The best mouthwash with the Canadian Dental Association seal of approval

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For optimal health, a good oral care routine should have three steps: brushing, flossing and rinsing. We’ve already covered the Canadian Dental Association (CDA)-approved electric toothbrushes, toothpastes and water flossers worth buying, which leaves the final step in your routine – mouthwash. 

Adding mouthwash to a regular oral hygiene routine reduces and prevents gingivitis more than brushing and flossing alone. For that reason, the CDA recommends using an oral rinse for 30 seconds twice daily in addition to brushing and flossing.

This ensures that you’re effectively cleaning nearly 100 per cent of the inside of the mouth, eliminating the bacteria that can be found in places where brushing and flossing can’t reach, leading to bad breath, plaque and gingivitis.

The mouthwash options below have been verified by the CDA to protect against a range of oral health issues including the formation of cavities, plaque and gingivitis, tooth sensitivity, enamel loss, stains and more. See the full list of CDA-verified mouthwash here.

Best overall: Listerine Fresh Burst Antiseptic Mouthwash Best multipurpose: Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash Best for bad breath: TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse – Icy Mint Best for gum health: Listerine Ultraclean Gum Protection Zero Mouthwash Best for sensitivity: Listerine Total Care Mouthwash for Sensitive Teeth Best for enamel protection: Listerine Ultraclean Enamel Protect Zero Mouthwash Best for kids: Listerine Smart Rinse Bubblegum Kids Mouthwash

You can’t go wrong with a classic. This Listerine mouthwash comes in a range of breath-freshening flavours, including cool mint, green tea and eucalyptus.

Price: $10 Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

Kill millions of germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath without the burning sensation of alcohol. This Crest mouthwash also offers 12 hours of fresh breath protection. 

Price: $8 Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

To combat bad breath, use this mouthwash to rinse your mouth for one minute, then gargle for 30 seconds to clean your throat which can be a major source of bad breath.

Price: $12 Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

Sensitive gums call for extra protection. This mouthwash fights plaque in hard-to-reach places to promote healthier gums with an alcohol-free formula.

Price: $10 Where to buy: Walmart | Amazon

This all-in-one mouthwash is designed to build protection against the sudden shock of pain caused by tooth sensitivity. It also prevents plaque and gingivitis with regular use.

Price: $5 Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

Help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities from forming with this mouthwash that’s formulated to restore tooth enamel.

Price: $9 Where to buy: Amazon | Shoppers Drug Mart

While it’s not recommended that little ones use mouthwash, kids aged six and up can incorporate this bubblegum-flavoured rinse into their daily routine.

Price: $7 Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

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