Many people are searching for ways to restore the natural white color and beautiful sheen to their teeth. There are a wide variety of teeth whitening mouthwashes available, and choosing the best one for your specific needs can be daunting. Read on for our opinion on the best teeth whitening mouthwashes on the market as of 2019!
Why You Should Consider a Whitening Mouthwash
Surely you’ve heard the saying, “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.” For many people, their smile can make or break a first impression! Taking proactive steps, such as using a whitening mouthwash, helps ensure that your smile remains one of your greatest assets.
According to NPR, people spend nearly $3.2 billion on cosmetic tooth whitening each year. Why? Because studies show that up to 17 percent of the population smiles with their mouth closed because of insecurities involving their teeth.
Regular visits to the dentist, as well as proper brushing, can help combat many teeth related issues, but a tooth whitening mouthwash is a simple at-home solution to help whiten teeth! Using a whitening mouthwash helps whiten teeth by preventing or reducing tartar, plaque, and gingivitis.
A whitening mouthwash also can help remove any plaque that is left behind after flossing and brushing. It also helps reign in bad breath, because nobody wants to be “that guy.”
On top of the oral health benefits listed above, teeth whitening mouthwashes packs an additional punch — it helps to whiten your teeth! Over time, teeth can yellow or discolor due to age and certain habits such as:
We would argue that whitening your teeth with a teeth whitening mouthwash is totally worth the time and effort. Why?
Comparison Table
| Name | Score | Results | Duration | Taste | Hydrogen-Peroxide | Alcohol Free | Natural Ingredients | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEST VALUE |  |
Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White |  |
4 to 5 shades whiter | 7 days | mint |  |
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Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal |  |
4 to 5 shades whiter | 1-2 weeks | mint |  |
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Bee Naturals Pre-Brush Oral Rinse | |
3 to 4 shades whiter | 2-3 weeks | mint | |
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GuruNada Oil Pulling Natural Mouthwash |  |
3 to 4 shades whiter | 4-6 weeks | coconut oil | |
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Supersmile Whitening Pre-Rinse | |
3 to 4 shades whiter | 4 weeks | fruity | |
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Oral Essentials Whitening Mouthwash |  |
3 to 4 shades whiter | 4-6 weeks | mint | |
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Listerine Healthy White Anti-Cavity Mouth Rinse | |
4 to 5 shades whiter | 4 weeks | mint | |
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Coconut Oil Pulling Mouthwash | |
3 to 4 shades whiter | 3-4 weeks | coconut oil | |
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Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse | |
3 to 4 shades whiter | 14 days | mint | |
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Colgate Optic White | |
4 to 5 shades whiter | 14 days | mint | |
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Below you will find an in depth review of all the mouth washes that we reviewed in the comparison table above. We created this section for those of you who want to read more on each individual mouthwash.
Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White
- Fresh, minty taste that does not burn the mouth
- Flavor makes it easy to actually rinse for a full 60 seconds
- Can also be used with a water flosser
- Alcohol free
- Crest is a well-known and trusted brand in the oral care industry
- Some users complain the cap is difficult to open
- Other uses complain the product does not work as fast as it claims, but we’ve had great results
- For best results, you need to use other products in the Crest 3D product line such as their toothpaste
This product has a long name, but promises serious results. In fact, Crest has given this mouthwash the nickname, “The Terminator of Whitening Mouthwashes” and claims you’ll have a whiter smile in 7 days. It is alcohol free, and has a fresh mint flavor. According to Crest, this whitening mouthwash features exclusive Whitelock Technology that helps it protect against any future stains. Crest also states that it has triple action benefits:
The Whitelock Technology is designed to protect the surface of your teeth from future stains. While the research on this is limited, if you rinse twice a day, accumulating new stains should be a non-issue.
Crest claims that this product shows a whiter smile in 7 days, but many users reported that it took between 2-7 weeks to see a noticeable difference in the color of their teeth. However, keep in mind that it’s hard to know how long it really takes to see a difference, without users reporting how often they actually used the product.
Colgate Optic White Whitening Mouthwash
- Strong whitening formula delivers results
- Alcohol free formula means it won’t dry out your mouth or any oral cavities
- Great price for the product
- Ability to reach hard to brush areas
- Combats bad breath
- The 2% hydrogen peroxide level is more than the recommended 1% concentration
- Some users claim the flavor is not as minty as they would like
- Another mouthwash that works best when combined with Colgate’s line of whitening products
- May cause tooth sensitivity during the first few days of usage
Colgate Optic White Whitening Mouthwash contains 2% hydrogen peroxide and helps whiten teeth by removing surface stains. This whitening mouthwash is alcohol free and available in a Sparkling Fresh Mint flavor. Colgate Optic White has Whiteseal technology in order to help prevent further stains, but just like the other products mentioned in this review, little research has been done on this, and rinsing 2x a day would make it difficult for new stains to form anyways.
Colgate Optic White is a whitening mouthwash with a higher level of hydrogen peroxide than most others on the product, with it containing 2% when the normal recommendation is only 1%. It also contains glycerin, sorbitol, and some citric and phosphoric acids. Many users claim to see a noticeable difference in the whiteness of their teeth in 2 weeks!
The Sparkling Fresh Mint Flavor receives mixed reviews. Some users of this whitening mouthwash say that the flavor is great, while others state that the flavor is not strong enough. Users also are mixed on the mouthfeel of the product, with some claiming the mouthwash stings, while others say it does not.
Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse
- All organic product
- Whitening product that delivers results
- Alcohol free so it won’t dry out your mouth
- Pleasant peppermint taste
- Combats bad breath
- Helps clean the hard to reach places in the mouth
- Expensive mouthwashes due to its organic ingredients
- For best results you should use it with the rest of the Essential Oxygen Brushing Rinse line of products
- They recently changed the flavor profile slightly and some users preferred the previous taste more
Essential Oxygen is a women-owned company that has made a strong name for itself among the dental community. Their Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse is completely organic and is free of:
This whitening mouthwash rinse is Essential Oxygen’s first step in their “Pristine Protocol.” It uses hydrogen peroxide and organic essential oils as its active ingredients to naturally whiten teeth, freshen breath, and clean your entire mouth. In order to see the best results, Essential Oxygen recommends you start your brushing routine with this brushing rinse, then use their Brushing Rinse toothpaste, followed by their Brushing Rinse tooth polish. All of the products in this line are organic, vegan, gluten free, and have no synthetic flavors.
There are no questionable ingredients in this product either. It features organic aloe vera, purified water, food grade hydrogen peroxide, organic essential peppermint oil, organic rosemary, organic lemon, leaf oil and other organic goods. Many users report the whitening mouthwash showed noticeable results in 3-4 weeks.
Coconut Oil Pulling Mouthwash
- Alcohol free formula means it won’t dry out your mouth or any oral cavities
- Utilizes natural ingredients
- Whitening product that delivers results
- Pleasant peppermint taste that refreshes the mouth
- Combats bad breath while whitening teeth
- Helps clean the hard to reach places in the mouth
- This is definitely one of the more expensive mouth washes on the market
- It requires more consistent use for a longer amount of time to achieve drastic results
- Coconut oil hardens at room temperature, which can get annoying
Coconut oil pulling has been around for ages as a method to whiten teeth. Now, it is as easy as ever thanks to Lauren Naturals. The word “pulling” refers to this product’s ability to pull harmful bacteria out of the mouth.
This particular brand, Lauren Naturals, has been in the oral care market for a while, and has established a good name for itself. This coconut oil based oral swish is made from virgin and organic ingredients, and contains oral antiseptics. These kill bacteria in the mouth and give you fresh breath.
Many users report that this product has a great taste, and does not leave you with a gross oily taste in your mouth. It’s subtle mint flavor comes from natural menthol mint. Most users report that they saw subtle results within a week or two, and more drastic and noticeable results after 6 weeks.
Another thing of note about this whitening mouthwash product is that coconut oil hardens at room temperature, so Lauren Naturals recommends keeping this product in a cabinet. If the oil does harden, simply shake the bottle for 10 to 15 seconds.
Listerine Healthy White Anticavity Mouthrinse
- Whitening product that delivers results
- Pleasant peppermint taste that refreshes the mouth
- Combats bad breath while whitening teeth
- Helps clean the hard to reach places in the mouth
- This formula contains alcohol, which can leave the mouth burning and dry
- Some users report results are slow, but visible
- It is advertised as peroxide free, but actually contains hydrogen peroxide in its inactive ingredients
Users report seeing drastic results in the whiteness of their teeth within 6-8 weeks of consistent use. Other users reported it took as long as 12 weeks to see drastic results. It’s important to note that these users did not disclose how consistent they were in using the product.
Listerine Healthy White Anticavity Mouthrinse contains 8% alcohol, so it will leave a burning sensation in your mouth. Because of the 8% alcohol, it is recommended to rinse with Listerine Healthy White Anticavity Mouthrinse for only 30 to 45 seconds at a time.
Oral Essentials Whitening Mouthwash
- No bleach or harsh chemicals
- Non-toxic, preservative free, sugar free, artificial dye free, BPA free, and alcohol free
- Formulated by two doctors well known in the dental industry
- Proven results without using baking soda or hydrogen peroxide
- Gentle for sensitive teeth
- Takes longer to see drastic results than the competitors
- Not as strong of a flavor as other washes
- Some users stated it left their breath stale rather than fresh
Oral Essentials Whitening Mouthwash is a dentist formulated, high performing, medically developed mouthwash. It whitens teeth without increasing sensitivity. It also does not use bleach or harsh chemicals in its formula. Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Mouthwash is certified non-toxic, alcohol free, preservative free, sugar free, artificial dyes and color free, BPA free, dentist formulated and recommended, and contains naturally derived ingredients. Users report a fresh, minty taste with great flavor!
Dr. Kourosh Maddahi and Dr. Hessam Nowrazi the people behind Oral Essentials, and are published authors and researchers who are well-known to the dental community. Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Mouthwash offers a gentler and more natural alternative to teeth whitening. Its formula uses coconut oil, lemon peel oil, and sage oil to remove stains from teeth instead of bleach and/or harsh chemicals. Its simple but effective formula contains only Dead Sea Salt, organic aloe vera juice, non-GMO xylitol, and a variety of high quality essential oils imported from France.
Oral Essentials is upfront and honest about the fact it takes longer than other similar products to work, because it does not use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. Its main ingredient is Dead Sea salt. Its other ingredients include essential oils, coconut, lemon peel, clove flower, and a few other natural ingredients.
Supersmile Whitening Pre-Rinse
- Free of alcohol, sugar, silica, parabens, sulfates, known allergens, animal by-products, and BPA
- Refreshing, non-mint flavored taste that makes it different from other products on the market
- Helps clean hard to reach places in the mouth
- Fights bacteria with its germicidal properties
- Unclear from the manufacturer how long use is required to see results from the product and users’ reviews are mixed saying anywhere from 2 weeks to no change
- It is one of the most expensive options in the teeth whitening mouthwash market
>>>Check Price on Amazon<<<
This tooth whitening mouthwash gets to the hard to reach places, including in between your teeth in order to whiten all areas. It is free of sugar, alcohol, silica, parabens, sulfates, known allergens, animal by-products, BPA, and is Kosher.
Supersmile Whitening Pre-Rinse mouthwash helps restore strength to teeth by remineralizing them, while enhancing their natural white color without using harmful chemicals or bleaching elements. One thing that sets this apart from the other teeth whitening mouthwashes we have reviewed, is that this product makes no time claims on how quickly it works. They just say to use Supersmile Whitening Pre-Rinse for “faster” whitening results.
GuruNanda Oil Pulling Natural Mouthwash
- Alcohol free
- Made of ingredients that you can actually pronounce
- Removes harmful bacteria while whitening teeth
- Promotes gum health
- Contains Omega-2 fatty acids and contains iron, calcium, and magnesium
- Contains Vitamins A, B, and E
- For optimum results, you want to oil pull with this product for 15 minutes, and many users say that they can’t handle the taste for that long, and simply don’t have that kind of time
- No guideline from the manufacturer on how long it should take to see teeth whitening results
>>Check Price on Amazon<<<
Oil Pulling Mouthwash was formulated with ayurvedic knowledge in order to promote not only oral health, but health throughout the body. This product claims to aid in healthy weight management, better breath, healthier teeth and gums, teeth whitening, and radiant skin.
Oil pulling has been used for thousands of years as a way to get a cleaner, healthier mouth. For this product, they recommend oil pulling with this natural oil pulling mouthwash each morning. Why? After a full night’s sleep, there are many harmful bacteria that may have grown. Simply brushing your teeth is often not enough to reach these bacteria, so the Ayurveda oil pulling technique allows the oil-soluble toxins to dissolve in its oil pulling formula. It also helps remove the harmful bacteria from the mouth before any harmful bacteria can enter other parts of the body.
Oil pulling works by increasing saliva secretion and trapping toxins within the oil’s particles. Oil pulling uses the salivary glands in your mouth as a detoxifying organ. GuruNanda Pulling Oil is made of pure sesame oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil and peppermint oil. It is 100% alcohol-free and contains no artificial flavors or colors. It is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and contains iron, calcium, and magnesium, plus Vitamins A, B and E.
This is another teeth whitening mouthwash product that makes no claims on how long it takes to see whitening results. Customers report overall healthier mouths and those familiar with oil pulling claim this is one of the best products out there and love their results. It does a great job removing harmful bacteria and freshening the mouth, which ultimately leads to whiter teeth.
Bee Naturals Pre-Brush Oral Rinse
Pros
- Fresh, minty taste from natural spearmint
- Free of any alcohol, artificial sweeteners, color, or preservatives
- Gently whitens teeth while cleaning the hard to reach places in the mouth
- Users report fast results
- Bee Naturals does not test their products on animals
- Mixed reviews on how fast the product shows results
- Higher level of hydrogen peroxide than other brands
Bee Naturals Whitening Pre-Brush claims to gently whiten teeth and help more thoroughly clean teeth and the mouth with regular use. This formula does not contain any alcohol or artificial sweeteners, color, or preservatives. The brand also notes that it does not test its products on animals. This pre-brush rinse is designed to gently whiten teeth while freshening breath, and should be used both morning and night.
Bee Naturals Pre-Brush Oral Rinse uses 3% hydrogen peroxide as its active ingredient, which is above the recommended 1%. It is made with chlorophyll, formulated with xylitol, and utilizes natural spearmint oil for the fresh breath scent so many are after.
Users absolutely rave over this whitening mouthwash product! Most report seeing a difference in the color of their teeth within a week or two of consistent use. Many claim they see results quickly, and truly love the fact that this is used as a pre-brushing rinse.
Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening
- Whitening product that delivers results
- Utilizes natural ingredients to deliver whitening results
- Combats bad breath while whitening teeth
- Helps clean the hard to reach places in the mouth
- Not tested on animals
- The black color actually makes it more fun to use for younger kids
- Mixed reviews on the amount of time it takes to see results
- Charcoal could increase teeth sensitivity
- Messier whitening mouthwash than others if spilled
>>>Check Price on Amazon<<<
Hello contains no alcohol, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavors, no dyes, and no sls/sulfates. It is also vegan, never tested on animals (Leaping Bunny Certified and PETA recognized), and made in the United States of America.
While it may seem strange to rinse your mouth with black mouthwash, its results speak volumes. Charcoal serves as a natural detoxifier that will freshen breath and leave your mouth feeling cleaner for longer. Charcoal also is a more abrasive cleaner, and some users report increased teeth sensitivity when using this whitening mouthwash. One of the many benefits of charcoal is its natural source. An often overlooked benefit is that whitening your teeth with a black mouthwash is just plain fun. For some reason, swishing around black mouthwash in order to gain whiter teeth is ironic and effective.
And the Winner is…
After reviewing countless whitening mouthwashes on the criteria of price, taste, results, ingredients, and the opinions of many real life users, the clear winner for the best whitening mouthwash, in our opinion, is Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White.
Nicknamed “The Terminator of Whitening Mouthwashes” it is alcohol free, and has a fresh mint flavor that is great. Its Whitelock Technology helps it protect against future stains as well. Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White does a stand out job of whitening teeth, protecting against surface stains, and killing bad breath and germs.
Crest 3D White Glamorous White also guarantees its results and is one of the cheaper options on the market, even though it delivers big results. We feel this is the best value for your hard-earned money, and know that it will help whiten your teeth while fighting bacteria, which is exactly what a whitening mouthwash should do.
No matter which whitening mouthwash you choose, be sure to take the time to read the ingredients and reviews. Not all whitening mouthwashes are created equally. Try to steer clear of any mouthwash that contains alcohol, as it causes a burning sensation in the mouth and often dries out the mouth. Hydrogen peroxide is the most commonly used whitening ingredient, but you do not want to overuse it, so try and find a mouthwash that works well for you without increasing tooth sensitivity. Tooth whitening mouthwashes are a great, at home, and cost effective solution to gain whiter teeth and a happier smile!
>>>Check Price on Amazon<<<
Whitening Mouthwash vs Other Whitening Methods
There are many teeth whitening treatment options available out there, so why choose a whitening mouthwash as your product of choice? Read on to find out why we think it’s the best bet:
Most people reach for whitening toothpaste anytime they need a fresh tube from the store in order to help the appearance of their teeth. However, according to this study, some whitening mouthwashes offer better and faster results than whitening toothpaste. Whitening mouthwashes also reach the unreachable parts of your mouth, leading to better oral health and an overall healthier mouth compared to whitening toothpaste.
Teeth whitening kits are now a dime a dozen at any convenience store. They offer quick results, but it definitely depends on the brand, because some simply don’t work at all. For many, whitening mouthwashes are a better option because they are far more affordable, lead to less sensitivity, and are a better bang for your buck because whitening mouthwashes do more than just whiten teeth, they also clean the entire mouth.
Dental office whitening treatments are very effective and among the safest way to whiten your teeth. Unfortunately, they cost hundreds of dollars for a single session, making them an unaffordable option for most. Whitening rinses tend to be very affordable, making whiter teeth accessible to the masses.
What are the Active Ingredients in a Whitening Mouthwash?
Hydrogen peroxide is the most commonly used ingredient when it comes to whitening mouthwash products. The big hitter brands such as Listerine, Crest, and Colgate all use this in their products. In order to use hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent, it is diluted down to a very low pH level. This makes it easy for the compound to mix with other chemicals in order to remove stains from the surface area of the teeth, leaving them whiter and brighter than before.
Some brands utilize alcohol as an active ingredient, because of its ability to help rid the mouth of bad bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis. Studies show that it is best to choose whitening mouthwashes that do NOT contain alcohol, because the alcohol can dry out your mouth and make any oral cavities worse. Plenty of alcohol free options exist in the marketplace, and these tooth whitening mouthwashes help improve the gloss and quality of your teeth.
How Often Can You Use A Whitening Mouthwash?
Most whitening mouthwashes are safe to use each time you brush your teeth. Teeth brushing alone only reaches, on average, 25 percent of the mouth, so incorporating a mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can make a big difference in the overall health of your mouth.
The higher the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the whitening mouthwash, the stronger the product. If you start to experience teeth sensitivity when using a whitening mouthwash, consider scaling down to using only one time per day or every other day.
Most whitening mouthwashes recommend using each time you brush your teeth, so the dentist recommended 2 times per day. This helps the mouth get totally clean by rinsing out bacteria and germs that toothbrushes and floss can miss. By ridding the mouth of these bacteria, you’ll not only see whiter teeth, but a healthier mouth!
How Long Do You Need to Use a Whitening Mouthwash?
Different products make varying claims on how long you need to use their mouthwash each use to see results. Some brands recommend swishing with the mouthwash for 30 seconds, while a few natural options suggest 15 minutes.
Products that have a higher hydrogen peroxide content, as well as alcohol, will have a shorter rinse time. The alcohol in these products causes a burning sensation, which pretty much eliminates the ability to wash for longer periods of time. These types of teeth whitening mouthwashes are also more potent, so they require less rinse to see results. Depending on the brand, swishing with whitening mouthwash 2x a day for as little as a week can generate teeth that or 4 to 5 shades whiter in as little as a week.
What to Look for When Selecting a Whitening Mouthwash?
There are many options on the market for whitening mouthwash, so how do you know what to look for? We can help! Here are our recommendations for what to look for when choosing a whitening mouthwash.
A quality whitening ingredient
Provides other benefits to your teeth
Great taste
Best Way to Effectively Use a Whitening Mouthwash
The best way to see results with a whitening mouthwash is to use it consistently. If, after consistent use, you do not notice a difference, that means you should change the dosage, the time you spend swishing, or even the product. The more consistent you are with using the whitening mouthwash, the more substantial your results will be!
Using a whitening mouthwash is not a substitution for brushing your teeth or flossing, so make sure you use the whitening mouthwash along with your regular routine of brushing your teeth and flossing! For an added whitening boost, use a whitening toothpaste as well.
Used in Conjunction with Proper Brushing & Flossing
Your mouth is a complex system. You rely on it for eating, talking, and so much more. This means that during the course of the day, bacteria builds up in your mouth. While using a whitening mouthwash has many great benefits, it should absolutely be used in conjunction with proper brushing and flossing. Mouthwash alone will not take care of your mouth as it deserves.
Whitening mouthwash is great for removing any bacteria or stains left behind after brushing and flossing. Most dentists recommend that people brush, then floss, then use mouthwash for their mouth, in that order. When this triple threat works together, the mouth and teeth are all left not only feeling and looking cleaner, but in a much healthier state!
A whitening mouthwash is not a magical solution for improved oral health, but it is a great step in an oral care system to achieve the best results! Read on for our review of 10 of the most popular whitening mouthwashes on the market.
