Is Hypochlorous Acid Mouthwash Safe for Daily Use?

|Marc Patterson
Shield with check mark representing hypochlorous acid mouthwash safety for daily use

Is hypochlorous acid mouthwash safe for daily use?

Yes. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) mouthwash can be used as part of a daily oral-care routine when it is specifically formulated for oral use and used as directed. Research on HOCl oral rinses supports oral use, including compatibility with oral tissues and tooth-related surfaces.


Does Hypochlorous Acid Mouthwash Have Side Effects?

HOCl oral rinses have generally been well tolerated in available studies, but side effects can vary by formulation and concentration. Some studies using higher HOCl concentrations have reported temporary dryness or an unpleasant taste.[1]

River Refresh Oral Rinse is alcohol-free, avoiding the alcohol that can contribute to dryness and the strong burning sensation associated with some mouthwashes.[2]


What Matters When Choosing an HOCl Mouthwash?

Choose an HOCl product that is specifically formulated for oral use. Concentration (ppm), pH, ingredients, and directions all matter. A skincare, pet-care, or surface-cleaning product should not be used as mouthwash simply because it contains hypochlorous acid.

River Refresh Oral Rinse is formulated for everyday oral hygiene at 100 ppm HOCl and pH 6.0 ± 0.2. Learn more about why ppm and pH matter in hypochlorous acid mouthwash.


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References

1. Mouthrinse (Mouthwash)
American Dental Association. ADA Oral Health Topics. Updated 2026. View Source
Provides guidance on mouthrinse as an adjunct to brushing and flossing and discusses the role of antimicrobial mouthrinses in helping control plaque and gingivitis.

2. Effects of Hypochlorous Acid Mouthwash on Salivary Bacteria Including Staphylococcus aureus in Patients With Periodontal Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Lin YC, Tsai CF, Huang HL. BMC Oral Health. 2023;23(1):698. View Study | PubMed
Randomized controlled trial evaluating 100 ppm HOCl mouthwash and demonstrating significant reductions in salivary total bacterial counts in patients with periodontal disease under the study conditions.

3. Effects of Stabilized Hypochlorous Acid on Oral Biofilm Bacteria
Eick S, et al. BMC Oral Health. 2022;22:415. View Study | Full Text
Laboratory study showing antimicrobial activity of stabilized HOCl against multispecies oral biofilms representing supra- and subgingival bacterial communities.

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