What are Mouthwash Tablets and How Do They Work? (2024)

Here’s something to think about: The best mouthwash out in the market right now could be in solid form.

We’re not kidding. If it’s not broken, why fix it? Apparently the brave inventors of mouthwash tablets aren’t fans of the age-old saying. After all, if toothpaste tablets can be a thing, why not this?

There are many formulations and variants available, but the best mouthwash tablets all have something in common: portability. No need to look for a no-drip 100ml bottle when assembling a travel dental kit! The zero-waste aspect is also a particularly attractive touch for those wanting to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

The most popular commercially made mouthwash tablets are sort of like bath bombs for brushing teeth: bubbly and fragrant or flavored. There are also DIY variants that are formulated and used differently — closer to oil-pulling than the usual quick 30-second gargle.

Let’s look at what mouthwash tablets are made from, how to use them, and why they may just be a better alternative for your dental hygiene needs.

What’s In a Typical Mouthwash Tablet Formula?

For effervescent tablets, an essential ingredient is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), which is otherwise known as baking soda. As an aside, baking soda by in water is a common replacement for liquid mouthwash if you’re in a pinch. With its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, it’s an easy way to disinfect your mouth and freshen your breath.

The baking soda then needs to be paired with an acid to cause the reaction that releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and produces that fizzy effect when mouthwash tablets are exposed to water. Acids that naturally occur fruits are popular choices: citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid or some combination thereof.

These acids provide flavor and may function as preservatives to lengthen the usable lifespan of the tablets. Because of their corrosive nature, natural acids may also help whiten teeth through mild abrasion of enamel. Malic acid, in particular, is also being studied as a possible treatment for dry mouth.

A sweetener may be added too, such as stevia or sorbitol. Many choose xylitol because it is well-known for its low-calorie count and antibacterial nature. In fact, it’s a common component in many oral care products. On top of this, food-grade essential oils or powdered extracts—in flavors such as thyme, peppermint, lemon, cinnamon and more—may be added to enhance the experience.

Some tablets are oil-based but not ordinarily found at your local store. In fact, many people just DIY it. The main ingredient is usually coconut oil, which is then mixed with a few drops of essential oils. The mixture can be poured into silicone molds and cooled in the fridge. The results are easy-dose oil-pulling tablets that may be an oral care substitute for mouthwash use.

What’s the Proper Way to Use Mouthwash Tablets?

In general, all you need to do it expose a mouthwash tablet to water, allow it to dissolve and then use the resulting liquid as you would conventional mouthwash.

Some brands suggest dropping mouthwash tablets in a glass of water. Others recommend placing a tablet in your mouth before sipping water and helping along with the dissolution by chewing the product slightly. Swish it around your mouth for about half a minute. Depending on the product, you may or may not be able to ingest the mouthwash afterward. Look at the instructions to be sure.

How do you use oil-based DIY oral care tablets? The idea is similar: Let the tablet dissolve in the natural temperature of your mouth. Swish the resulting oil in your mouth for 5 to 20 minutes.

Are Mouthwash Tablets Better Than Their Conventional Liquid Counterparts?

Truth be told, what works for you is the best mouthwash to keep in your medicine cabinet. If you’re happy to gargle with the old reliable liquid form, there’s no need to make big changes if you're happy with your mouthwash's ingredients.

With liquid mouthwash, though, you may not be using the product efficiently—unless you’re very meticulous when measuring out doses. The alcohol content and excessively strong flavors may also be too much for sensitive types. If you’re concerned about drying out your mouth or routinely feeling a burning sensation in your gums after gargling mouthwash, tablets may be for you.

Of course, one of the best components of mouthwash tablets is that they’re travel-friendly and hassle-free. It’s much easier to keep these mouthwash products in tiny reusable pillboxes in your bag than it is to lug around a plastic bottle filled with minty liquid. Bring them with you everywhere so you can freshen up before important meetings, first dates, and more.

Resources— Bustle, Healthline, Marie Claire, Medical News Today, Verywell Health