Comparing Scope to Listerine

Whether you’re searching for a way to freshen up your breath when you’re on your way out the door or for a product to incorporate into your regular routine, deciding on a mouthwash that best suits your needs can be tricky. There are a variety of brands offering similar solutions with what seem to be the same formulations and ingredients. However, the two well-known brands Scope and Listerine are often dentist-recommended and offer product options that stand out from the pack. But is there a difference between the two, and which one is best for you?

Scope

Owned by Crest, Scope mouthwash aims to outlast other brands in terms of lasting freshness. Scope offers a variety of mouthwashes that aim to whiten the teeth, have foaming action and are alcohol-free. All of their mouthwashes are designed to kill bacteria and germs that cause bad breath and oral diseases.

Scope is easy to use — once you pour the designated amount of mouthwash into the cap or a cup of your choice, swirl it around your mouth, spit and rinse.

Scope mouthwash pros

Scope, if used daily, can help fight gingivitis and keep your mouth free of bacteria. Aside from freshening your breath post-meal or midday, using a mouthwash actually helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria due to the alcohol in most Scope mouthwashes. Both online and in-store, Scope mouthwashes are available in a variety of sizes — from travel to jumbo size or combination packs. There are also a few different flavors of Scope mouthwashes available, although the most commonly sold ones use their original formula with peppermint.

If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, try pairing a mouthwash with charcoal toothpaste.

Scope mouthwash cons

Scope tends to incorporate more sugar and less alcohol into their mouthwashes when compared to competitor’s products. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, sugar causes bad breath while alcohol eliminates bacteria, so it’s always best if there’s more alcohol than sugar. Because of this, Scope is a milder mouthwash and acts more like a breath freshener than a bacteria killer.

Best Scope mouthwashes

Crest Scope Mouthwash, Classic Mouth Rinse, Travel Size: available at Amazon Enjoy fresh breath on the go. This 12-pack features mini-sized Scope mouthwashes that you can easily pack into your purse or backpack. Each bottle contains enough for 1-2 rinses.

Crest Scope Outlast Mouthwash Long-Lasting Peppermint: available at Amazon Scope’s peppermint mouthwash leaves a lingering, refreshing mint taste in your mouth for an extended period of time after use, making it a popular choice next to their classic formula.

Crest Scope Classic Mouthwash in Original Formula: available at Amazon This 1.5-liter bottle of Scope’s classic mouthwash is a great value purchase if you’re looking to rinse daily. Due to its size, it’s best kept for daily use in your bathroom.

Listerine

The creator of Listerine was inspired by a British doctor and surgeon who suggested that invisible germs could be the cause of numerous infections. It was then used as an antiseptic for years, being sprayed around surgery rooms, before a dentist marketed it as a mouthwash in 1914.

Today, Listerine mouthwash is available in several types, each one targeting specific needs. While all of them promise to freshen your breath, most contain alcohol. However, there are some available that are alcohol-free. Other ingredients include eucalyptus and fluoride.

Listerine mouthwash pros

Listerine contains less sugar than many other mouthwash products and studies show it is most recommended and effective in fighting gingivitis and bad breath.

Although Listerine is available in a variety of sizes, most standard bottles of Listerine are 1 liter in size and are not too costly, meaning they are easy enough to incorporate into your routine on a regular basis. You can also opt for different flavors as well as different strengths.

Listerine mouthwash cons

Most Listerine mouthwashes contain alcohol and are known to be quite strong. Some users, especially children, complain of the burning sensation it leaves in your mouth. While this could mean that you have a sensitivity or oral-related issue to discuss with your dentist, you may want to consider an alcohol-free or less-potent mouthwash that likely contains more sugar.

Best Listerine mouthwashes

Listerine Original Oral Care Antiseptic Mouthwash: available at Amazon The original formula for Listerine comes in a gold-hued bottle and since it’s meant to be an antiseptic wash it’s not sweet or minty. That being said, it’s very strong and does an excellent job at killing bacteria. It’s best to use it daily after brushing and flossing your teeth.

Listerine Ultraclean Oral Care Antiseptic Mouthwash: available at Amazon This arctic mint flavor leaves your breath feeling fresh. The cool, minty taste not only makes your mouth feel clean but it promises less burning than the original formula, making this a comfortable option for everyday use.

Listerine Total Care Alcohol-Free AntiCavity Mouthwash: available at Amazon This 2-pack, alcohol-free formula still provides you with multiple benefits and fresh breath, but without the burning. This is an ideal choice if you have sensitive gums but you’re still looking for a strong enough mouthwash to clean and freshen up your mouth.

Should I choose Scope or Listerine?

In the end, while it ultimately comes down to personal preference, Listerine is the overall stronger choice. Although Scope is a great basic mouthwash, due to its higher sugar content it won’t fight off bacteria as well as Listerine. Listerine offers several varieties, making it effective in preventing plaque, gingivitis and bad breath.

Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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