Yes, Listerine (and similar antiseptic mouthwashes) can help by killing bacteria, reducing plaque, fighting bad breath, and preventing gingivitis, but it's an adjunct to brushing/flossing, not a replacement, and alcohol-free formulas are often better to avoid dry mouth, notes this article from GoodRx and this article from Milltown Dental, this article from the National Institutes of Health. It's great for hard-to-reach spots, post-surgery, or for those with high decay risk, but shouldn't mask serious issues like persistent halitosis.
Antiseptic mouthwashes, like Listerine, contain ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, and eucalyptol that help kill bacteria. These mouthwashes are particularly effective in reducing plaque, fighting bad breath, and preventing gum disease.
Dentists often don't recommend routine mouthwash because it can disrupt beneficial oral bacteria, cause dry mouth (especially alcohol-based types), mask underlying issues like bad breath, and potentially lead to tooth staining or taste changes, with brushing and flossing remaining the core of good oral hygiene, though prescribed rinses can be useful for specific, short-term conditions.
Antimicrobial mouthwash might disrupt the oral microbiome and increase the number of certain dangerous bacteria, according to a new study. Previous research has linked certain oral bacteria to gum disease and cancer; however, experts are still learning more about the connection between the oral microbiome and health.
Key Takeaways. Mouthwash is safe to use during pregnancy as long as you're not swallowing it (which you're not supposed to do, anyway). Out of an abundance of caution, skip alcohol-based mouthwashes.
If you have a low flow of saliva because of a medical condition or suffer from diabetes, you should avoid using a mouthwash that contains alcohol, to prevent your condition from getting worse. If you have a history of alcohol abuse, you should use alcohol-free mouthwash instead.
Cavities (also called tooth decay or caries).
These are small, damaged areas in the surface of your teeth. Being pregnant makes you more likely to have cavities. You can pass the bacteria that causes cavities to your baby during pregnancy and after birth. This can cause problems for your baby later in life.
The good news is that mouthwash, along with other at-home oral care routines and regular cleaning and check-up visits with your dentist, can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal (gum) disease and consequent gum recession.
If possible, look for a mouthwash with antibacterial or antimicrobial ingredients. Fluoride is beneficial for oral health and can help prevent tooth decay. If you drink a lot of bottled water without fluoride, we may recommend that you purchase a rinse with fluoride in it.
For total oral health, rinse twice daily with Listerine® Total Care Teeth Protect Milder Taste Mouthwash. With 6 benefits in 1, Total Care kills up to 97% of bacteria left behind after brushing. It also reduces plaque up to 56% more than brushing alone, and removes stains.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
Commercial mouthwashes such as Listerine have an acidic pH that may cause harm to the enamel if used too frequently. It is also important that you limit the duration of contact between the mouthwash and your teeth.
If you maintain excellent oral hygiene—brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly—you may not need mouthwash at all. In fact, using the wrong kind of mouthwash can sometimes do more harm than good.
Listerine mouthwash, particularly those containing alcohol, can contribute to dry mouth (xerostomia). Alcohol can reduce saliva production, leading to a feeling of dryness in the mouth. This can be particularly problematic for individuals who already suffer from dry mouth.
Three of our dentists gave Listerine Total Care Zero an alcohol-free thumbs up when it comes to good gum care. “It's a good alcohol-free rinse that helps reduce bacteria and supports tissue healing,” says Dr. Manuele.
Wait Before Eating or Drinking: Don't eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash. This gives the active ingredients time to work without getting washed away. Don't Dilute: Even though it might seem like a good idea to water down mouthwash to make it milder, it can actually make it less effective.
I recommend Colgate NeutraFluor 220 Alcohol Free mouthwash. For people with gum related issues (gingivitis), I recommend an anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis rinse such as Listerine. If you want an all-round mouth-rinse, I would recommend the Oral B Clinical or Multi Protection or Listerine Total Care.
Alternative mouthwashes
Top 5 Remedies to Soothe Swollen Gums at Home
By including mouthwash in your dental hygiene routine, you're killing the bad bacteria and getting rid of the good stuff, too. Needless to say, this isn't an ideal solution!
No, receding gums (gingival recession) generally do not grow back naturally because gum tissue has limited regenerative capacity, but you can halt further recession and restore coverage with dental treatments like gum grafting or regenerative therapy, while managing the issue with good oral hygiene. Treatments focus on cleaning deep pockets, covering exposed roots, and preventing further loss through procedures and improved brushing/flossing.
Dentists often don't recommend routine mouthwash because it can disrupt beneficial oral bacteria, cause dry mouth (especially alcohol-based types), mask underlying issues like bad breath, and potentially lead to tooth staining or taste changes, with brushing and flossing remaining the core of good oral hygiene, though prescribed rinses can be useful for specific, short-term conditions.
If you have dry mouth—whether from genetics, medications, or stress—you're at higher risk for cavities. So when someone says, “I never brush my teeth and have no cavities,” they might simply have protective, high-quality saliva that naturally balances their oral ecosystem.
It is safe to perform a routine dental treatment in the early part of the 3rd trimester, but from the middle of the 3rd trimester, routine dental treatments are avoided. The current recommendations are: Oral hygiene, instructions and plaque control.
Stress causes teeth grinding (bruxism) and wears down enamel. Gradually, it makes teeth more prone to cavities. A sudden cavity epidemic usually results from poor oral care as a result of stress. Poor diet under stress can contribute to more sugar and acid intake.