Mouthwashes tested by Öko-Test: three well-known brands disappoint
4.9.2024
Translation: machine translated
Are mouthwashes good for your teeth? Not necessarily. Öko-Test tested several brands and found questionable ingredients in some products.
Mouthwash solutions promise to prevent tooth decay and combat plaque.
Eko-Test tested which products are recommendable for its current issue.
A total of 27 mouthwashes were scrutinised, six of which were natural cosmetics variants.
Mouthwashes tested: these are the winners
A total of 13 mouthwashes scored top marks. The six natural cosmetic products tested all achieved a "very good" or "good" rating.
The test winners included the "Dontodent antibacterial mouthwash", the "Dentabella antibacterial mouthwash" from Norma, the "Alterra mouthwashmint" from Rossmann, "Blütezeit Mouthwash Organic Mint" and "Blütezeit Mouthwash Organic Lemon Balm" as well as "Bevola Mouthwash Mint" from Kaufland.
Info: The test winner Dontodent should soon be available for you in the shop again.
Criticism of well-known brands
Critical substances have been detected in a number of mouthwashes: The substance chlorhexidine digluconate, for example, can darken teeth and tongue, alter mucous membranes and lead to taste irritation and increased tartar formation. The flavouring substance methyl salicylate is classified as harmful to reproduction in the EU. The substance must also be labelled on cosmetics, which has not always been the case.
Sodium lauryl sulphate can irritate mucous membranes and has even been found in rinses that should not be spit out. Alcohol was also found in some products, which is problematic if children and young people use them. Points were also deducted for the use of tea tree oil, which can trigger allergic reactions.
The rinses from Listerine and Parodontax were accordingly rated as "unsatisfactory". Both contain sodium lauryl sulphate. Tea tree oil was found in the Alkmene product, so it only received a "satisfactory" rating. Eurodont and Dentalux, whose products were found to contain alcohol, were given the test grade "sufficient". Dentalux also does not declare this.
Mouthwash
Quantity discount
CHF5.85 per piece for 3 units CHF13.–/1l
Listerine Cool Mint Mild
500 ml, Mouthwash
Mouthwash
Quantity discount
CHF7.30 per piece for 3 units CHF27.–/1l
Parodontax Revitalise
300 ml, Mouthwash
Mouthwash
Quantity discount
CHF5.05 per piece for 4 units CHF11.80/1l
Alkmene Antibacterial
500 ml, Mouthwash
Efficacy had to be proven
However, the investigation also revealed positive findings: Öko-Test asked the manufacturers to provide evidence of efficacy based on product-related studies. The result: All fluoride-containing mouthwash solutions make tooth enamel more resistant to acids and bacteria from caries. In addition, none of the products exceed the maximum amount of fluoride according to the effectiveness evidence. The studies also show that antibacterial active ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride and essential oils have been proven to support plaque removal. <p
Header image: Peopleimages.com/Shutterstock
A true local journalist with a secret soft spot for German pop music. Mum of two boys, a dog and about 400 toy cars in all shapes and colours. I always enjoy travelling, reading and go to concerts, too.
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