No pick needed
Most adults don't need one. Dental guidance recommends a daily fluoride rinse mainly for adults at higher risk of decay.
If used, use it at a different time from brushing so it doesn't wash off toothpaste fluoride.
Alcohol-free, with fluoride.
Mouthwash
We'd skip it
No mouthwash is the default. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and spit without rinsing.
What we ruled out
Rinsing straight after brushing. Dilutes the higher-fluoride toothpaste left on your teeth.
Chlorhexidine mouthwash (e.g. Corsodyl, Peridex) for daily use. It's for short courses when a dentist advises it. Long-term use stains teeth and changes taste.
Alcohol-based mouthwash. Stings and can dry the mouth, with no advantage.
Also good
ACT Anticavity Zero Alcohol fluoride rinse. If you want one anyway, or your dentist says you're at higher risk of decay: alcohol-free with fluoride. Use it at a different time from brushing.
Sources
- Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention, chapter 2 summary tables, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, NHS England (2021)