I'm doing a survey on mouthwashes and would like your opinion. Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. Dear Michelle, I have ingredients of some of the major brands of mouthwashes. Many mouthwashes contain either alcohol or cetylpyridinium chloride or both as an antiseptic agent.
Antiseptics kill various types of bacteria.
As you can see, the ingredients can be quite complicated for some of these rinses. In my experience, the only non-prescription mouthrinse which has been proven to kill the bacteria responsible for gum disease is Listerine. My personal favorite is Cool Mint Listerine. I probably use it about 4-5 nights per week. Mouthrinses should only be used as an adjunct to brushing and flossing, however, not in place of it.