Take a stroll down the oral care aisle at your local supermarket or pharmacy and you might find your head spinning over the wide variety of mouthwashes and other oral care products available. Each one is labelled slightly differently, promising different benefits such as "cavity-fighting," "antibacterial," "antiseptic," "breath-freshening" and so on. But when it comes to choosing a product, is there really a difference between antiseptic vs antibacterial mouthwash? And how can you tell which one is right for your needs?
When you see "antimicrobial," "antibacterial" or "antiseptic" on the label of a bottle of mouthwash, it's important to understand that those words aren't just there to impress you. They do have particular meanings. An antimicrobial product is one that is designed to kill or inactivate microbes, which are defined by Health Education England as microscopic organisms that include fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Antibacterial agents (also known as antibiotics) kill, slow down or inactivate bacteria specifically. As MSD Manuals explains, the terms "antibacterial" and "antibiotic" are often used interchangeably. In the most technical sense, antibiotics are antimicrobial agents derived from bacteria or moulds rather than other microorganisms. Antibiotics are designed to treat an active infection in or on the body, as the NHS points out, and they can be given topically or systemically.
In contrast, antiseptic products are typically spread over a specific area of the body to reduce the risk of infection, according to the Science Museum. While antibacterial products only target bacteria, antiseptic and antimicrobial agents can work against various types of microbes. So when it comes to antiseptic vs antibacterial mouthwash, the former covers a broad spectrum of organisms, while the latter covers specific ones.
If you see antimicrobial, antibacterial or antiseptic listed on a bottle of mouthwash, you can be confident that the rinse is designed to inhibit microbes that could be harmful to your oral health.
How to Choose a Mouthwash
With so many mouthwash options out there, how can you choose the one that is right for you? It's helpful to talk to your dentist about using mouthwash if you are feeling any confusion. They can recommend a suitable mouthwash for your particular concerns, whether it's gum disease, dry mouth or bad breath. In some cases, a prescription mouthwash with antimicrobial properties might be your best option.
For example, if you have been dealing with gum disease, your dentist might prescribe a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, which is an antiseptic agent that helps to control plaque and gingivitis, according to the NHS. As the National Institute for Health and Care Research notes, chlorhexidine destroys the bacteria responsible for gum disease.
If you aren't as concerned with preventing gum disease, you may still benefit from using mouthwash. As the NHS outlines, fluoride mouthwash can help to reduce your risk of tooth decay.
If you have a particular concern, such as reducing plaque, fighting cavities or general breath-freshening, ask your dentist for advice on which product may help you achieve your goals. But make sure you don't use your mouthwash immediately after brushing, notes the NHS, as this can wash away the fluoride left on your teeth by your toothpaste.
Tips for using any type of mouthwash
Whether you end up getting a prescription for a mouthwash from your dentist or using an over-the-counter product labelled "antiseptic" or "antibacterial", there are some things to remember when using it. Mouthwash isn't designed to replace brushing and flossing, so be sure to continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily. The NHS lists a few steps to follow to make sure your mouthwash is effective (such as not eating or drinking for 30 minutes after), but the important thing is to never skip brushing.
Another thing to remember is to follow the instructions listed on the mouthwash bottle or given by your dentist. You'll see the greatest benefit if you use the mouthwash, whatever type it is, exactly as directed.