A mouthwash is a liquid product that cleanses teeth, gums and mouth. A good mouthwash usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that live between the teeth and on the tongue.
It targets plaque or “invisible" bacteria on the teeth that could harden into tartar. Without proper dental hygiene, this could lead to gum disease, gum inflammation, dental bone loss and other periodontal diseases.
Antiseptic ingredients in mouthwashes such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), sodium chloride, menthol, eucalyptol and fluoride all function to fight to kill bad bacteria in the mouth.
Choosing the Best Mouthwash in the Market
Now remember, oral rinsing should never replace tooth brushing, and it only works with proper usage. It is important to also understand that different formulas contain different ingredients, in fact, not all mouthwashes are able to strengthen teeth.
When choosing a mouthwash, the first thing you have to do is to find out the issues you are facing, such as:
- Bad breath: If this is your problem, a cosmetic mouthwash is great to give you the confidence you need for your important meeting.
- Dry mouth: If you are taking a medicine, or in a situation that causes your mouth to dry out as a side effect, choose a mouthwash that is formulated to give your mouth long-lasting freshness, without drying it out.
- Plaque or gum problems: Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride or other active bacteria-busting ingredients.
There are many products with a variety of ingredients that aim to treat certain conditions or overall oral health. Some of the common ingredients in mouthwashes are:
- Fluoride - fights tooth decay and strengthen enamel
- Cetylpyridinium chloride - diminishes bad breath and kills bacteria
- Chlorhexidine - reduces plaque and controls gum inflammation
- Essential oils - such as menthol (mint), eucalyptus and thyme have antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide - whitens teeth
7 Best Mouthwashes in Malaysia
To help you choose the best mouthwash for your needs, we have compiled 7 products that are favoured by us at theAsianparent Malaysia.
#1 Mama’s Choice Natural Mouthwash
Our top choice is Mama’s Choice Natural Mouthwash! Not only it protects your teeth and mouth to stay healthy and fresh, but its natural mint extract formulation helps prevent nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy!
This means that it is perfectly suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding mums.
The best part is this mouthwash uses a combination of natural ingredients such as chlorophyll, allantoin and mint extract that can prevent plaque formation that caused bacteria build-up and soothe inflamed gums. You don’t have to worry because it is perfectly safe for sensitive teeth!
What do we like about it?
- Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mums
- 100% halal
- Made from natural ingredients
- Free from alcohol, SLS, fluoride, triclosan and paraben
- Prevents nausea and morning sickness
- Safe for sensitive teeth
- Travel-friendly bottle, easy to carry wherever you go
#2 Listerine Total Care
Listerine is a trusted brand that is used by many in Malaysia. This all-in-one mouthwash provides complete care by cleaning 100% of the mouth.
LISTERINE TOTAL CARE is approved by the Canadian Dental Association to reduce and fight gum inflammation, so it definitely provides a more thorough cleanse compared to just brushing and flossing.
What do we like about it?
- 6x more effective in cleansing and removing plaque than brushing teeth
- A unique formula with 4 types of essential oils
- Penetrates deep into plaque to kill bacteria in biofilms
- Prevents and reduces gum inflammation
- Strengthens teeth enamel
- Fights tartar
- Helps keep teeth naturally white
#3 TheraBreath Oral Rinse
This fresh, alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash does not burn or sting, making it perfect for daily use. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse is certified Halal, gluten-free and vegan.
It is also free from dyes, fragrance, cleaning agents and other additives that could dry out and damage your mouth. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse is a great product that is recommended by dentists and pharmacists for more than 20 years.
What do we like about it?
- Fights bad breath for 24 hours
- No alcohol, dyes or artificial flavours
- Helps reduce bad breath especially in the morning
- Acknowledged by the American Dental Association
#4 Colgate Phos-Flur Rinse
Phos-Flur RinseⓇ is specially formulated for orthodontic patients to help reduce the appearance of white spots. It is safe, great-tasting, easy to use and clinically proven to provide fluoride protection.
What do we like about it?
- Specially formulated for orthodontic patients to help reduce the appearance of white spots
- Safe, great-tasting and easy to use
- Phos-Flur RinseⓇ is clinically proven to provide fluoride protection
#5 Oral B Pro-Health Mouthwash
Oral B Pro-Health Mouthwash contains Cetylpyridinium Chloride that has been clinically proven to prevent the formation of plaque, and fluoride to prevent cavities.
This alcohol-free mouthwash with fresh mint flavour leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean!
What do we like about it?
- Contains fluoride to fight cavities
- Helps reduce bacteria that causes plaque
- Fresh mint flavour
#6 Propolinse Oral Mouthwash
Propolinse Mouthwash is a natural oral rinse formulated in Japan that will help you maintain good dental hygiene by removing bacteria, bad breath and plaque, and at the same time brightens your teeth as well as prevents tooth decay.
You can be sure that this mouthwash is working from the protein and particles formed right after you gargle with it! It still works like a charm even if you use it after gargling with another mouthwash!
What do we like about it?
- It contains catechin from green tea extract and propolis from honey
- Comes in a travel-friendly bottle
- Maintains good dental hygiene by removing bacteria, bad breath and plaque
- Brightens teeth
#7 Oxyfresh Zinc Mouth Rinse
This patented Pro Formula Mouthwash is suitable for anyone who has veneers, sensitive teeth and gums. This product is free from alcohol, dyes, artificial sweeteners or any ingredients that could damage the teeth and cosmetic dental work.
Infused with natural essential mint oil, the patented combination of OxygeneⓇ and zinc helps diminish bad breath, yet is still very gentle on the teeth and gum tissues.
What do we like about it?
- Patented zinc mouthrinse
- Alcohol-free
- No dyes
- Contains xylitol
- Freshens breath
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Read more: Hey Mama, Dental Care Is Important During Pregnancy - Try One Of These Pregnancy-Safe Toothpastes!
