The best toothpaste, mouthwash, floss and more — grab the top picks for dental hygiene.

As you browse the dental care aisle trying to find the best toothpaste for whiter teeth or fresher breath, know that what you pick affects much more than just your smile. The products you choose should, of course, help protect you from tooth decay and gum disease, but they should also help prevent issues like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

"Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, which means poor oral hygiene can lead to infections that can impact your whole system," says Whitney White, DDS, a dentist in Las Vegas. In fact, maintaining good oral health helps protect against over 60 health conditions caused by gum disease, including, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and RA. A healthier mouth may even make for a healthier mind. Research has linked gum disease with an increased incidence of dementia.

If you think gum disease happens only to "other people," here's a surprising news flash for you: If you're over 30, flip a coin — those are roughly your odds of having periodontitis right now, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This severe form of chronic gum disease quietly eats away at the bone around your teeth, and, yes, it can lead to tooth loss.

Here's the good news: You can easily protect your teeth, gums and overall health by regularly caring for your mouth. Don't worry. We've done the hard work for you. After speaking with five experts and testing more than 60 products over the course of six months, we've narrowed down the overwhelming wall of dental care options to the absolute top choices. From the best mouthwash to the best tongue scrapers — we'll help you build the ideal oral care arsenal. Read on for our expert-backed, thoroughly tested recommendations.

Best toothpaste

Best tongue scraper

Best floss and flossing tools

Best mouthwash

Best water flossers

Best toothbrushes

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 eight water flossers, 15 toothbrushes and 20 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.