One such mouthwash that has anti-bacterial properties is Bactidol. Bactidol is a moutwash by Pfizer, the multinational pharmaceutical company. The active ingredient in Bactidol is Hexetidine, an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent used in human medicine as well as veterinary medicine. Besides the above properties, it is also an astringent, a deodorant, an anti-plaque ingredient, and a local anesthetic.

The chemical is a medicinal ingredient in Sterisol, which is purportedly effective in treatment of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, gingivitis, Vincent’s angina, and other postoperative hygiene following throat, oral, or tonsillectomy surgery. Mouth sprays and gargle solutions of Hexoral, also by Pfizer may contain 0.2% of Hexetidine as their active ingredient.