Last updated: March 2026. NHS guidance cited from nhs.uk. Clinical evidence from Delivering Better Oral Health (DBOH), published by GOV.UK.
Mouthwash is one of the most widely used oral hygiene products in the UK — yet most people use it at the wrong time, or choose the wrong type for their needs. This guide, informed by NHS guidance and clinical evidence, explains exactly which mouthwash to choose for your situation and how to use it correctly.
The Golden Rule: Never Use Mouthwash Right After Brushing
Before choosing a mouthwash, there is one critical rule that surprises most patients.
Do not use mouthwash immediately after brushing your teeth.
When you brush with fluoride toothpaste, a protective film of concentrated fluoride remains on your teeth. Using mouthwash straight away rinses this film away, significantly reducing the benefit of your toothpaste.
"Don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth because it will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth." — NHS, How to Keep Your Teeth Clean (last reviewed 30 June 2025)
When should you use mouthwash? Use it at a completely separate time from brushing — for example, after lunch. If you use a fluoride mouthwash, do not eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards.
Types of Mouthwash — What Actually Works
Not all mouthwashes are the same. Each type has different active ingredients, different evidence levels, and different use cases. The UK's primary clinical reference for dental professionals, Delivering Better Oral Health (DBOH), published by GOV.UK, sets out the evidence for each type.
| Type | Active Ingredient | Best For | Evidence Level (DBOH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride mouthwash | Sodium fluoride 0.05% (230ppm) | Cavity prevention | Moderate certainty |
| Chlorhexidine (antiseptic) | Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% | Gum disease, post-surgery | High certainty — short-term only |
| Essential oil mouthwash | Thymol, eucalyptol, menthol | Plaque control, fresh breath | Low-to-moderate certainty |
| CPC-based mouthwash | Cetylpyridinium chloride | Antibacterial, fresh breath | Low-to-moderate certainty |
| Zinc/chlorhexidine | Zinc acetate + low-dose chlorhexidine | Bad breath (targets VSCs) | Limited independent evidence |
| Alcohol-free variants | Varies (same actives, no alcohol) | Dry mouth, children, pregnancy | Dependent on active ingredients |
"Use of fluoride mouthrinse is an additional preventive measure and should be used at a different time to toothbrushing to maximise fluoride exposure." — Delivering Better Oral Health, Chapter 8 (GOV.UK)
Key insight: The alcohol content in mouthwash is not the active ingredient — it is simply a preservative and solubiliser. Alcohol-free versions containing the same active ingredients are equally effective.
Best Mouthwash for Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
If your dentist has diagnosed gingivitis (gum inflammation) or early gum disease, a chlorhexidine mouthwash is the clinically recommended option.
Corsodyl Daily Mouthwash (0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate) is the most widely available option in the UK and has the highest level of clinical evidence — rated high certainty in the DBOH guidelines for reducing plaque and gingivitis.
However, there is a critical limitation: chlorhexidine mouthwash is intended for short-term use only (typically around four weeks). Long-term daily use causes:
- Temporary staining of teeth and tongue
- Taste disturbance
- Dry mouth
"Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.1% or 0.2%: high certainty evidence for plaque and gingivitis reduction. Not intended for indefinite daily use." — Delivering Better Oral Health, Chapter 8 (GOV.UK)
Important compatibility note: Do not use chlorhexidine mouthwash immediately after brushing. Rinse with water between brushing and using the mouthwash, as some toothpaste ingredients (particularly sodium lauryl sulphate) can chemically inactivate chlorhexidine.
After completing a course of Corsodyl, switch to an essential oil or fluoride mouthwash for ongoing maintenance.
Best Mouthwash for Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath is caused primarily by volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) produced by bacteria on the tongue, gums, and between teeth. No mouthwash alone will permanently resolve bad breath — it must be combined with good oral hygiene — but some formulations are significantly more targeted.
Most effective options for bad breath:
- CB12 — Contains zinc acetate and a low concentration of chlorhexidine, specifically formulated to neutralise VSCs. Claims up to 12-hour protection and is available at most UK pharmacies.
- Listerine Total Care / Cool Mint — The essential oil formulation has moderate clinical evidence for reducing VSC-producing bacteria. Suitable for daily, ongoing use.
- Corsodyl (short-term course) — Highly effective antibacterial action. For short-term use only.
If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene and mouthwash use, see a dentist. Persistent halitosis may indicate underlying gum disease, dry mouth, tonsil stones, or other conditions that mouthwash cannot resolve.
Best Mouthwash for Sensitive Teeth
For sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, choose a fluoride mouthwash that specifically targets enamel protection.
Recommended options:
- Sensodyne Pronamel Mouthwash — Contains sodium fluoride to strengthen enamel; alcohol-free
- Oral-B Pro-Expert Mouthwash — Fluoride plus antibacterial ingredients for all-round protection
- Any 0.05% sodium fluoride (230ppm) mouthwash — including supermarket own-brands carrying the Oral Health Foundation (OHF) accreditation seal
Avoid mouthwashes with high alcohol content if you have sensitive teeth, as alcohol can temporarily increase sensitivity.
Best Mouthwash for Dry Mouth
If you suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia) — whether due to medication, a medical condition, or other causes — the choice of mouthwash is particularly important.
The NHS explicitly recommends using only alcohol-free mouthwash for people with dry mouth, as the alcohol in standard mouthwashes further dries out oral tissues.
"Use alcohol-free mouthwash if you have dry mouth." — NHS, Dry Mouth
Recommended options for dry mouth:
- Biotene Oral Rinse — Alcohol-free; contains an enzyme system that supplements natural saliva
- BioXtra Moisturising Mouthwash — Specifically formulated for dry mouth
- Oral-B Dry Mouth Rinse — Alcohol-free formula designed for xerostomia
Avoid any mouthwash containing alcohol if you experience dry mouth.
Mouthwash for Children — What Age Is Safe?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. The answer depends on the child's age and their individual risk of tooth decay.
| Age | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Under 7 | Do not use mouthwash (swallowing risk) |
| 7 to 11 | Fluoride mouthwash only (0.05% NaF / 230ppm), under adult supervision, if at higher risk of tooth decay |
| 12 and over | Can use standard mouthwash; chlorhexidine if professionally recommended |
Children aged 7 to 11 using fluoride mouthwash should be supervised to ensure they spit it out rather than swallow. Use mouthwash at a separate time from brushing — not immediately after.
Corsodyl and other chlorhexidine mouthwashes are not recommended for children under 12 without specific professional advice.
After Dental Procedures: Which Mouthwash to Use
After a Tooth Extraction or Wisdom Tooth Removal
- First 24 hours: Do not rinse your mouth at all. Vigorous rinsing disturbs the blood clot forming in the socket, which is essential for healing.
- From 24 hours onwards: Rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a mug of warm water). This is the standard NHS recommendation following extractions.
- If your dentist prescribes Corsodyl: Follow their instructions precisely regarding timing and duration.
After a Scale and Polish or Deep Clean
Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a short course of chlorhexidine mouthwash following periodontal treatment. Use as directed and do not continue beyond the recommended period.
Corsodyl vs Listerine: Which Is Better?
These are the two most widely known mouthwash brands in the UK, but they serve very different purposes. Comparing them directly is a little like comparing ibuprofen with a daily multivitamin — one is therapeutic, the other is for maintenance.
| Corsodyl (0.2% chlorhexidine) | Listerine (essential oils) | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% | Thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate |
| Evidence level | High certainty (DBOH) | Low-to-moderate certainty |
| Primary use | Therapeutic: gingivitis, post-surgery | Maintenance: daily plaque control and breath |
| Duration | Short-term only (approx. 4 weeks) | Suitable for daily, ongoing use |
| Side effects | Tooth/tongue staining, taste disturbance | Mild; some variants contain alcohol |
| Alcohol-free version? | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for children? | 12+ with professional recommendation | Listerine Kids for ages 6+ |
| Approx. price (500ml) | £5–£10 | £4–£8 |
The verdict: Corsodyl is clinically more powerful but is not for everyday long-term use. If your dentist has identified active gum disease or you have recently had a dental procedure, Corsodyl is the right short-term choice. For daily maintenance and fresh breath, Listerine or a fluoride mouthwash is more appropriate.
Does Alcohol-Free Mouthwash Work as Well?
Yes — in most cases, alcohol-free mouthwash is just as effective as alcohol-containing versions.
Alcohol is not the active ingredient in mouthwash. It acts as a preservative and a solubiliser (helping ingredients stay dissolved), but all the therapeutic action comes from the active ingredients: fluoride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, or CPC. Clinical evidence does not support alcohol as a necessary component for efficacy.
Who should always choose alcohol-free mouthwash:
- Anyone with dry mouth
- Children aged 7 to 11
- Pregnant women (as a precaution)
- Anyone who experiences stinging or discomfort from alcohol-containing products
- Anyone avoiding alcohol for medical or personal reasons
Several mainstream brands — including Listerine, Corsodyl, and Oral-B — offer alcohol-free variants of their most popular formulations.
UK Mouthwash Prices Compared
Effective mouthwash does not need to be expensive. Many supermarket own-brands carry the Oral Health Foundation (OHF) accreditation seal and contain the same active ingredients as branded products at a fraction of the cost.
| Product | Type | Active Ingredient | Approx. Price (500ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supermarket own-brand (OHF accredited) | Fluoride / Antibacterial | Sodium fluoride / CPC | £1–£3 |
| Colgate Plax | CPC-based | Cetylpyridinium chloride | £3–£6 |
| Listerine Total Care | Essential oil | Thymol, eucalyptol, menthol | £4–£7 |
| Oral-B Pro-Expert | Fluoride + CPC | Sodium fluoride + CPC | £4–£7 |
| Sensodyne Pronamel | Fluoride | Sodium fluoride | £4–£7 |
| Corsodyl Daily (0.2%) | Chlorhexidine | Chlorhexidine gluconate | £5–£10 |
| CB12 Mouthwash | Zinc/low-dose CHX | Zinc acetate + chlorhexidine | £8–£14 |
| Biotene Oral Rinse | Dry mouth | Enzyme system | £8–£12 |
Prices are approximate retail prices from UK pharmacies and supermarkets. Prices may vary by retailer.
Tip: Look for the OHF accreditation seal when shopping. It confirms the product has been independently reviewed and found to be safe and effective for its stated purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you use mouthwash before or after brushing?
After brushing — but not immediately after. Use mouthwash at a completely separate time, such as after lunch, to preserve the fluoride left on your teeth from toothpaste. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash. The NHS recommends this timing explicitly.
Can mouthwash replace brushing?
No. Mouthwash is a supplementary product, not a substitute for brushing. It cannot remove plaque from tooth surfaces — only brushing and interdental cleaning (floss or interdental brushes) can do that. Mouthwash adds an extra layer of protection but does not replace mechanical cleaning.
How long should you use Corsodyl?
Corsodyl is designed for short-term therapeutic use, typically around four weeks for treating gingivitis. It is not intended for indefinite daily use, as long-term use causes tooth and tongue staining and taste disturbance. After completing a course, switch to a daily maintenance mouthwash such as Listerine or a fluoride rinse.
Is mouthwash bad for your teeth?
No, when used correctly. The NHS and DBOH confirm there is little evidence that mouthwash use increases the risk of oral cancer. The main concern with long-term chlorhexidine use is reversible staining, not damage to the teeth themselves. Using a fluoride mouthwash is actively beneficial for enamel strength.
What is the best mouthwash for gum disease?
Chlorhexidine mouthwash — such as Corsodyl 0.2% — has the highest clinical evidence for treating gum disease (high certainty, per DBOH guidelines). However, it is intended for short-term use only. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, see your dentist or hygienist for a full course of treatment — mouthwash alone is not sufficient to manage moderate or severe gum disease.
Can children use mouthwash?
Children under 7 should not use mouthwash due to the risk of swallowing. Children aged 7 to 11 can use a fluoride mouthwash (0.05% sodium fluoride / 230ppm) under adult supervision, particularly if they are at higher risk of tooth decay. Children aged 12 and over can use standard adult mouthwash, including chlorhexidine if their dentist recommends it.
Is alcohol-free mouthwash as effective?
Yes. Alcohol is not the active ingredient — it acts as a carrier and preservative. Alcohol-free formulations with the same active ingredients (fluoride, essential oils, chlorhexidine, or CPC) are equally effective. Alcohol-free is the recommended choice for anyone with dry mouth, children, and pregnant women.
How do I know if a mouthwash is clinically effective?
Look for the Oral Health Foundation (OHF) accreditation seal on the packaging. This indicates the product has been independently reviewed and found to be safe and effective for its intended purpose. Many supermarket own-brand mouthwashes carry this seal at a fraction of the cost of branded products.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Mouthwash is a valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine, but it is not a treatment for underlying dental problems. Make an appointment with a dentist if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with mouthwash and good oral hygiene — this may indicate gum disease, dry mouth, or another condition
- Bleeding gums when you brush — a sign of gingivitis that needs professional assessment and treatment
- Tooth pain or sensitivity that does not resolve within a few days
- Mouth ulcers or sores that have not healed within two weeks (see a dentist promptly, as this can occasionally be a sign of something more serious)
- Gum swelling, recession, or visible changes to your gums
Regular dental check-ups — every 12 to 24 months for most adults, or as frequently as your dentist recommends — are the single most effective thing you can do for your long-term oral health. Mouthwash works best as part of a complete routine that also includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and daily interdental cleaning with floss or interdental brushes.
