Antiseptic mouth rinse, often called mouthwash , is an oral hygiene product that claims to kill the germs that can cause plague , gingivitis and bad breath .Anyway , it is generally agreed that the use if mouthwash does not eliminate the need of brushing .

Common use involves rinsing one’s mouth with about 20ml of mouthwash at least two times a day after brushing. The mouthwash is generally swished of gargled for about half of minute and then spit out.

Active ingredients commercial brands of mouthwash may include thymol, eucalyptol , methyl salicylate, menthol , chlorhexidine gluconate, hydrogen peroxide and sometimes enzymes and calcium  . The ingredients also include water , sweeteners such sorbitol and Sodium saccharine , and significant amount of alcohol ( around 20% ) . Because of the alcohol content, it is possible to fail a breathalyzer test after rinsing one's mouth. Many newer brands are alcohol-free.

A salt mouthwash is a homemade treatment which can be used by anyone, for mouth infections and is made by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water .

Listerine mouthwash is the only mouthwash clinically proven to help prevent and reduce the gum disease gingivitis and kill germs and bacteria between your teeth when brushing and flossing are not enough. This product has worn the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

There are products like:

Listerine cool mint antiseptic mouthwash for helping control of plague and gingivitis. Helps preventing and reduce supra-gingival plague accumulation. It can be used also when brushing is not enough; it has a great tasting cool mint flavor too.

Listerine Wintermint antiseptic mouthwash for helping control of plague and gingivitis. Helps preventing and reduce supra-gingival plague accumulation. It can be used also when brushing is not enough; it has a great tasting cool mint flavor too.

Listerine Natural Citrus antiseptic mouthwash. These products have been combined with a new, less intense flavor (natural citrus) to produce a great mouthwash. It contains components like: orange, tangerine, lemon and grapefruit.