In the world of oral care, we’ve been taught that killing germs is the primary goal. However, a growing number of dentists and hygienists are pointing to an even more critical factor for long-term health: the pH balance of your mouth.
The unfortunate truth is that many common oral issues—from tooth decay and sensitivity to chronic dry mouth and even bad breath—are directly linked to a mouth environment that is too acidic (a low pH). Acids, whether from food, drinks, or the harmful bacteria in plaque, are the primary culprit behind enamel erosion and the creation of cavities.
This is where alkaline mouthwash steps in.
Unlike traditional formulas that might contain harsh alcohols or strong acids, alkaline mouthwashes are specifically designed to neutralize that damaging acidity. By raising the pH of your saliva, these unique rinses create an inhospitable environment for acid-loving bacteria, helping your body’s natural defenses (like saliva) protect and even remineralize your tooth enamel.
Whether you suffer from acid reflux, dry mouth, or simply want to reinforce your enamel against decay, switching to an alkaline formula can be a game-changer.
In this comprehensive guide, we review the best alkaline mouthwashes on the market. We break down the science of pH balancing, identify key ingredients to look for, and recommend the top products that will help you move your oral environment from acidic and vulnerable to perfectly balanced and protected.
Top Alkaline Mouthwash Brands
1. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
- Highlights: A top-rated option, often recommended by dentists. It’s known for its ability to neutralize sulfur-producing bacteria that cause bad breath. It has a high pH and is alcohol-free, making it suitable for those with dry mouth.
- Key Ingredients: OXYD-8, a proprietary blend that includes sodium chlorite to neutralize odors. It also contains tea tree oil and xylitol.
- Note: TheraBreath offers various formulas with slightly different pH levels, but their core products are designed to be alkaline.
2. Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse
- Highlights: Specifically formulated for people with dry mouth, which is often associated with an acidic oral environment. It helps to soothe and moisturize the mouth while maintaining a balanced pH. It is alcohol- and sugar-free.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin to add moisture, along with enzymes and xylitol to support a healthy oral environment.
- Note: While designed for dry mouth, its balanced pH makes it an effective alkaline choice for anyone.
3. Listerine Zero Alcohol Mouthwash
- Highlights: A well-known brand that provides an effective, alcohol-free formula. While some Listerine products are acidic, the Zero Alcohol version is formulated to have a more neutral pH, helping to neutralize bacteria and freshen breath without the harsh, drying effects of alcohol.
- Key Ingredients: A blend of four essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol) that work to kill germs.
4. Colgate Total 12 Protection Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
- Highlights: This mouthwash is designed to provide comprehensive protection against germs and plaque. The alcohol-free formula helps to maintain a healthy oral pH.
- Key Ingredients: Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) which is an antimicrobial agent that helps to kill odor-causing bacteria.
5. ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash
- Highlights: This product combines the benefits of an alkaline formula with fluoride for added cavity protection. It helps to restore minerals to your teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to decay.
- Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride to fight cavities and xylitol to support a healthy oral environment.
Making Your Choice
The best alkaline mouthwash for you depends on your specific needs. If your primary concern is bad breath, TheraBreath might be a great choice. For those with dry mouth or sensitive gums, Biotène offers a gentle yet effective solution. For comprehensive protection with fluoride, both Listerine Zero and ACT are excellent options.
Remember, mouthwash is a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular brushing and flossing.
What is an Alkaline Mouthwash?
An alkaline mouthwash is a type of oral rinse designed to neutralize the acids in your mouth and create an alkaline environment. The idea behind alkaline mouthwash is that by raising the pH level of your mouth, you can prevent tooth decay and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria.
How does an alkaline mouthwash work?
Alkaline mouthwashes typically contain ingredients like baking soda, xylitol, or essential oils that help to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. By creating an alkaline environment, these mouthwashes aim to make it harder for harmful bacteria to thrive and cause problems like cavities and bad breath.
What benefits does alkaline mouthwash offer?
Proponents of alkaline mouthwash claim that it can offer a range of benefits for your oral health, including:
- Preventing cavities
- Neutralizing bad breath
- Whitening teeth
- Reducing sensitivity
However, as I’ll discuss later, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
Differences between alkaline and acidic mouthwash
The main difference between alkaline and acidic mouthwash lies in their pH levels. Acidic mouthwashes typically have a pH level below 7, while alkaline mouthwashes have a pH level above 7. Acidic mouthwashes can actually harm your teeth by eroding the enamel, while alkaline mouthwashes aim to protect your teeth by neutralizing acids.
Why Should You Use Alkaline Mouthwash?
Despite the limited scientific evidence, there are some potential benefits to using alkaline mouthwash as part of your oral care routine.
Preventing cavities with alkaline mouthwash
One of the main claims about alkaline mouthwash is that it can help prevent cavities by neutralizing the acids that cause tooth decay. While there is some evidence to support this claim, it’s important to note that fluoride is still the most effective way to prevent cavities. If you’re considering using alkaline mouthwash, I recommend talking to your dentist first to see if it’s a good fit for your individual needs.
Maintaining proper pH balance in your mouth
Another potential benefit of alkaline mouthwash is that it can help maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth. When the pH level of your mouth becomes too acidic, it can create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. By using an alkaline mouthwash, you may be able to help restore the natural balance of your oral microbiome.
Alkaline mouthwash vs. fluoride mouthwash: Which is better?
While alkaline mouthwash may offer some benefits, it’s important to remember that fluoride is still the gold standard when it comes to preventing cavities. Fluoride works by strengthening your tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks. If you’re looking for a mouthwash that will help protect your teeth from decay, I recommend choosing one that contains fluoride.
How to Choose the Best Alkaline Mouthwash
If you’re interested in trying alkaline mouthwash, there are a few key things to look for when choosing a product.
Key ingredients to look for in alkaline mouthwash
When shopping for alkaline mouthwash, look for products that contain ingredients like:
- Baking soda
- Xylitol
- Essential oils (like peppermint or spearmint)
- Aloe vera
- Coconut oil
These ingredients can help neutralize acids and freshen your breath without the harsh chemicals found in some traditional mouthwashes.
Customer reviews and popular mouthwashes
One of the best ways to find a high-quality alkaline mouthwash is to read customer reviews. Look for products with high ratings and positive feedback from users. Some popular alkaline mouthwashes include:
- Risewell Balancing Mouthwash
- Dr. Brite Whitening Mouthwash
- Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Mouthwash
Keep in mind that just because a product is popular doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for your individual needs.
Frequently bought together: Tips from the dentist
As a dental practitioner, I often recommend that my patients use alkaline mouthwash in conjunction with other oral care products for best results. Some products that are frequently bought together with alkaline mouthwash include:
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Xylitol gum or mints
By combining alkaline mouthwash with these other products, you can help create a comprehensive oral care routine that promotes healthy teeth and gums.
Top Recommendations for Alkaline Mouthwash
Based on my research and experience, here are a few of my top recommendations for alkaline mouthwash:
Risewell Balancing Mouthwash
Risewell Balancing Mouthwash is a natural option that contains ingredients like xylitol, aloe vera, and essential oils to help freshen breath and balance your oral pH. I like that this mouthwash is free from harsh chemicals and artificial colors, making it a good choice for those with sensitive mouths.
Natural mouthwash options
If you’re looking for a more natural approach to alkaline mouthwash, there are a few options to consider. One popular choice is to make your own mouthwash using ingredients like baking soda, salt, and essential oils. While this can be an affordable option, it’s important to be careful with the ratios to avoid irritating your mouth.
Alkaline mouthwash for fresh breath
In addition to promoting oral health, alkaline mouthwash can also be a great way to freshen your breath. Look for products that contain natural breath fresheners like peppermint or spearmint oil. Keep in mind that while mouthwash can help temporarily mask bad breath, it’s important to address the underlying cause (like poor oral hygiene or diet) for long-term results.
How to Properly Use Alkaline Mouthwash
To get the most benefit from alkaline mouthwash, it’s important to use it correctly. Here are a few tips:
Best practices for rinsing with alkaline mouthwash
- Brush and floss your teeth before using mouthwash
- Use the amount of mouthwash recommended on the packaging (usually around 20ml)
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for at least 30 seconds
- Spit the mouthwash out and avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterwards
By following these best practices, you can help ensure that the mouthwash has enough time to work its magic and promote a healthy, balanced oral environment.
Combining brushing, flossing, and mouthwash for oral care
As I mentioned earlier, alkaline mouthwash is just one part of a comprehensive oral care routine. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s important to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use mouthwash as directed. This combination of practices can help remove plaque, neutralize acids, and freshen your breath for a healthy smile.
Maximizing the benefits of your mouthwash routine
To get the most out of your alkaline mouthwash routine, consider these tips:
- Use mouthwash at night before bed to help neutralize acids while you sleep
- Don’t eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash to allow it to work effectively
- Consider using a tongue scraper in addition to mouthwash to remove bacteria and freshen breath
- Talk to your dentist about which type of mouthwash is best for your individual needs
By incorporating these tips into your oral care routine, you can help maximize the benefits of alkaline mouthwash and promote a healthy, balanced mouth.
Why Does Mouthwash pH Matter?
The pH level of your mouthwash can have a significant impact on your oral health. Here’s what you need to know:
Avoid Acidic Mouthwashes
Mouthwashes with a pH level below 7 are considered acidic and can actually harm your teeth by eroding the enamel. Over time, this erosion can lead to sensitivity, cavities, and other dental problems. If you’re using a mouthwash that feels harsh or causes discomfort, it may be too acidic for your mouth.
List of Mouthwash pH Levels
Here’s a quick rundown of the pH levels of some popular mouthwashes:
- Listerine Original: 4.2
- Scope Original: 5.5
- Crest Pro-Health: 6.0
- ACT Restoring: 7.0
- Risewell Balancing: 8.0
As you can see, alkaline mouthwashes like Risewell Balancing have a higher pH level, which can help neutralize acids and promote a healthy oral environment.
What Is An Alkaline Mouthwash?
Alkaline mouthwashes are designed to raise the pH level of your mouth above 7, creating an environment that’s less hospitable to harmful bacteria. By neutralizing acids and promoting a balanced oral microbiome, alkaline mouthwash may help prevent cavities, freshen breath, and promote overall oral health.
The pH Scale
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is considered acidic, while anything above 7 is considered alkaline. When it comes to oral health, it’s best to aim for a pH level that’s slightly alkaline (around 7.5) to help neutralize acids and prevent tooth decay.
Some Mouthwashes Are So Acidic And Can Cause Cavities
It’s important to be aware that some popular mouthwashes are highly acidic and can actually cause cavities and other dental problems over time. These mouthwashes often contain high levels of alcohol and harsh chemicals that can erode tooth enamel and irritate sensitive mouths. If you’re concerned about the acidity of your mouthwash, talk to your dentist about switching to an alkaline option.
Avoiding Acidic Mouthwashes
To protect your teeth and gums, it’s best to avoid acidic mouthwashes altogether. Look for products with a pH level of 7 or above, and avoid mouthwashes that contain high levels of alcohol or harsh chemicals. If you’re not sure about the pH level of your mouthwash, check the packaging or contact the manufacturer for more information.
Conclusion
- Alkaline mouthwash can help neutralize acids and promote a healthy oral environment, but the scientific evidence supporting its benefits is limited.
- Fluoride is still the most effective way to prevent cavities, so it’s important to choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride if cavity prevention is your main goal.
- When choosing an alkaline mouthwash, look for products with natural ingredients like baking soda, xylitol, and essential oils, and avoid mouthwashes with a pH level below 7.
- To get the most benefit from alkaline mouthwash, use it as part of a comprehensive oral care routine that includes brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
As someone who has been researching oral care products for many years, I believe that alkaline mouthwash can be a useful addition to your oral hygiene routine, but it’s not a magic bullet. By taking a balanced approach and working with your dentist to find the products that are right for you, you can help promote a healthy, happy smile for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns about alkaline mouthwash or your oral health in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for personalized advice.
Best selling alkaline mouthwashes:
Similar Posts:
Dr. Tom Bell has a PhD in Medical Anthropology. He has a keen interest in oral health topics and is the founder of dentalrave. He has been an oral health researcher and electric toothbrush enthusiast for over 10 years. Tom works with Awin and others in his research. When not talking about dental hygiene and gadgets, Tom likes spending time outdoors hiking.
Last update on 2025-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
