The best toothpaste, mouthwash, floss and more — grab the top products for oral care
We tested more than 60 essential dental hygiene products — these 10 rose to the top.
Next time you're scanning the dental care aisle for something to whiten your smile or freshen your breath, remember this: Your choice affects more than just your teeth. The right oral hygiene products can help prevent cavities and gum disease — and may even reduce your risk of more serious health conditions.
“Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, which means poor oral hygiene can lead to infections that impact your whole system,” says Whitney White, DDS, a dentist based in Las Vegas.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), research shows a strong link between periodontal disease and systemic conditions, including strokes, heart disease, diabetes and even dementia. A healthy mouth isn't just about having a dazzling smile — it's a critical part of your overall wellness.
Think gum disease is someone else's problem? Think again. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults over 30 have periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease. It can quietly erode the bone around your teeth — and yes, it can lead to tooth loss.
The good news? Taking care of your mouth is one of the easiest ways to support your whole-body health. After speaking with five dental experts and testing more than 60 oral care products over six months, we've curated the best of the best — from top-rated whitening toothpaste to a game-changing tongue scraper. Read on for our expert-backed, thoroughly tested picks to build your best-ever oral care routine.
Update, September 25, 2025: We've confirmed current pricing and availability for all products. Our top picks remain unchanged.
Best toothpaste
Type of product: Whitening toothpaste | Standout features: Claims to significantly whiten teeth in two weeks
Our testers named Colgate Optic White Pro Series the best whitening toothpaste overall — and it’s also a top pick among dentists. Its standout ingredient? 5% hydrogen peroxide, which research shows is more effective at whitening than alternatives like baking soda. (Bonus: Its foaming action helps reach those tricky spots between teeth.)
The whitening power is no joke — I noticed a visibly brighter smile in just three days, far quicker than the brand’s two-week claim. That said, the high peroxide content was a bit too strong for my sensitive gums. If you're in the same boat, I’ve got you: after testing 20 whitening toothpastes, Sensodyne Extra Whitening stood out as the best option for those with sensitivity.
But if your teeth and gums aren’t sensitive? This one’s a winner. As one enthusiastic Amazon reviewer put it:
"This toothpaste is the best! It keeps my teeth feeling incredibly clean and noticeably whiter. The 5% hydrogen peroxide is both gentle and effective, providing a bright smile without any irritation. I’ve seen great results and love how fresh my mouth feels after every use."
- Visibly whitens teeth in as few as 3 days
- Mild taste leaves mouth feeling fresh
- Gluten-free, vegan and enamel-safe
- Hydrogen peroxide can aggravate sensitive gums
- Pricier than other toothpastes
Best tongue scraper
mastermedi
Type of product: Tongue scraper | Standout features: 100% medical-grade stainless steel
I'd always brushed my tongue with my toothbrush, thinking that was enough. But after trying the MasterMedi stainless steel tongue scraper, I was shocked by how much debris it removed. Now, I'm a convert!
While research shows tongue scrapers and toothbrushes both effectively reduce the volatile sulfur compounds (that stinky layer of bacteria) on your tongue, I felt I got far better results using the MasterMedi. Plus, I found using a tongue scraper way more satisfying.
I'm not the only one who loves this scraper. Orthodontist Erin Fraundorf, DMD, MSD, founder of BOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio, recommends it to her patients. "It's one of my favorite smile-care tools and an absolute must in your oral hygiene ritual to help with bad breath," she says.
With more than 96,000 five-star Amazon reviews, this little tool has a serious fan club. One dental hygienist shared this review: "It's amazing and disgusting how much bacteria lurks in the deep trenches of the back of your tongue! This is a great, easy-to-use product that will leave your mouth so much cleaner!"
- Designed for lifetime use
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
- Overly firm pressure could cut tongue
- Small handles
Best floss and flossing tools
Type of product: String floss | Standout features: Waxed and shred-resistant
Regular flossing plays a critical role in preventing plaque buildup — and that’s a big deal when it comes to your oral health. Plaque is that bacteria-rich film that forms on your teeth and, if not removed, quickly hardens into tartar that can lead to cavities and gum disease, says cosmetic dentist Michael Wei, DDS. Once tartar forms, only a dental professional using specialized tools can remove it.
Reach waxed dental floss in mint has been my standby for over two decades. I've tried many other brands, both waxed and unwaxed, but this is the one I keep returning to. Some "easy glide" waxed flosses are too slippery and don't grab onto the stuff between my teeth. On the other hand, Reach floss has enough wax to slide in easily but with enough texture to grab food particles and plaque. Plus, the price is hard to beat at about a buck per spool.
Orthodontist Randy Kunik says string floss is the gold standard for cleaning between your teeth. "It's highly effective at removing plaque and food particles from tight spaces and is recommended for daily use." If you're not a regular flosser, this one is a beginner-friendly option thanks to its easy grip.
One Amazon reviewer (who's clearly as committed to the brand as I am) wrote, "I hope this product will stay around forever or for eternity. I have been using it for over 20 years, and it is the only one that gets plaque out." Another enthusiastic customer shared, "Tried many other brands, this is the BEST. Durable (does not start to break apart), easy to glide between teeth, and good price."
Even so, not every customer left a positive review — some said the floss split and shredded, though that's never been my experience.
- Affordable
- Shred-resistant
- Widely available
- Thicker than unwaxed floss
- Some may find the waxed texture unpleasant
|Type of product: Water flosser | Standout features: 10 pressure settings
After testing out 14 water flossers, we chose the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser as our top pick. It includes seven floss tips, 10 pressure settings and 360-degree rotation to meet all of your flossing needs. All these customizable features make it an ideal choice for those with braces or sensitive teeth and gums. Plus, its compact design makes it excellent for smaller spaces without compromising on function. The biggest drawback is that it's a bit noisy.
Water flossers like Waterpik use a pulsating stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline, making them super helpful for those who have difficulty using traditional floss, especially people with braces, notes Wei.
With more than 148,000 Amazon reviews, the Waterpik Aquarius maintains an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. One pleased reviewer wrote: "The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser has exceeded my expectations. With its range of 10 pressure settings, I can adjust the intensity to suit my preferences. The massage mode is particularly beneficial for gum health, providing stimulation to the area."
Another customer shared: "I absolutely hate flossing my teeth, so I figured if I got a water flosses, it would be less of a chore for me and it actually is kind of fun to use!"
- Multiple tips and pressure settings for a personalized clean
- Easy to use
- Effective
- Noisy
- Must be plugged in
Cost: $10 per spool |Type of product: String floss | Standout features: Expands on contact with saliva
Biöm's Silk Dental Floss is coated with black seed oil and features a woven texture that really works to remove trapped debris between teeth — even in a crowded mouth — making it our top pick for natural floss.
As an avid flosser myself, I can confidently say it's one of the best flosses I've used — on par with my beloved waxed floss, which says a lot. With its reusable glass container and natural ingredients — like beeswax, eucalyptus and black seed oil — this floss is environmentally friendly while also being ultra-effective.
While this floss is priced higher than many dentist-recommended options and its eucalyptus flavor may not appeal to everyone, I find the taste refreshing and the product worth the splurge.
One Amazon customer with crowded teeth raved: "I really, really like this thicker floss because it gets into everywhere I need it to and GRABS onto food stuck in between my teeth and under gums."
- Evnvironmentally friendly
- Expands to maximize debris removal
- Great for crowded teeth
- Pricey
- Flavor may not appeal to everyone
Type of product: Pick flosser | Standout features: Easy-to-use design
Not only are Plackers Micro Line Floss Picks a staff favorite, they're White's top pick as well. "Floss picks are great for helping remove plaque buildup between teeth and where teeth meet the gums," she says.
An Amazon reviewer who admits to hating flossing wrote: "These make it so easy to floss … I recommend these for people who hate traditional flossing." Another happy customer shared: "The fresh mint flavor really stands out, leaving a nice taste and freshness in my mouth after each use. It's like having a mini mouthwash session each time I floss."
It's important to remember, however, that while floss picks are convenient, they may not always clean as thoroughly in certain areas. "It's best to use them when you’re short on time or need something quick and easy," says Kunik.
But if it comes down to using a floss pick or not flossing at all, use the pick! As White says, "I recommend any floss that you'll actually use. So if a floss pick functions best in your hands, I'm happy as a dentist."
Though I'm a traditional floss person, I see the pick perks after testing them. They are a nice option to keep stashed in the glove compartment, and my son, who hasn't quite mastered flossing yet, loves to use them, which is a big dental-health win!
- Easy to use
- Great for on the go
- Gentle on gums
- Not as effective as traditional floss
- Potential quality issues
Best mouthwash
Type of product: Mouthwash | Standout features: Alcohol-free
Our testers chose TheraBreath's Fresh Breath Oral Rinse as the best mouthwash for one key reason — it’s alcohol‑free. Unlike alcohol-based rinses, this gentle formula refreshes breath without drying or irritating the mouth. I can vouch for it myself: TheraBreath is noticeably gentler than other options I’ve tried.
Scientific research adds another layer of support: Long-term use of alcohol-based mouthwashes has been linked to disruptions in the oral microbiome — including increases in harmful bacteria and decreases in beneficial ones. These shifts can contribute to oral health issues like bad breath and even gum disease, says Fraundorf.
While some Walmart customers disliked the aftertaste of TheraBreath, the majority of reviewers gave positive feedback. One pleased customer shared: "Excellent product, does not contain alcohol, protects the sensitivity of my teeth, contributed to my oral post-operative period and did not hurt the surgery wounds."
Another raved: "There's no burning sensation, and the results are almost immediate — I can feel and see the difference right away. I recommend it to everyone I know. If you're looking for a gentle yet effective solution, this is it!"
I'm not a habitual mouthwash user, but I enjoy how fresh my mouth feels after using this one. It doesn't burn or trigger tooth sensitivity like the harsher brands I've tried. I even had a canker sore when testing it. Surprisingly, it didn't cause any aggravation! While I probably won't use it daily, it's nice to have TheraBreath in my oral health toolbox.
- Alcohol-free
- Gentle
- Kills odor-causing bacteria
- Pricey
- Slight aftertaste
Best toothbrushes
Type of product: Electric toothbrush | Standout features: Long battery life
After testing over 20 electric toothbrushes, the Aquasonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush emerged as our top pick.
With over 124,000 reviews, it's an Amazon bestseller — and our tester said the hype is warranted, especially the battery life, since a single charge lasts up to a month. (That means you can stash the charging pad away and keep your bathroom counter clutter-free!)
It’s powered by a 40,000-vibrations-per-minute motor, which our tester said left her mouth feeling seriously clean. She also loved the built-in two-minute timer, which ensures you're brushing for the dentist-recommended time. Even better: It pauses every 30 seconds to prompt switching quadrants, so every section of your mouth gets equal attention.
With four cleaning modes — Clean, Soft, Whitening and Massage — it covers all the bases. And the fact that it comes with eight brush heads means you'll be set for a long while before needing to buy replacements.
- Long-lasting battery life
- Vibrating motor
- Built-in timer
- Not a lot of extra bells and whistles
Type of product: Manual toothbrush | Standout features: Built-in tongue and cheek scraper
The Colgate Advanced 360 Plus Floss Tip earned our top spot for best overall manual toothbrushes. "If you're searching for that just-from-the-dentist clean with a manual toothbrush, this is your best bet," raved our tester. The magic lies in its soft, tapered bristles that can dive deep between teeth and around the gumline, ensuring a thorough clean. Another plus for this manual brush: lt features a built-in tongue and cheek scraper. "It worked as well as a tongue scraper," noted our tester.
Other users agree. One happy Walmart customer shared: "I love these! They actually have very soft bristles unlike many other so-called 'soft' toothbrushes. They don't hurt my sensitive teeth and they make brushing much more efficient and thorough with the 360 technology. My teeth feel so clean with this brush!"
That's great news, since Wei notes that a "good quality toothbrush with soft bristles helps to effectively remove plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums," making it an essential component of daily oral care.
- Two-pack
- Tapered bristles reach easily between teeth
- Ergonomic handle
- Only one head size
- Soft bristle option may be too hard for some
Types of oral hygiene products
Your mouth deserves the best care possible, and today's dental products make that easier than ever. Whether you're looking to brighten your smile, protect against cavities or maintain healthy gums, understanding the right tools for the job is a must. Let's break down the essentials:
Toothbrush: "Choosing the right toothbrush is key to effective cleaning," says Kunik. Soft-bristled manual toothbrushes are great when used correctly because they're gentle on gums and enamel. But electric toothbrushes can take the clean a step further. They're more effective at removing plaque and improving gum health, making them a worthwhile investment.
Interdental brush: Also known as mini brushes, interdental brushes are ideal for cleaning significant gaps between teeth or around braces, bridges and implants, says Kunik. Mini brushes are also an A+ choice for people with gum recession or periodontal issues. (But make sure to consult your dentist before using.)
String floss: Flossing is a crucial step for removing debris and plaque from between teeth, areas your toothbrush can't reach. And finding the best floss is simple — it's the one you'll actually use, says White. What matters most of all is simply making flossing a consistent part of your routine.
Water flosser: Water flossers use an adjustable pressurized stream of water to remove food and plaque between your teeth. They're especially effective for folks with braces, implants, gum disease or sensitive gums, says White.
Floss pick: This convenient device consists of a string of dental floss attached to a plastic handle. While a great choice for flossing on the go, Marashi notes that it's not as effective as traditional floss.
Tongue scraper: This U-shaped metal or plastic tool is useful for removing bacteria, food debris and dead cells from the surface of the tongue, says Wei. Using a tongue scraper regularly can help promote better oral health and reduce bad breath.
Mouthwash: Regularly swishing mouthwash allows you to reach areas in your mouth that may be missed by brushing and flossing alone. "Choose a mouthwash that fits your oral health needs, such as fluoride mouthwash for cavity prevention or antibacterial mouthwash for gum health," says Wei.
At-home oral care is essential — and so is care from a dentist. "Only a professional cleaning can remove calcified plaque (tartar) stuck between your teeth, below the gum line and on top. No mouthwash, brushing or flossing can fix this. You must have it professionally removed," says Marashi. The American Dental Association recommends dental cleaning every six months or, if you have gum issues, every three to four months.
Factors to consider when purchasing oral hygiene products
To help you choose the right oral hygiene tools for your daily routine, here's what Kunik recommends considering:
User-friendly design: The easier a product is to use, the more likely you'll stick with it. For example, someone who finds traditional floss frustrating might have better success with a water flosser.
Effectiveness: Always look for products with a proven track record. The ADA Seal of Acceptance signifies approval from the American Dental Association, which is a great way to ensure a product has been tested for safety and effectiveness.
Comfort: Oral care should never hurt. Soft-bristled toothbrushes, gentle floss and alcohol-free mouthwash are all smart options if you experience sensitivity or irritation.
Ingredients: Pay attention to what's in your products. Fluoride is essential for cavity prevention, while alcohol-free mouthwashes are better for people with dry mouth. If you're sensitive to specific ingredients, look for alternatives tailored to your needs.
Flavor: While a blast of peppermint might be right for some, you might prefer unflavored options. Whatever you choose, know that taste can make a big difference in whether you use a product regularly.
Cost: You don't need the priciest products for a healthy smile. While some premium tools might be worth the investment, many budget-friendly options deliver excellent results. Focus your spending on the basics that matter most.
How we chose
We carefully evaluated 62 dental hygiene products over the course of six months, including mouthwashes, tongue scrapers, flossers and toothpastes, to identify the best options for enhancing your routine. Our approach combined hands-on testing, expert insights and extensive research. Five dental professionals, including cosmetic dentists, general dentists and orthodontists expertly guided our understanding of what matters most in oral care tools.
Our team rigorously tested each product, assessing factors like performance, comfort and everyday usability. We also analyzed hundreds of verified user reviews to assess long-term reliability and satisfaction. Final selections were based on proven effectiveness, practical design and overall value.
FAQs
What's the best type of flosser for beginners?
While dentists generally consider traditional floss most effective, water flossers like the Waterpik are ideal for beginners or those with dexterity challenges. Their easy-to-handle design is often easier to manage than string floss.
What's the difference between waxed and unwaxed floss?
Waxed floss glides more smoothly between teeth thanks to its protective coating, making it ideal for tight spaces. Unwaxed floss offers a thinner profile but tends to fray or break more easily during use.
Why should I use a tongue scraper?
Tongue scrapers are highly effective at removing stubborn debris and odor-causing bacteria from your tongue's surface, fighting bad breath and supporting oral health. Regular use leaves your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner.
What's the best way to clean a tongue scraper?
Regularly cleaning your tongue scraper helps maintain hygiene and ensures effective use. Some are dishwasher safe, while others should be cleaned with soap, toothpaste or sanitized in boiling water. Check the manufacturer's instructions before tackling the job.
What's the best type of mouthwash for bad breath?
Dentists recommend using an alcohol-free mouthwash to help protect the natural balance of microbiota in your mouth while effectively combating bad breath. Our top pick is Therabreath, known for its powerful, long-lasting freshening effects.
What should I look for in a mouthwash for sensitive teeth?
If you have sensitive teeth, avoid alcohol-containing mouthwash, which may exacerbate sensitivity. Instead, opt for formulas with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and CoQ10 that can help calm irritation. Many mouthwashes are specifically labeled for sensitivity relief.
Other products we tested
In the lead-up to this article we thoroughly tested water flossers, toothbrushes and toothpastes. We then added 18 dental hygiene products to our testing protocol to round out our oral hygiene list. Some of those items are featured above. The ones that didn't quite make the cut are included here.
The Autobrush U-shaped toothbrush is ADA-approved and features a 30-second timer, but it fell short of our top picks. Though it cleans effectively, I prefer the precision and control of a traditional electric toothbrush, even if it requires more effort. However, this could be ideal for children or those with dexterity challenges that make brushing difficult.
Cocofloss dental floss is available in a whopping 15 flavors. I tried "delicious mint" and loved the taste and texture of the floss, which slid easily through my tightly spaced teeth. Though I'd use it again, it did not do a better job than our top-pick Reach waxed floss, which costs 80% less.
Biöm's Swish mouthwash has an invigorating, spicy mint flavor, leaving my mouth feeling extra clean without burning. It's alcohol-free and contains all-natural flavorings like peppermint essential oil and licorice extract, but it costs more than twice as much as our best overall mouthwash pick.
Spry's xylitol mouthwash is alcohol-free and gentle enough to use if you have bleeding gums, canker sores or similar mouth woes. While it contains soothing, healing ingredients like echinacea, chamomile and aloe vera, the aftertaste is slightly bitter. Spry may be an excellent choice for those with tooth or gum sensitivity.
The stainless steel tongue scraper by drTung has easy-to-grip handles, making tongue cleaning simple and efficient. Recommended by both Wei and Kunik, it's a reliable choice for maintaining oral hygiene. It performs similarly to our top pick but is about 60% more expensive.
DenTek's Easy Brush interdental cleaners have small brushes that fit comfortably between teeth but tend to bend easily, making them tricky to use. They might be a better option for someone with orthodontics.
Tom's of Maine Antiplaque Floss is made with natural waxes and is free of artificial ingredients, but it's too thick to slide easily between my crowded teeth. If you have wider spacing, this would likely be a solid option.
Riven's probiotic mouthwash tastes fantastic and leaves my mouth feeling fresh, but at $22 a bottle, it's hard to justify. While there's research behind the importance of a healthy oral microbiome, large-scale research is still needed to confirm the benefits of probiotic mouthwash. Even so, Fraundorf believes it can be a helpful addition to your routine if used alongside traditional methods like brushing, flossing and regular dental visits.
Meet our experts
Erin Fraundorf, DMD, MSD, orthodontist and founder of BOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio in Ladue, Mo.
Randy Kunik, DDS, orthodontist and founder of Kunik Orthodontics in Austin, Texas
Jon Marashi, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles
Michael J. Wei, DDS, FIADFE, general, cosmetic and restorative dentist and founder of Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist in New York City
Whitney White, DDS, dentist and practice owner of Aspen Dental in Las Vegas
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.