- Your teeth gradually start to yellow as you get older.
- Whitening mouthwashes can help keep your teeth white and healthy.
- Natural mouthwashes are a good alternative for people with sensitive teeth.
The color of your teeth can have a big impact on your smile and overall look.
As you age, the layer of enamel that covers your teeth starts to wear away. This reveals the underlying tissue known as dentin, which is naturally yellow and can give your teeth a yellowish tinge.
In some cases, discoloration is also caused by the consumption of tobacco, coffee, tea, wine and soft drinks.
Whitening mouthwashes are a simple, cost-effective way to help keep your teeth white. Here are 15 of the best whitening mouthwashes to look for in 2019.
Best Mouthwashes for Whiter Teeth
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common ingredients used in teeth whitening mouthwashes. It’s an effective teeth whitening agent due to its ability to easily pass into the tooth and oxidize the complex molecules that cause staining.
Most mouthwashes contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations of 1-3%, which is far lower than the 25% solutions your dentist might use.
Mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide are generally considered to be safe and effective, although they may not be the best choice for people with sensitive teeth.
Colgate Optic White Whitening Mouthwash
Active ingredient: 2% hydrogen peroxide.Colgate Optic White Whitening Mouthwash is a high impact mouthwash that uses 2% hydrogen peroxide and Whiteseal Technology to remove and prevent surface stains. It can get to hard-to-reach places to banish bad breath and kill bacteria.
Pros
- Best whitening mouthwash for people with braces.
- Does not contain alcohol.
- Fast acting.
Cons
- Some users don’t like the ‘medical’ taste.
Mountain Falls Whitening Mouthwash
Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide (concentration unknown).Brought to you by Amazon’s own Mountain Falls brand, this mouthwash is simple and effective. It gets rid of bad breath with a nice tasting minty flavor and is completely free of alcohol. While it might be a little harsh on sensitive teeth, it’s a safe, simple, affordable option for your whitening needs.
Pros
- Kills germs that cause bad breath.
- Alcohol-free.
- Competitively priced.
Cons
- May not be suitable for people with sensitive teeth
Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse
Active ingredient: 1% hydrogen peroxide.This wildly popular mouthwash is certified organic and incredibly effective. Not only does it whiten teeth, but it also gets rid of tartar and canker sores while reducing your chances of contracting bacterial disease. This rinse is made by Essential Oxygen, a company that is proudly women-owned and both socially and environmentally aware so you can feel good about your purchase — for your own health and the planet’s.
Pros
- Very popular product.
- Helps treat gum inflammation and canker sores.
- Certified organic.
Cons
- Strong taste can be overbearing for some users.
Supersmile Whitening Pre-Rinse
Active ingredient: Hydrogen Peroxide (concentration unknown).Supersmile’s Pre-Rinse Whitening Mouthwash whitens and remineralizes teeth and dental restorations without using harmful ingredients. This mouthwash will also leave you with better breath and healthier gums. This made-in-the-USA mouthwash is the number one teeth whitening brand recommended by cosmetic dentists, helping it rank among the best options available.
Pros
- Kills germs to provide fresher breath and healthier gums.
- Does not contain sugar, alcohol, parabens or sulfates.
- Pleasant taste.
Cons
- Fairly expensive.
» Read more on the best teeth whitening products, including kits, strips, toothpastes and other methods
Best Mouthwashes for Strengthening Enamel
Sodium fluoride is a water-soluble compound that naturally occurs in small amounts in meat, fish, tea, eggs and natural water sources. It is widely used in teeth whitening mouthwashes due to its ability to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. Although sodium fluoride does not directly whiten teeth, it does make teeth more resistant to the damage caused by bacteria and acids found in food. This helps to prevent future stains.
Listerine Total Care Whitening Mouthwash
Active ingredient: 0.02% sodium fluoride.Whitening teeth is just one benefit of Listerine’s Total Care Mouthwash. This mouthwash also makes every area of your mouth healthier. Its anticavity formula makes teeth up to 50% more cavity resistant when used as part of your morning and nightly routines. Listerine Total Care is also rich in fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities and plaque build-up while working to restore teeth to their natural whiteness.
Pros
- Prevents cavities.
- Contains hydrogen peroxide to help whiten teeth.
- Good price.
Cons
- Some users do not like this product’s foaming action.
Crest 3D White Luxe
Active ingredient: 0.02% sodium fluoride.From the makers of the popular Whitestrips comes 3D White Luxe Diamond Strong mouthwash. Its gentle, foaming action formula works to whiten, strengthen, and refresh teeth all at once. It also contains fluoride to prevent cavities and promote good oral health. Diamond Strong removes surface stains and strengthens tooth enamel to leave you with a bright, beautiful smile.
Pros
- Very positively reviewed product.
- Strengthens tooth enamel and whitens teeth.
- Clean, fresh taste.
Cons
- Fairly expensive.
Takeaway
Teeth whitening mouthwashes are an important part of any person’s oral hygiene routine.
Mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide are your best bet for teeth whitening, although people with sensitive teeth should be careful to follow the instructions exactly as directed or consider a more natural alternative instead.
While mouthwashes can help whiten your teeth to a certain extent, you will get even better results with professional teeth whitening.