- 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
Contents
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 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.
Bee Naturals’ all-natural Oral Rinse is an ideal choice for those looking for whiter teeth without harmful chemicals. It’s natural formulation contains no alcohol, artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives and is certified cruelty-free. This gentle mouthwash will be sure to leave your mouth feeling fresher and your smile whiter.
Pros
- Contains high concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
- No alcohol, artificial sweeteners, colors or preservatives.
- Leaves mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Cons
- More expensive than other products in this category.
Mountain Falls Whitening Mouthwash
Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide (concentration unknown).
Check priceBrought 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
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).
Check priceSupersmile’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.
When they say “Complete Care” here, they really mean it — this is an 8-in-1 mouth rinse that will meet all your oral hygiene needs. It whitens teeth, freshens breath, prevents cavities, strengthens enamel, fights tartar, reduces plaque, kills bacteria, and fends off acid wear. As a bonus, its bottle even holds your toothbrush. If you only care to buy one product to boost your oral health, this mouthwash is your answer.
Pros
- Alcohol-free.
- Freshens breath with no harsh aftertaste.
- Prevents the buildup of bacteria.
Cons
- Pump dispenser isn’t as effective as advertised.
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.
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.
Specifically designed for smokers, this mouthwash is best for whitening and removing nicotine stains from teeth. It’s a great replacement for Targon, the now discontinued mouthwash beloved by smokers everywhere. If you’re a regular smoker and need a little extra help whitening your teeth and maintaining fresh breath, be sure to try out Pearl Drops Smokers.
Pros
- Best whitening mouthwash for smokers.
- Freshens breath.
- Helps prevent nicotine stains.
Cons
- Comes in a small bottle.
For teeth too sensitive for mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide, there’s Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Whitening, which instead uses sodium fluoride and is peroxide-free. It won’t sting your cheeks or tongue or make your teeth feel sore. This mouthwash has a mild, less minty and sweeter flavor compared to most other brands and is the best choice for people with super sensitive teeth. Even with its gentleness, Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Whitening does a great job whitening teeth and preventing stains.
Pros
- Strengthens enamel against decay.
- Provides long-lasting freshness.
- Pleasant taste with no burning aftertaste.
Cons
- Not as effective as other options in this category for removing stains.
» Are you interested in an in-office whitening procedure? Learn more about Zoom Teeth Whitening.
Best Natural Mouthwashes
While hydrogen peroxide is the most effective way of whitening your teeth, many people prefer products that contain natural ingredients. There are a number of mouthwashes on the market that make use of organic ingredients to help whiten teeth. For example, coconut oil is often used in oil pulling, an ancient practice that involves using oil to remove the bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis. Aloe vera is also often used in natural mouthwashes as it’s believed to be beneficial for gingivitis, periodontitis and controlling mouth bacteria.
Dr Gingers Coconut Oil Pulling & Whitening Mouthwash
Active ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe vera.
Check priceInspired by the ancient practice of oil pulling, Dr. Ginger’s mouthwash utilizes coconut oil and xylitol to whiten teeth in an alternative way. Instead of fluoride or peroxide, this mouthwash uses natural ingredients like coconut, aloe vera, and mint to whiten and strengthen teeth. It also improves your overall dental health by eliminating germs and is even said to provide a boost of energy. The tasty coconut-mint flavor is just the cherry on top if you’re looking for an all-natural solution to teeth whitening.
Pros
- No alcohol, sugar, artificial dyes or sweeteners.
- Freshens breath and cleans mouth.
- Coconut mint flavor.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
Designed with plant-based ingredients for sensitive teeth, Oral Essentials mouthwash is great if you care about knowing exactly what goes into your body. It contains dead sea salt, aloe vera juice, and essential oils imported from France. This mouthwash also uses lemon peel and sage oil to gently whiten teeth and remove stains naturally. Plus, it’s non-GMO, BPA-free, certified non-toxic, and contains no harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Best whitening mouthwash for sensitive teeth.
- Very popular and highly reviewed product.
- Uses natural ingredients to neutralize bacteria and strengthen teeth.
Cons
- Expensive.
Uncle Harry’s Natural Alkalizing Miracle Mouthwash
Active ingredients: Natural chalk, essential oils.
Check priceFor a natural mouthwash that also balances your mouth’s pH, look no further than Uncle Harry’s Alkalizing Miracle Mouthwash. It contains calcium, magnesium and phosphate to strengthen teeth and keep your mouth at its naturally alkaline pH. This fluoride-free mouthwash is also made of sea salt, micro-filtered water and essential oils that help soothe your mouth and flush out irritants. Pure and vegan, Uncle Harry’s mouthwash comes highly recommended.
Pros
- Best whitening mouthwash for sensitive teeth.
- Very popular and highly reviewed product.
- Uses natural ingredients to neutralize bacteria and strengthen teeth.
Cons
- Expensive.
Hello Oral Care Teeth Whitening Mouthwash
Active ingredient: Activated charcoal, coconut oil.
Check priceTake advantage of the powers of activated charcoal with Hello Oral Care’s activated charcoal mouthwash. In addition to the charcoal that whitens and detoxifies teeth, this mouthwash contains natural mint and tea tree oil to freshen and cleanse your mouth. It’s also one of the most environmental choices out there, being vegan, cruelty-free, and made of sustainable bamboo. While using black paste to get white teeth may seem counterintuitive, this charcoal mouthwash will bring you a bright smile in an eco-friendly way.
Pros
- Contains no alcohol, dyes, fluoride, sulfates or artificial sweeteners.
- Vegan (never tested on animals).
- Nice mint flavor.
Cons
- Some users find it’s black color off-putting.
Good for anyone who doesn’t enjoy the harsh taste of many mouthwashes, this offering from Dr. Brite is made with all-natural ingredients and comes in three delicious flavors, making it 100% safe for children as it causes no harm if swallowed. Dr. Brite mouthwash harnesses the ancient Ayurvedic benefits of oil pulling to prevent cavities and bacteria growth. You can rest easy knowing that you and your children are using a safe and effective mouthwash.
Pros
- Natural ingredients.
- Perfect for children as it is safe to swallow.
- Great taste.
Cons
- 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.