Mouthwash with Conor Pope

Colgate Plax 500ml 4.99 for 500ml €9.98 per litre

Highs: Just 30 seconds gargling and you're done with this, making it amongst the speediest and most hassle-free of the brands tried. It has a gentle flavour and will not make the eyes water, the gums sting or the tongue burn, like you might expect from a really serious mouthwash.

Lows: It is a close contest, but we think this may win the ridiculous marketing claims prize this week - they come thick and fast and before we have even read the back of the bottle we learn that it has been "tested by dentists", is a "new formula" and offers "multi-protection".

More problematic was the aftertaste which lingered and was more saccharine than soft mint.

Verdict: Too gentle

Star rating:  **

Tesco Value Mouth wash €0.99 for 600ml €1.65 per litre

Highs: This is cheap. Very, very cheap. It is also green. And looks quite minty.

Lows: Sadly, looks can be deceiving and, while in appearance this is virtually indistinguishable from the competition, it is a world apart in terms of mintiness and - we suspect - effectiveness. It really is on the wrong side of horrible and while it costs a lot less than the others there is very little else to recommend it. Tesco also recommends that you use a full cap of it when you gargle which means it won't last that long - although in truth that might well be considered a plus.

Verdict: Vile

Star rating: *

Listerine Freshmint €5.19 for 500ml €10.38 per litre

Highs: For many people, this is the default option when it comes to mouthwash. It has a very strong minty flavour that lingers long and certainly leaves the mouth feeling clean - in fact it cleans so hard, it almost hurts. It leaves the mouth all atingle which creates an impression, if nothing else, that it's hard at work. It is also the only mouthwash that is approved by the Irish Dental Association, for what that's worth.

Lows: The instructions suggest we pour four 5ml teaspoons of this into a glass morning and night - this is not something Pricewatch could be bothered with - why can't we use the cap as a measuring cup? It might be a bit on the harsh and astringent side for some delicate mouths.

Verdict: Good quality

Star rating: ****

Dentyl Icy Fresh Mint Mouthwash €5.99 for 500ml 11.98 per litre

Highs: This alcohol-free option is the new kid on the block and has - ridiculous as it may sound - made mouthwash pretty cool. It is two-tone in colour and boasts that it actually "reveals the cause of bad breath and plaque in the sink" which sounds a bit gross but is actually mildly interesting - at least the first time you see it. It lacks the stinging alcohol sensation but retains plenty of zing. It promises to keep the mouth tasting fresh for 18 hours.

Lows: This needs to be shaken pretty vigorously before use, which may not be something you fancy first thing in the morning. It might also be a bit faddy and a bit pricey.

Verdict: Dear, faddy and funky

Star rating: ****

Corsodyl Mouth Wash €5.43 for 300ml 18.10 per litre

Highs: This clear liquid looks very medicinal and has a gentle peppermint flavour which some may find appealing. The wide cap has a clearly defined measure and it is predominantly used to treat specific conditions such as bleeding and irritated gums and mouth ulcers.

Lows: It lacks the zingy, tingling flavours of some of the competition and is not suitable for long-term use. It does sit alongside other mouthwashes in supermarkets and it was only upon very close inspection of the very small print that we learned that this should not be used for longer than 30 days.

Verdict: The medical option

Star rating: ***