As you choose the right mouthwash, you are likely presented with two options: alcohol or non-alcohol. These mouthwash options are both popular, and this means that you might be stumped as to which option is better for your teeth.

The next time you choose a mouthwash, you might want to know which mouthwash your dentist recommends. These are a few things you need to consider.

The Pros of Alcohol Mouthwash

There are a few reasons to consider mouthwash with alcohol. For one, alcohol is very good at killing bacteria. It can kill bacteria that linger in the small crevices of your mouth, which can be especially helpful if you tend to miss areas during flossing or brushing.

Many people prefer mouthwash with alcohol because of the fresh breath that it gives them. You may feel like your breath is especially fresh because alcohol has that slight sting. This might make you feel more motivated to use mouthwash, which can be better than using nothing at all.

There is also the fact that alcohol-based mouthwash is more popular in some stores. You may have to read the labels carefully to find one that does not contain alcohol.

The Pros of Non-Alcohol Mouthwash

Mouthwash without alcohol has perks too. For one, this mouthwash avoids killing some of the good bacteria living in your mouth. Not all types of bacteria are bad to have in your mouth, so there are some benefits to having this mouthwash on hand.

Secondly, these mouthwashes are not as likely to dry your mouth out. A dry mouth is more likely to have bad breath because there is less saliva. Saliva reduces bacteria as well, so it's actually a good idea to have a bit of saliva in your mouth to fight cavities.

For many people, non-alcohol mouthwash is a better option because they want to avoid keeping any type of alcohol in the home. If you prefer not to have alcohol available, non-alcohol mouthwash can be beneficial.

Finally, mouthwash without alcohol does not sting. You may be able to hold mouthwash in your mouth longer because you don't have that sting. If you are trying to build healthy dental habits with your children, it might be a good idea to start with a non-alcohol option.

So, Which Do Dentists Recommend?

Dentists may recommend different types of mouthwashes based on your individual needs. If you are unsure which option is the best for your teeth, it's time to schedule an appointment and speak with a dentist's office.