How to Use Mouthwash

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Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Last Updated: May 1, 2025 Approved

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Choosing Mouthwash

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Using It Effectively

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Knowing When to Use It

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Video

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Using mouthwash correctly can freshen your breath, help prevent cavities, and treat gingivitis. There are two main types of mouthwash that you can choose from. Cosmetic mouthwash masks bad breath but does not treat the cause of bad breath. Therapeutic mouthwash, on the other hand, does kill the bacteria that cause bad breath while reducing plaque, gingivitis, and cavities. Once you have chosen your mouthwash, use it once a day before or after brushing, or more often if your dentist instructs you to do so. Keep in mind, it’s important to always brush twice a day and floss at least once a day, regardless of whether you’re using mouthwash or not.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Mouthwash

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1
Use a cosmetic mouthwash to mask bad breath. If your aim is simply to freshen up your breath, there are a variety of products you can choose from to cover the bad odor. These leave your mouth feeling pleasant and temporarily improve your breath. Cosmetic mouthwash is a good choice for rinsing after eating a particularly pungent meal, such as garlic spaghetti sauce. It serves the same function as an after-dinner mint, with fewer calories. ^{[1]
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Research source}
- If you have chronic bad breath, cosmetic mouthwash won't address the source of the issue, nor will it help reduce plaque, gingivitis, or cavities. It masks bad smells, but it doesn't kill the bacteria that produce them. The point of cosmetic mouthwash is to make your mouth taste and smell good.
2
Use therapeutic mouthwash to fight bacteria. Therapeutic mouthwashes help fight bacteria that cause bad breath, reduce plaque, and treat gingivitis. Some may even whiten teeth. If you're looking for a mouthwash that cleans your mouth, choose one with therapeutic agents that will reduce harmful bacteria. Look for an over-the-counter mouthwash in the toothpaste aisle that is labeled as being antibacterial or antiseptic. ^{[2]
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American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health
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- Using an antibacterial mouthwash may help you tackle the root of bad breath, which is often caused by bacteria. This is because it kills bacteria and inhibits their reproduction. That said, some antibacterial agents, such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium, may discolor your teeth.
- You might also want to try an antiseptic mouthwash . This will stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, protozoa, and viruses. However, antiseptic mouthwash contains a lot of alcohol, which can dry out your mouth and cause irritation. ^{[3]
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  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}
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3
Use fluoride mouthwash to prevent cavities. If your goal is specifically to prevent cavities, you might want to choose a therapeutic mouthwash that contains fluoride . This type of mouthwash helps reduce lesions that cause cavity formation. Fluoride is in most commercially available toothpaste, and it is also added to the water in many cities, but you might want to consider using extra fluoride if your teeth are particularly prone to cavities. ^{[4]
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Research source}
- Board Certified Dentist Tu Anh Vu warns that too much fluoride can be bad for you, but it’s not dangerous in the low levels found in toothpaste. It is also found naturally in water. Fluoride is the best option if you want to remineralize your tooth enamel and prevent future cavities. ^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Tu Anh Vu, DMD
  Board Certified Dentist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 Apr 2020.}
If you have an infection, mouth pain, lack of saliva (xerostomia), or another medical condition, your doctor or dentist might prescribe a special mouthwash to treat the problem. ^{[6]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Use the mouthwash as directed by your physician. Check the instructions that come with your prescription to learn about dosage and side effects.
5
Use herbal mouthwash to avoid dyes and chemicals. If you want to start using mouthwash, but would prefer to know exactly what you're using to rinse your teeth every day, choose one (or make your own ) that is made with herbs that promote good oral health. ^{[7]
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National Cancer Institute
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- Clove, peppermint, and rosemary are all herbs that are traditionally used in preparations for the mouth and teeth due to their antibacterial, antiseptic, and cooling properties.

Part 2

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Using It Effectively

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1
Pour the proper dosage into a small cup. Read the instructions on the label of your mouthwash to find the proper dosage. Your bottle of mouthwash may come with a small cup, often located on the bottle's cap, that you can use to measure the correct amount. If your bottle didn't come with a cup, pour the mouthwash into a small cup you've set aside for this specific purpose. ^{[8]
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American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health
Go to source}
- Most mouthwashes will recommend a dose of about 20 mL (0.67 fl oz). ^{[9]
  X
  Research source} This amount is enough to clean your teeth in one dose. Some fluoride mouthwashes, however, only require 10 mL (0.34 fl oz).
- Unless you're using a prescription mouthwash, don't worry too much about using the exact amount. Use enough mouthwash to fill your mouth without making you feel uncomfortable. Always follow your dentist's instructions when using a prescription mouthwash.
2
Pour it into your mouth. Tip the cup into your mouth and pour the mouthwash in all at once. Close your mouth to create a seal, so the mouthwash doesn't squirt out when you start swishing. Do not swallow the mouthwash. It may contain strong chemicals that are not meant to be ingested. ^{[10]
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U.S. National Capital Poison Center
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- If you swallow a little bit of mouthwash, don’t panic. This is unlikely to lead to toxicity, but avoid swallowing large amounts.
Follow the directions on the bottle to find out exactly how long to swish the mouthwash. ^{[11]
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American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health
Go to source} Make sure it swishes in front of and behind your teeth. Swish it through your molars as well as your front teeth. Swish it under your tongue and across the roof of your mouth, too.
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Spit it out. When you're done swishing, spit the mouthwash out into the sink. ^{[12]
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U.S. National Capital Poison Center
Independent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save lives
Go to source} Rinse out the sink to get rid of the used mouthwash.
- Depending on the type of mouthwash you used, you may need to wait 1/2 hour or more before drinking water or eating to increase its effectiveness. Read the directions on the bottle to find out if you should wait.

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Knowing When to Use It

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1
Use mouthwash before brushing your teeth. Avoid using mouthwash directly after brushing your teeth. The mouthwash can wash away the protective layer of fluoride on your teeth left over from the toothpaste. Because of this, it’s best to use mouthwash and then brush. ^{[13]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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- Even if you’re using a fluoride-based mouthwash, it’s best to use mouthwash before brushing your teeth.
2
Use mouthwash to freshen your breath anytime. You can carry a little bottle of mouthwash with you during the day to refresh your breath after meals. If you have a problem with bad breath, this can be a good alternative to popping breath mints all day long.
- Avoid eating or drinking 30 minutes after using mouthwash to ensure your teeth get all the lasting benefits. ^{[14]
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  National Health Service (UK)
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Never substitute mouthwash for brushing and flossing . Mouthwash is meant to be a supplement to other oral hygiene practices, not a replacement. ^{[15]
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Research source} Make sure you continue to brush and floss your teeth as recommended by your dentist. Vu recommends brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. ^{[16]
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Expert Source

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}
If you're using mouthwash to treat gingivitis, chronic bad breath, or cavities, make an appointment with your dentist to ensure you're using the right mouthwash. Mouthwash alone may not be effective enough to treat the problem you're dealing with, so it's important to get dental care before things get worse. ^{[17]
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American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health
Go to source}

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I use mouthwash instead of brushing my teeth?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

No. Brushing your teeth is one of the most important parts of oral hygiene. Always brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. Use soft, circular motions and any toothpaste with fluoride in it to keep your teeth clean and prevent cavities.

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Tips

When purchasing mouthwash, look for one with the ADA's Seal of Acceptance to ensure it’s safe and of good quality. ^{[18]
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Don't rinse with water immediately after using mouthwash. The cleansing properties of mouthwash continue to work after you spit it out, and rinsing with water dilutes the wash and reduces its effects.

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Warnings

Always read the directions. Call poison control right away if you swallow more than a single recommended dosage. A small amount will not hurt you, but an overdose can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or other problems. ^{[19]
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Children under the age of 6 should not use mouthwash unless instructed to by a dentist. ^{[20]
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How to Use Mouthwash

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Choosing Mouthwash

Using It Effectively

Knowing When to Use It

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

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