9 Best Mouthwashes for Plaque (2024): Prevent Build-Up

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to prevent dental problems such as plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.

Brushing and flossing are essential parts of your oral care routine, but using mouthwash can be an effective way to clean areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.

Mouthwash can also help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

In this article, we will review the 7 best mouthwashes for plaque and provide a buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Plax Advanced Formula Plaque Loosening Rinse

Plax Advanced Formula Plaque Loosening Rinse contains propylene glycol and sodium benzoate to help loosen and remove plaque from teeth. It also contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, and it has a fresh mint flavor.

Pros:

• Loosens and removes plaque effectively
• Contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel
• Fresh mint flavor

Cons:

• May cause temporary alteration of taste perception
• May not be as effective in killing bacteria as other types of mouthwash

2. PlaqueHD Mouth Rinse

PlaqueHD Mouth Rinse is a plaque-identifying mouthwash that contains targeted antimicrobial agents to help kill bacteria in the mouth. It contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, and it has a minty flavor.

Pros:

• Plaque-identifying formula
• Contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel
• Kills bacteria effectively
• Minty flavor

Cons:

• May cause temporary alteration of taste perception
• Some users may find the taste too strong

3. Crest Pro-Health Clinical Mouthwash

Crest Pro-Health Clinical Mouthwash is an alcohol-free mouthwash that contains cetylpyridinium chloride to kill bacteria and prevent plaque buildup. It also has a refreshing clean mint flavor.

Pros:

• Alcohol-free
• Kills bacteria effectively
• Prevents plaque buildup
• Refreshing mint flavor

Cons:

• May cause temporary alteration of taste perception

4. Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash

Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, as well as essential oils to kill bacteria and freshen breath. It has a cool mint flavor.

Pros:

• Contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel
• Kills bacteria effectively
• Freshens breath
• Cool mint flavor

Cons:

• May cause temporary alteration of taste perception

5. ACT Restoring Mouthwash

ACT Restoring Mouthwash contains fluoride to help prevent cavities and rebuild tooth enamel, as well as essential oils to kill bacteria and freshen breath. It also has a pleasant fresh mint flavor.

Pros:

• Contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel
• Kills bacteria effectively
• Freshens breath
• Pleasant fresh mint flavor

Cons:

• May cause temporary alteration of taste perception

6. Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash

Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash contains cetylpyridinium chloride to kill bacteria and prevent plaque buildup, as well as fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It also has a refreshing peppermint flavor.

Pros:

• Kills bacteria effectively
• Prevents plaque buildup
• Contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel
• Refreshing peppermint flavor

Cons:

• May cause temporary alteration of taste perception

7. Tom’s of Maine Natural Mouthwash

Tom’s of Maine Natural Mouthwash is a natural mouthwash that contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It uses zinc to neutralize bad breath, and it has a gentle peppermint flavor.

Pros:

• Natural ingredients
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Zinc neutralizes bad breath
• Gentle peppermint flavor

Cons:

• May not be as effective in reducing plaque as other types of mouthwash

8. Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Multi-Care Whitening Mouthwash

Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Multi-Care Whitening Mouthwash contains hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth, as well as essential oils to kill bacteria and freshen breath. It has a refreshing fresh mint flavor.

Pros:

• Whitens teeth
• Kills bacteria effectively
• Freshens breath
• Refreshing fresh mint flavor

Cons:

• May cause temporary alteration of taste perception
• May cause sensitivity for some people

9. TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse

TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse contains cetylpyridinium chloride and sodium fluoride to kill bacteria, prevent plaque buildup, and strengthen tooth enamel.

It also has a refreshing mild mint flavor.

Pros:

• Kills bacteria effectively
• Prevents plaque buildup
• Contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel
• Refreshing mild mint flavor

Buying Guide: Choosing A Plaque Removing Mouthwash

When selecting a mouthwash for plaque, consider the following factors:

• Type of mouthwash: Choose a mouthwash that is designed to help reduce plaque and gingivitis. Look for mouthwashes containing antibacterial agents, fluoride, or chlorhexidine gluconate.
• Ingredients: Check the label for ingredients that are known to be effective in fighting plaque, such as cetylpyridinium chloride, triclosan, and essential oils.
• Alcohol content: Avoid mouthwashes with high alcohol content if you have sensitive teeth or dry mouth, as they can cause discomfort.
• Sensitivity: If you have sensitive teeth or gums, look for a mouthwash that is specifically designed for sensitive mouths or that does not contain alcohol.
• Taste: Choose a flavor that you enjoy to make using mouthwash a pleasant experience, but be aware that some mouthwashes may cause temporary alteration of taste perception.
• Price: Mouthwash prices can vary greatly, so consider your budget when selecting a mouthwash. Keep in mind that prescription mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine gluconate may be more expensive than over-the-counter options.

By considering these factors, you can choose a mouthwash that is most effective for reducing plaque and gingivitis while also being comfortable and affordable for you.

• Alcohol-based mouthwash
• Fluoride mouthwash
• Chlorhexidine mouthwash
• Natural mouthwash
• Peroxide mouthwash
• Antibacterial mouthwash
• Whitening mouthwash

Note: It is important to consult with your dentist or healthcare provider if you have concerns about which type of mouthwash is best for you.

They can provide personalized recommendations based on your dental health needs and medical history.

Conclusion

Using mouthwash as part of your daily oral care routine can help to prevent plaque buildup, reduce bad breath, and maintain healthy teeth and gums. When selecting a mouthwash for plaque, consider the type of mouthwash, ingredients, sensitivity, and taste to choose the best option for your needs.

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