume | 33.8 Fl Oz |
|---|
| Volume | 18 Fl Oz |
|---|
CrestPro-Health Advanced with Extra Whitening Alcohol Free Mouthwash
| Fluoride | |
|---|---|
| Dentist/ADA Approved | |
| Antiseptic |
- Aloe Vera
- Flavor
- Mint
Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash provides comprehensive oral care with a fluoride-based formula that helps protect against cavities while also offering whitening benefits. The alcohol-free formula reduces plaque buildup and promotes fresh breath, with an energizing mint flavor to keep your mouth feeling clean. It's suitable for those looking for cavity prevention and some additional whitening.
| Volume | 32 Fl Oz |
|---|
ACT®ACT® ｜ Restoring Mouthwash
| Fluoride | |
|---|---|
| Dentist/ADA Approved | |
| Antiseptic |
- Aloe Vera
- Flavor
- Mint
ACT Restoring mouthwash is formulated with fluoride to help restore and protect enamel, prevent cavities, and promote oral health. The alcohol-free formula provides a gentle, effective solution for those with sensitive mouths. This mouthwash also helps neutralize bad breath, making it a versatile option for everyday use.
| Volume | 33.8 Fl Oz |
|---|
CrestPro-Health Advanced with Extra Deep Clean Mouthwash
| Fluoride | |
|---|---|
| Dentist/ADA Approved | |
| Antiseptic |
- Aloe Vera
- Flavor
- Fresh Mint
Crest Pro-Health Advanced is a fluoride-based, alcohol-free mouthwash that can help prevent cavities, reduce plaque, and support gum health. Its mild formulation is suitable for those who prefer to avoid alcohol, potentially reducing dryness or irritation. The fresh mint flavor offers a pleasant taste and helps maintain a clean feeling in your mouth. Used alongside brushing and flossing, this mouthwash is formulated to contribute to a more thorough daily oral care routine.
| Volume | 33.8 Fl Oz |
|---|
Tom's Of MaineFresh Mint Whole Care® Mouthwash
| Fluoride | |
|---|---|
| Dentist/ADA Approved | |
| Antiseptic |
- Aloe Vera
- Flavor
- Fresh Mint
With a combination of natural ingredients, Tom's of Maine provides a fluoride-based natural option to help prevent cavities. This mouthwash has no alcohol, chemical coloring, or preservatives. It is a good choice for consumers looking for a more natural dental care regimen because it gives off a clean, fresh feeling without using artificial chemicals.
| Volume | 16 Fl Oz |
|---|
Colgate®Peroxyl® Mouth Sore Rinse
| Fluoride | |
|---|---|
| Dentist/ADA Approved | |
| Antiseptic |
- Aloe Vera
- Flavor
- Mild Mint
Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash contains 1.5% hydrogen peroxide to help clean and disinfect the mouth, targeting minor oral irritations like canker sores and gum discomfort. Its antiseptic action assists in reducing bacteria and supporting a cleaner oral environment. Alcohol-free and formulated to be gentle on sensitive tissues, it can be incorporated into a regular oral care routine, especially when advised by a healthcare professional. The mild mint flavor offers a subtle, refreshing sensation without overwhelming the palate.
| Volume | 16.9 Fl Oz |
|---|
Desert EssenceTea Tree Oil Mouthwash w/Spearmint
| Fluoride | |
|---|---|
| Dentist/ADA Approved | |
| Antiseptic |
- Aloe Vera
- Flavor
- Spearmint
This alcohol-free mouthwash combines the cooling effects of spearmint essential oil with the natural antibacterial qualities of tea tree oil. Because of its calming and moisturizing properties, aloe vera is appropriate for delicate oral tissues. It offers a plant-based alternative for maintaining dental hygiene and is free from sugar substitutes, gluten, and harsh ingredients.
| Volume | 8 Fl Oz |
|---|
The Importance of Brushing and Fluoride Mouthwash
Using fluoride-containing mouthwash helps prevent and even reverse tooth decay by fighting bacteria, replenishing lost minerals, and reducing plaque. Fluoride works by inhibiting demineralization, making enamel more resistant to acid, and promoting remineralization through the growth of fluorapatite crystals and the attraction of calcium ions. It also helps to inhibit acid-producing bacteria by acidifying their environment and blocking their enzyme activity, ultimately reducing the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Fluoride mouthwash is typically recommended one to two times a day, with its effectiveness depending on oral hygiene and diet. The NHS advises using mouthwash at a different time than brushing to avoid washing away fluoride from toothpaste. The ADA allows for personal preference on whether to use mouthwash before or after brushing but advises checking the product label for maximum effectiveness.
However, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush is essential for plaque removal and cavity prevention. Fluoride mouthwash can enhance oral hygiene but should complement, not replace, brushing and flossing. Over-the-counter fluoride solutions with 230 ppm are for daily use, while those with 900 ppm are for weekly use. However, due to ingestion risks, they are not recommended for children under six.
Other Oral Care Essentials
Check out these other must-haves for keeping your mouth in top shape.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
