A 2004 clinical study found that adding an essential-oil rinse, like Listerine, to your cleaning routine can reduce the risk of developing gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, by up to 34 percent. (Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque).

Even with diligent brushing and flossing it can be difficult to clean all the hard-to-reach spots, which is what makes rinsing so important. “Using a mouthwash helps to get in all the nooks and crannies,” says Goulding.

To get the full benefits of the rinse action, use the amount recommended on the bottle (using a smaller amount or diluting it with water can decrease the effectiveness of the product) and hold it in your mouth for a full 30 seconds, swishing it around your teeth.