I can’t be the only one who always used to think that “if it’s burning, it’s working.” So when my mouthwash always felt a little unbearable to swish, I simply thought it was doing its intended task of killing bacteria. But a few different dentists that I spoke to quickly put that myth to bed.Founder and lead dentist at Agoura Family Smiles in Agoura Hills, California, Dr. Ramon Castillo, said that the burning sensation people frequently experience with mouthwash is primarily caused by certain ingredients, notably alcohol and strong flavoring agents. “Alcohol is included in many mouth rinses for its bacteria-killing properties. However, a burning sensation is not equal to better bacteria-killing. The burn is a sensory effect and not a measure of effectiveness,” he said.The presence of alcohol in some mouthwashes can also cause mouth dryness, according to Castillo, which can lead to bad breath among other issues.For effective ingredient alternatives, cosmetic dentist and owner of Smiles of Chandler in Arizona, Dr. James Heaton, said to look for washes that contain antimicrobial agents such as cetylpyridinium chloride, fluoride, or xylitol. “These ingredients are effective at fighting bacteria, preventing cavities, and freshening breath without causing irritation,” Heaton said. Both Heaton and Castillo advocate for a comprehensive oral healthcare regimen that involves routine brushing and flossing, and using products that meet your specific oral health needs. For the most-effective and burn-free mouthwashes that these dentists and others recommend, keep reading. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.TargetAn insanely popular mouthwash that really targets bad breathWe spoke to three dentists for this story and the Therabreath Fresh Breath oral rinse was on each of their recommended lists."[This is a] gentle, widely recommended for sensitive mouths," Heaton said of this popular alcohol-free and pH-balanced formula that claims to fend off bad breath for up to 12 hours. It's a xylitol-powered rinse that is powered by oxygen to kill odor-causing bacteria. TargetA multi-protection mouth wash that uses CPCHeaton said that the Crest Pro-Health Complete Clean mouthwash uses an anti-microbial called cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), instead of alcohol, to kill bad bacteria in the mouth. This enamel-safe formula promises to provide a complete clean for your mouth. AmazonA soothing wash for sensitive or sore mouthsThe ClōSYS ultra-sensitive mouth rinse is a favorite mouthwash choice of Castillo's. This unflavored rinse not only freshens breath, protects against cavities and helps rebuild weakened enamel, it also is meant to soothe irritated mouths with its alcohol-free and pH-balanced formula. AmazonAn anti-cavity rinse with sodium fluorideThe ACT anti-cavity mouthwash is another recommendation from both Castillo and Heaton, who called this formula a good option for cavity prevention. Though it is alcohol-free, it does use sodium fluoride to help strengthen teeth and enamel against decay. AmazonA Listerine mouthwash without the Listerine burnWhile the Listerine brand might be most synonymous with mouthwashes that burn, Heaton reminds us that this trusted name in oral care also has alcohol-free versions of its best-known formulas, like this Total Care wash that promises to address six different oral health concerns. It's powered by essential oils and sodium fluoride to help strengthen and repair teeth, freshen breath and protect against cavities. TargetAn alcohol-free rinse for anyone struggling with halitosis"If you struggle with halitosis (bad breath), consider a rinse like Smart Mouth, which neutralizes odor-causing bacteria instead of simply masking the smell," Castillo said. This clinical and mint-flavored formula by Smart Mouth contains zinc chloride that activates when you pour the wash to help treat and prevent bad breath for up to 24 hours. AmazonA natural mouthwash for long-lasting fresh breathHeaton said that this Tom's of Maine alcohol-free mouthwash is a natural and essential oil-based formula that uses menthol as its active ingredient. Its refreshing and cooling mint taste can help freshen breath without any burning. AmazonA pH-balancing mouthwash that contains cleansing oilsMiami-based dentist and founder of NOBS oral care company, Dr. Ilon Choai, suggested this mouthwash by Uncle Harry's that balances the mouth's pH using a blend of key trace minerals and cleansing oils to help remineralize teeth, soothe sensitive mouths and help freshen breath. Close Trending In ShoppingMore In Shopping