There are as many types and brands of toothpaste and mouthwashes on the store shelf as there are soft drinks on the shelf. There are claims of whitening, decay slowing, bacteria killing, making your mouth feel sparkling, and even 12 hour refreshing toothpaste and mouthrinses. The most important factor in a toothpaste and mouthwash is whether they have fluoride and whether you like the taste. These are the 2 most important factors. A higher price is no indication of superior performance as is a lower price product to inferior performance. The actual brushing motion on tooth structure removes majority of the plaque and debris. If a mouth wash claiming to kill bacteria is used, the mouthwash must be used at the designated duration for the effect to be seen. Alcohol in mouth rinses have very little effect in ridding the mouth of just the undesired bacteria present as the alcohol unfortunately kills off the good bacteria in our mouths as well. So please avoid mouth rinses with alcohol. Consult your dentist at D & L Dental Center about the best regimen for you.