A mouthwash can be useful, but only as an addition. It replaces neither the toothbrush nor cleaning between the teeth, because plaque sticks firmly to the tooth and can only be removed mechanically. If you brush thoroughly and have healthy gums, you usually do not need one. A rinse helps with an increased risk of decay, for a short time with inflamed gums, or when brushing is temporarily difficult, for example after a procedure.
Updated: 14 November 2026
- A mouthwash adds to brushing. It cannot replace it.
- With fluoride it gives extra protection against decay, useful with an increased risk.
- Chlorhexidine works strongly, but is only meant for two to four weeks.
What a mouthwash can do, and what it cannot
Plaque is a firmly attached film of bacteria. A rinse reaches its surface, but does not detach it from the tooth. Only a toothbrush and interdental brushes do that. The dental guideline puts it clearly: mechanical cleaning is the foundation. A rinse can add to it and then further reduces plaque and gum inflammation.
Which rinse for what
| Active ingredient | For what | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | extra protection against decay, for example with an increased risk of decay | daily, also long term |
| Chlorhexidine | quickly reduces the number of bacteria, for example with acute gum inflammation or after a procedure | two to four weeks |
| Essential oils, cetylpyridinium chloride, amine fluoride with stannous fluoride | less plaque and gum inflammation, as an addition to brushing | also longer term |
| Cosmetic mouthwash | fresh breath for a short time | no effect on the cause |
You will find the active ingredient on the bottle.
That is how long a chlorhexidine rinse is meant to be used. After that, staining and tartar increase.
German S3 guideline on chemical biofilm management, 2018Why chlorhexidine is only meant for a short time
Chlorhexidine is the best-studied active ingredient. An analysis of 51 studies shows that, in addition to brushing, it clearly reduces plaque and measurably reduces mild gum inflammation. But from about four weeks, staining on the teeth and tartar increase. The staining sits on the outside of the tooth and can be removed at a dental hygiene appointment.
“I rinse every day. So I can brush for less time, right?”
We hear that often, and it is not true. The rinse flows over the plaque, the brush removes it. If you brush thoroughly for two minutes and clean between your teeth once a day, you achieve more than with any rinse. It comes in addition, not instead.
Would you like to know whether a rinse makes sense for you? We look at it during dental hygiene with a check-up.
Book dental hygiene with check-upDoes a mouthwash help against bad breath?
For the moment, yes, in the long run rarely. Bad breath usually comes from bacteria on the tongue, between the teeth or in gum pockets. A rinse masks it, the cause remains. Read more in “What helps against bad breath?”.
How to use a rinse
- Rinse as directed on the package, usually about 30 seconds, then spit out.
- Do not rinse with water afterwards, so that the active ingredient stays.
- A rinse is not meant for children under six, they swallow too much of it.
- Chlorhexidine only for as long as agreed with us.
When we recommend a rinse
At the dental hygiene appointment we see how your gums are doing and how high your risk of decay is. That shows whether a rinse makes sense for you, which one and for how long. With healthy gums and good care, the answer is usually: you may, but you do not need one.
