My Honest Review of ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash with Xylitol (2023 Edition)

If you, like me, struggle with dry mouth, you know that going through many different products to find the one that works can be tiring. On advice from my hygienist, I decided to put ‘ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash with Xylitol’ to the test. Here’s my sincere appraisal of the product.

Active Ingredients and Features

The ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash has Sodium fluoride 0.02% (0.009% w/v fluoride ion) as its primary active ingredient which provides anti-cavity benefits, something that most other moisturizing rinses lack. Notably, it comprises Xylitol, a component known to combat dry mouth by stimulating saliva production. However, it’s worth mentioning that other sweeteners, Sucralose and Sorbitol, are also used, which I personally didn’t appreciate too much.

From my research, it seems to be almost identical to ACT’s Restoring formula, but the added Xylitol gives it an extra edge to tackle dry mouth and promote moistness in the mouth tissues.

A commendable attribute is its pH level which ranges between 6.0 and 7.6, reportedly mirroring the natural pH of your mouth. This pH-neutral aspect likely contributes to its overall effectiveness by working in harmony with the natural environment of your mouth.

Packaging and Usability

I was somewhat thrown off guard by the product’s look. The white bottle led me to assume it would be clear, but alas, the rinse is actually greenish-blue mirroring most ACT products. That being said, it has the reassuring presence of a blue safety seal.

But, I have to mention, the plastic bottle is thin and a bit too large to handle with ease; you might get a splash if you’re not careful. Its slippery surface without any firm gripping ridges added to my troubles.

Taste, Flavors, and Mouthfeel

The good news is that this rinse doesn’t stain my teeth! The product features a soothing mint flavor, offering a taste far more pleasant than most of the Dry Mouth products I’ve tried. It’s just the right balance of minty freshness without becoming overpowering or overly sweet.

Now, because of its alcohol-free formulation, it leaves a mild, refreshing aftertaste, and more importantly, doesn’t create that burning sensation. This is extremely important to me and others who suffer from dry mouth. My best tip: chill it for an even more soothing rinse.

Use and Effectiveness

This rinse played a significant part in my bedtime ritual. I would use it twice a day after brushing, specifically before bedtime, to combat my dry mouth issues that previously interfered with my sleep.

With the bottle cap double-functioning as a measuring cup marked with a 10 mL fill line, the rinsing was easy. I would carefully pour the product into the cap, avoiding the top line, swish it vigorously around my mouth for a minute, and then spit it out. The directions on the bottle suggest avoiding any food or drink for half an hour after rinsing.

Since I started using ACT, I noticed a decrease in instances of bad breath and dry mouth, improvements welcomed with open arms. I even noticed my teeth being in better shape. I combined its use with Xylitol chewing gums, occasionally switching to ACT’s Dry Mouth lozenges on my dentist’s recommendation, which together alleviated my dry mouth symptoms to a great extent.

A Comparison with Biotene

I used Biotene for a while, and although it worked well, I found it expensive and less enjoyable in terms of flavor. The ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash tastes better, lasts about six hours compared to Biotene’s one-hour duration, and offers the added fluoride protection not found in Biotene.

I prefer ACT Dry Mouth also because it’s not as sweet and doesn’t come with the strong minty burn that Biotene sometimes gives. Chilling the mouthwash adds an extra soothing touch that I enjoy.

Price and Value

ACT Dry Mouth rinse is available in sizes of 18 Fl Oz and 33.8 Fl Oz, costing approximately $7 for the smaller size. While it may not be the least expensive option around, considering its effectiveness, I consider it a wise investment. For economical shoppers, larger bottles offer better value per ounce.

The only thing I wish it could improve upon was a travel-size variant, which could have made it even more convenient for use on-the-go. Despite its minor flaws in packaging, its commendable effectiveness against dry mouth, and the fact that it also contributes to better teeth health make it a worthwhile choice.

Final Thoughts

ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash is a product of undeniable worth. Its balanced formulation and soothing effects aren’t just a relief for dry mouth and gums but also contribute to overall oral hygiene. If you’re someone like me, fighting dry mouth caused by medication, or even naturally, I’d encourage you to give ACT with Xylitol a try!

Other Options to Consider

• TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
• SmartMouth Zinc Activated Mouthwash
• CloSYS Non-Irritating Mouthwash