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 1,450 ppm 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
Listerine Total Care Zero (alcohol-free). If you want one anyway: alcohol-free with 450 ppm fluoride. Use it at a different time from brushing. It contains SLS and two dyes.
Sources
- Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention, chapter 2 summary tables, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, NHS England (2021)
- Listerine Total Care Milder Taste Zero Alcohol 500ml, ingredients and price, Tesco