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Best Organic Mouthwashes

Updated January 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Essential Oxygen Organic Mouthwash
Essential Oxygen
Organic Mouthwash
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Freshens and Protects
Bottom Line

This organic mouthwash whitens gum pockets, reduces tooth sensitivity, and much more.

Pros

Certified organic and does not contain alcohol, glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate, or fluoride. Delivers whiter teeth and fresher breath faster than ever before. Reduces the risk of internal diseases associated with oral bacteria getting into the bloodstream and organs. Sold in a peppermint flavor.

Cons

Taste may be unpleasant for some users. May cause a burning sensation on the gums.

Best Bang for the Buck
Lucky Teeth Organic Mouthwash
Lucky Teeth
Organic Mouthwash
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Combo Flavor
Bottom Line

A premium organic mouthwash that delivers a great combination of affordability and quality.

Pros

Consists of a distinct mixture of food-grade peroxide, water, organic oregano oil, organic tea tree oil, and organic peppermint oil. Helps treat gum disease, inflammation, and bleeding. Removes stain buildup on the teeth. Reduces bad breath.

Cons

Sold in a small bottle. Not as strong as other organic mouthwashes.

Oral Essentials Organic Mouthwash
Oral Essentials
Organic Mouthwash
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Clinically Tested
Bottom Line

This organic mouthwash harmonizes the mouth’s natural ecosystem and eliminates bad breath.

Pros

Contains a rich blend of essential oils, 21 potent sea minerals, and soothing aloe vera. Alcohol-free. Clinically tested for proven results. Comes in a BPA-free bottle. Sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

Bad taste and smell. Sometimes leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. May burn the tongue and throat.

Nature's Answer PerioBrite
Nature's Answer
PerioBrite
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Minty Freshness
Bottom Line

A top-notch organic mouthwash that does more than keep your breath fresh and clean.

Pros

Cool, minty flavor leaves a refreshing sensation. Naturally moistens gum tissue for long-lasting, effective results. Contains soothing herbs, cinnamon and other natural ingredients that have been shown to support tissue and gum health. Fluoride- and gluten-free.

Cons

Fresh breath is short-lived after use. Mouthwash has a strong, pungent smell.

Dessert Essence Ultra Care Mouthwash
Dessert Essence
Ultra Care Mouthwash
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Overall Oral Health
Bottom Line

An organic mouthwash that is packed with natural extracts, essential oils, and minerals to improve dental health.

Pros

Simultaneously keeps your mouth clean and healthy while reducing plaque with powerful cleansing properties of myrrh and zinc citrate. Contains pure peppermint and spearmint oils, which can help you get rid of mouth odors. Includes a natural blend of chamomile, sage, and aloe, all of which soothe painful and inflamed gums.

Cons

Formula may be too potent for some users. Taste is very spicy.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best organic mouthwashes

Traditional mouthwash formulas often contain harsh additives, a long list of chemicals, and alcohol. For some consumers, these ingredients raise health and safety concerns or cause unpleasant side effects like dry mouth and irritation. 

Organic mouthwash offers a gentle yet effective alternative for fresh breath and improved oral hygiene with a combination of food-grade ingredients, essential oils, and minerals. Organic mouthwashes vary in strength, ingredients, taste, bottle size, and whether the mouthwash helps combat stains and plaque. So whether you want a spicy, tingly clean that’s strong enough to take on the tacos you ate for lunch or a mild but satisfying rinse after brushing, you’ll find an option that caters to your needs.

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People have been using mouthwash for a very long time. There are Roman, Chinese, Egyptian, and Greek records about mouthwash dating back to AD 1!

Key considerations

When it comes to selecting mouthwash, an unpleasant taste, a formula that’s too strong (or weak) for your needs, or added ingredients you’d prefer to avoid are all deal-breakers. Taste, strength, and ingredients should be your first considerations as you hone in on the ideal organic mouthwash.

Taste

Organic mouthwashes typically contain essential oils for flavor. While some formulas mimic a traditional spearmint or peppermint flavor, others add tea tree oil, sage, aloe vera, and even oregano for a unique, distinctly different flavor. 

Read reviews about flavor carefully, since the taste of mainstream flavors like peppermint can be surprisingly odd in organic mouthwash, especially if you’re accustomed to artificial flavors. In fact, a number of mint-flavored organic options have earned less-than-stellar reviews because consumers perceived the flavor as strange or unpleasant.

Strength and sensation

Like traditional mouthwash, organic mouthwash varies in strength and potency. Are you looking for a mild tingling sensation, or are you trying to find a maximum-strength formula that really makes your mouth “feel the burn”? You’ll find organic options at both ends of the spectrum, along with plenty of medium-strength options. Mouthwashes that “burn” have a higher concentration of essential oils, menthol, or peroxide. If you’re not interested in this strong sensation, avoid mouthwash with alcohol, peroxide, menthol, or lots of essential oils. 

If you have gingivitis, lots of plaque, or mouth ulcers, even mild mouthwash may cause your mouth to burn. Better brushing and flossing habits that improve oral hygiene usually help improve these conditions (and the burning sensation). 

Ingredient list

Even organic mouthwash may contain ingredients that some customers find problematic. If you’re interested in an organic mouthwash that doesn’t include fluoride, alcohol, dyes, sugar, sorbitol, glycerin, or sodium lauryl sulfate, you’ll find a handful of organic mouthwash brands that cater to your needs and advertise formulas that do not include these ingredients. 

Keep in mind that unless a product displays the USDA organic seal, it probably isn’t fully organic. The word “natural” in product advertising has an unspecific meaning and is not regulated, so “natural” products may still contain GMOs, non-organic ingredients, or synthetic ingredients.

Oral health experts recommend rinsing with organic mouthwash twice per day, for 30 seconds each time.

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Features

Bottle size 

Check the bottle size before you order. Some organic mouthwashes give you more product for your dollar with a large bottle, while others are tiny in comparison. The average bottle contains 16 ounces, but you’ll find some 10- to 12-ounce bottles on the smaller end and a few 32-ounce bottles on the larger end. Some brands sell twin packs with bulk discounts, which can save you money if you find a formula you like.

Whitening vs. tooth staining

Some mouthwashes include peroxide and essential oils like peppermint and cinnamon to help remove stains and whiten your teeth over time with regular use. However, other formulas may actually include ingredients that worsen or create stains over time. Watch out for the ingredients stannous fluoride and cetylpyridinium chloride, which can create coffee-like stains on teeth over time.

Plaque reduction

Organic mouthwash that contains antiseptic ingredients like peroxide or essential oils in higher concentrations can help kill and break down the bacteria that live in the mouth.

Popular essential oils that have antiseptic qualities include peppermint, lemon, tea tree, chamomile, sage, and spearmint. 

Aftertaste

Aftertaste, the taste left in your mouth after you rinse and spit out the mouthwash, can be as important as taste. Some mouthwashes taste great while you rinse but leave an odd or undesirable flavor in the mouth after they’re gone. Formulas with lots of different essential oils can be prone to strange aftertastes because so many different flavors are interacting with each other.

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DID YOU KNOW?
Because gum disease can lead to early labor, studies show that rinsing with mouthwash regularly can help expectant mothers avoid preterm labor.
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Accessories

Rinse cup: Creative Scents Quilted Mirror Bathroom Tumbler
If you rinse with organic mouthwash regularly and are tired of using cups from the kitchen, you can buy a dedicated rinse cup that matches your bathroom décor. This bathroom tumbler is non-breakable, sturdy, won’t take up much space on your countertop, and comes in four styles that complement an array of bathroom themes. 

Mouthwash decanter: CrystalClear Mouthwash Decanter Bottle
For easy access to your organic mouthwash without keeping an unsightly bottle on the countertop, we recommend this elegant decanter bottle from CrystalClear. It’s durable, functional, and heavy enough that you won’t be likely to accidentally bump it and spill your mouthwash.

Organic mouthwash prices

Inexpensive: You can find full-size value bottles of organic mouthwash for between $4 and $10. Plenty of these inexpensive options taste great and advertise “natural” ingredients, but you won’t find the USDA organic seal on them and can’t count on GMO-free or organic ingredients. The majority of these inexpensive options are alcohol-free and gentler than traditional mouthwash.

Mid-range: Mid-range organic mouthwashes cost anywhere from $10 to $25. You’ll find a number of GMO-free, alcohol-free options that display the organic seal. As price increases, you’ll find more cruelty-free vegan and vegetarian options and formulas that do not include dyes or synthetic ingredients. Mid-range organic mouthwashes can often help whiten teeth and reduce plaque. 

Expensive: If you’re willing to pay top dollar for sustainably sourced, high-end organic mouthwash with expensive-looking details like glass bottles and artful branding, you’ll find bottles that run between $25 and $50. The priciest organic mouthwashes are usually created with the best essential oils, vegan and cruelty-free, GMO-free, and may display the USDA organic seal.

Wait a few minutes to rinse your mouth with water after rinsing with organic mouthwash. The mouthwash is still working on the surface of your teeth and gums after you spit it out.

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Tips

  • Don’t touch the mouthwash bottle or cap directly to your lips. This can cause bacterial growth on the bottle. Instead, pour the mouthwash into a cup before you swish. 
  • Mouthwash is meant to be used in tandem with brushing teeth to stimulate gums and dislodge debris. Don’t make the mistake of substituting rinsing for brushing! 
  • Children under the age of six shouldn’t use mouthwash unless a dentist specifically directs it. The reason: a child’s risk of swallowing the mouthwash is too high.
  • If you wear dentures, you can soak them in mouthwash for a few minutes twice a day to help remove bacteria and keep your mouth feeling fresh. Avoid soaking dentures in mouthwash overnight because mouthwash can dry out the acrylic material in the dentures and cause cracks.
  • Mouthwash is a great way to remove garlic or onion smell from your hands after preparing a meal. In a pinch, organic mouthwash can also be used as deodorant (it will sting a little) or toilet bowl cleaner.
  • Pay attention to the recommended amount of mouthwash indicated on the bottle when you swish. Not only will this help you get the maximum benefit from your mouthwash, but it will help your bottle last as long as possible. 
  • Choose wisely if you have sensitive gums. Opt for a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash with soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera.
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There’s lots of debate about whether to rinse with organic mouthwash or brush first, but most dentists say it comes down to personal preference.

FAQ

Q. Can I dilute my organic mouthwash if it’s too strong for me?

A. Yes. If your mouthwash is too strong for your taste or burns your mouth too much, try diluting it with water before you swish for a milder experience. Just keep in mind that if you dilute the mouthwash too much, it won’t be quite as effective at killing bacteria and improving bad breath.

Q. How long should I swish with organic mouthwash for best results?

A. Swishing with mouthwash for enough time is an important part of improving your breath and oral hygiene. Check the label and directions for your chosen brand. In most cases, you’ll need to swish for at least 30 seconds to get results. There’s no need to swish longer than a minute, since doing so can be counterproductive and irritate gums. 

Q. Will it harm me if I accidentally swallow some organic mouthwash?

A. If you accidentally swallow a small amount of organic mouthwash, you may feel some mild gastrointestinal distress. It’s important to take precautions to avoid swallowing mouthwash regularly. Even organic mouthwash that’s free of alcohol and fluoride can cause intestinal problems or upset your body’s pH and blood pressure if ingested regularly.