Best Pregnancy Safe Mouthwash (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, mouthwash is generally safe during pregnancy, and there are 183 A grade options available. Look for alcohol free formulas and avoid products containing methyl salicylate, parabens, and artificial dyes.
Oral health is especially important during pregnancy as hormonal changes increase the risk of gingivitis and gum disease. Choosing the right mouthwash matters because some common ingredients like methyl salicylate should be avoided in the third trimester, and alcohol based formulas may cause unnecessary exposure. Many popular brands contain preservatives and artificial colors that have limited safety data during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Alcohol free formulas - safer for daily use during pregnancy
- • Simple ingredient lists with minimal additives
- • Fluoride mouthwash for cavity protection (safe during pregnancy)
- • Brands like Therabreath that offer A grade pregnancy safe options
- • Natural alternatives like salt water rinses for sensitive mouths
✗ What to Avoid
- • Methyl salicylate - should be avoided especially in third trimester due to potential fetal complications
- • Alcohol based mouthwashes - unnecessary exposure during pregnancy
- • Sodium saccharin - crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissue
- • Propylparaben and methylparaben - preservatives with endocrine disrupting properties
- • Artificial dyes like Blue 1 and Green 3 - limited pregnancy safety data
- • Sodium benzoate and benzoic acid - may form benzene when combined with vitamin C
Most Common Ingredients in Mouthwash Products
We analyzed 338 mouthwash products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Mouthwash
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 338 mouthwash products we analyzed.
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C. A preservative that has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses. May form benzene when combined with vitamin C, though this is more concerning in beverages than mouthwash.
Found in 64 of 338 products (19%)
sodium saccharin
CAUTION
Sodium saccharin is an artificial sweetener found in diet products. Crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissue with uncertain long term effects. An artificial sweetener that crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissue. While occasional exposure is likely low risk, daily use products with safer alternatives are preferred.
Found in 63 of 338 products (19%)
benzoic acid
CAUTION
Benzoic acid is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C. Related to sodium benzoate with similar concerns. Has shown developmental effects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 32 of 338 products (9%)
methyl salicylate
AVOID
Methyl salicylate is a topical pain reliever in muscle rubs. Should be avoided in the third trimester due to potential fetal complications. A salicylate compound that should be avoided especially in the third trimester due to potential effects on fetal circulation. Found in some mint flavored mouthwashes.
Found in 30 of 338 products (9%)
alcohol
CAUTION
Alcohol is an intoxicating substance in beverages. Causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder with lifelong physical and cognitive problems. No safe level exists. While topical exposure from mouthwash is minimal since you spit it out, alcohol free alternatives are recommended during pregnancy to avoid any unnecessary exposure.
Found in 28 of 338 products (8%)
green 3
CAUTION
Green 3 is a synthetic green food colorant. Has no human pregnancy studies and is banned in some countries. A synthetic food dye with no human pregnancy studies. Banned in some countries and best avoided when safer alternatives exist.
Found in 21 of 338 products (6%)
blue 1
CAUTION
Blue 1 is a synthetic blue food coloring. Has limited human pregnancy data with possible neurobehavioral effects in animal studies. A synthetic dye with limited human pregnancy data. Animal studies suggest possible neurobehavioral effects. Choose dye free options when available.
Found in 20 of 338 products (6%)
polysorbate 80
CAUTION
Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier used in foods and medications. May alter offspring gut microbiota and immune function based on animal studies. An emulsifier that may alter gut microbiota based on animal studies. Effects during pregnancy are not well studied in humans.
Found in 15 of 338 products (4%)
How Do Mouthwash Products Stack Up?
We graded 338 mouthwash products for pregnancy safety. 183 received an A grade.
Best Pregnancy Safe Mouthwash
We found 183 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Therabreath Healthy Gums Mouthwash Antigingivitis - Clean Mint | Therabreath |
| A | Therabreath Deep Clean Mouthwash - Fresh Mint - 16 Fl Oz | Therabreath |
| A | Suma Alcohol Free | Herbal Terra |
| A | Sundew Alcohol Free | Herbal Terra |
| A | Tonka Alcohol Free | Herbal Terra |
Mouthwash to Avoid During Pregnancy
These popular products received low grades due to flagged ingredients.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| F | Act Mint Fluoride Rinse Mouthwash - 18 Fl Oz | Act |
| D+ | Crest Pro Health Multi Protection Alcohol Free Mouthwash - Clean Mint | Crest |
| F | Listerine Total Care Fresh Mint Anticavity Mouthwash For Bad Breath And Enamel Strength | Listerine |
| F | Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash | Listerine |
| F | Listerine Total Care Zero Alcohol Anticavity Fresh Mint | Listerine |
Your Questions Answered
Is mouthwash safe during pregnancy?
Yes, mouthwash is generally safe to use during pregnancy, and maintaining good oral hygiene is actually more important during this time due to increased risk of gum disease. However, you should choose your mouthwash carefully. Opt for alcohol free formulas and avoid products containing methyl salicylate, especially in the third trimester. There are 183 A grade pregnancy safe mouthwash options available, so you have plenty of safe choices.
What ingredients should I avoid in mouthwash during pregnancy?
The main ingredients to avoid in mouthwash during pregnancy include methyl salicylate (a salicylate that should be avoided in the third trimester), alcohol, sodium saccharin (which crosses the placenta), parabens like propylparaben and methylparaben (endocrine disruptors), and artificial dyes like Blue 1 and Green 3. Also watch for sodium benzoate and benzoic acid, which are preservatives with limited pregnancy safety data. Always check the ingredient list before purchasing.
Are alcohol based mouthwashes safe during pregnancy?
While small amounts of alcohol in mouthwash are unlikely to cause harm since you spit it out, most experts recommend choosing alcohol free mouthwash during pregnancy to minimize any unnecessary exposure. Alcohol free formulas are just as effective at freshening breath and fighting bacteria. Many popular brands like Therabreath and Crest offer alcohol free options that are safer choices during pregnancy.
What kind of mouthwash should I be using during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, choose an alcohol free mouthwash with a simple ingredient list. Fluoride mouthwashes are safe and help protect against cavities. Look for products without methyl salicylate, artificial sweeteners like sodium saccharin, parabens, or artificial dyes. Brands like Therabreath offer several A grade options. If you prefer natural alternatives, a simple salt water rinse is also effective and completely safe during pregnancy.
Why is oral health important during pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones increase blood flow to your gums and change how your body responds to bacteria, making you more susceptible to pregnancy gingivitis and gum disease. Poor oral health during pregnancy has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight in some studies. Using a safe mouthwash as part of your daily oral care routine helps reduce bacteria and inflammation, protecting both your dental health and your pregnancy.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
People Also Checked
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11921639/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26014016/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9003278/
- https://motherfigure.com/safe skincare/sodium benzoate/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bdrb.20187
- https://millionmarker.com/pages/pregnancy fertility chemical sodium benzoate
- https://turkishneurosurgery.org.tr/pdf.php?id=1502
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114665/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X18312488
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/what to know about sodium benzoate
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sodium benzoate
- https://mothertobaby.org/studies/ut refer gastro/?print=print
- https://hfpappexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=FoodSubstances&id=SODIUMBENZOATE
- https://www.mondstar.com/buying guide/sodium benzoate buying guide/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13102818.2016.1224979
- https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical guidance/committee opinion/articles/2017/08/antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal maturation
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3821876/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62131-7
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/
- https://www.mandysacher.com/blogs/6toppreservativestoavoid
