Listerine Tops Mouthwash Rankings: Insights from Stiftung Warentest Evaluation

A recent analysis in Stiftung Warentest evaluated 20 mouth rinses, including options for children. While adult rinses performed better, with six rated ‘good’, none of the children’s products achieved more than ‘satisfactory’. The top-rated adult rinse excelled in cavity prevention but was also the most expensive. Additionally, a distinction was made between mouth rinses and mouthwashes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene alongside using rinses. Recommendations for electric toothbrushes were also provided.

Test Results of Mouth Rinses

In the latest issue of Stiftung Warentest, a comprehensive evaluation of 20 mouth rinses was conducted, including three specifically designed for children. The assessment focused on various criteria such as cavity prevention, plaque control, gingivitis prevention, packaging quality, labeling accuracy, and the presence of non-biodegradable or poorly biodegradable substances. Notably, all brands claim to prevent cavities, plaque, and gingivitis, hence these factors were given significant weight in the final scores, each accounting for 35% of the total evaluation.

Performance of Children’s and Adult Mouth Rinses

The findings revealed that none of the children’s mouth rinses surpassed a ‘satisfactory’ rating. The effectiveness in cavity prevention was particularly lacking, and two of the products did not meet expectations for preventing plaque and gingivitis. As a result, none of the children’s mouth rinses can be recommended based on the test outcomes.

Conversely, the adult mouth rinses showed a more promising performance. Out of the tested products, six achieved better ratings—five were deemed ‘good’, while the standout product was awarded a ‘very good’ rating. However, it’s important to note that nine adult rinses only managed a ‘satisfactory’ rating, with one failing the test entirely and another lacking adequate information for evaluation.

The top-rated mouth rinse, noted for its effectiveness in cavity prevention, plaque control, and gingivitis prevention, is also the priciest option in the test. In second place, two mouth rinses, from Happybrush and Odol-med3, both scored ‘good’, while a budget-friendly private label rinse secured third place with a commendable rating in cavity prevention, though it fell short in plaque and gingivitis control.

On the other hand, the Bioniq Repair Tooth Milk was a disappointing contender, rated ‘poor’ in cavity prevention due to its lack of fluoride and reliance on Hydroxyapatite, which hasn’t been scientifically validated for this purpose. Additionally, the Meridol Gum Protection mouth rinse, despite its premium price, could not be evaluated because of missing concentration data for its active ingredients.

Mouth Rinse vs. Mouthwash: Understanding the Difference

It’s essential to distinguish between mouth rinses and mouthwashes. Mouth rinses are pre-mixed solutions that do not require dilution, while mouthwashes typically need to be combined with water before use. Moreover, many mouthwashes lack fluoride, a proven agent for strengthening teeth. Due to EU regulations, the fluoride concentration in mouthwashes is limited, which could be exceeded if they were diluted. In contrast, mouth rinses usually contain critical ingredients that combat plaque and gingivitis.

While mouth rinses can enhance oral health, they should complement, not replace, effective dental hygiene practices. The foundation of good oral care lies in thorough cleaning, best achieved with an electric toothbrush. In our detailed buying guide, we feature the top electric toothbrushes, offering insights to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Top Electric Toothbrushes Recommended

Here’s a quick overview of the leading electric toothbrushes from our comprehensive test, showcasing their features and price points:

For further details and advice on these products, please refer to our extensive buying guide.