The Best Mouthwash for Bad Breath: Key Ingredients to Look For

Just as you do when grocery shopping, check the ingredients. While some mouthwashes contain ingredients that only produce a fresh scent on the surface, others penetrate deeper to eliminate the germs causing stinky breath. By understanding the difference between the two, you can choose the best mouthwash for bad breath and kiss your halitosis goodbye.

Mouthwashes fall into two categories: cosmetic and therapeutic.

Masking bad breath rather than curing it, cosmetic mouthwashes typically contain mint flavoring to give off a fresh fragrance. However, these mouthwashes won't kill the bacteria, causing your bad breath in the first place.

Some people might require a therapeutic mouthwash. Available by prescription and over-the-counter – depending on its formula – therapeutic mouthwashes kill odorous bacteria that produce bad breath.

Therapeutic mouthwashes containing certain ingredients might offer additional oral benefits, such as fighting plaque. And you can ask for one with a minty flavor for extra freshness.

Look for these ingredients to find the best mouthwash for bad breath, as well as other oral care issues.

Since bacteria cause bad breath, your mouth is the perfect place for them to multiply. The petri dish that is your mouth is warm and moist, and you're adding foreign items (i.e., food) to it throughout the day. Those are the perfect conditions for bacteria to spread over the tongue and between teeth, making your breath unpleasant.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some mouthwashes use antibacterial agents (aka germicides) such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and chlorhexidine. These germicides can team up to kill bad breath bacteria and reduce plaque.

Plaque is a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease (such as gingivitis), both of which can lead to bad breath. By using a mouthwash with a germicide, you help keep your mouth healthy long after you rinse away bad breath.

When used regularly, fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel so that it's less susceptible to decay. Stronger, healthier teeth mean less plaque build-up and better breath overall.

Best for daily oral hygiene and fresh breath: Colgate® Total 12HR Pro-Shield Mouthwash

This cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash kills 99% of germs on contact and provides 12-hour protection against the bacteria that cause bad breath, even after eating and drinking. That means you can go about your day confidently, knowing that bad breath won’t be an issue.

Best for gum health: Colgate® Total® Mouthwash for Gum Health

This antiseptic mouthwash is ideal for people who may be experiencing bad breath as a result of gum problems like gingivitis. It also contains cetylpyridinium chloride for 12-hour protection, and is shown to reduce gingival bleeding from gingivitis. 

Best for inflammation: Colgate® Peroxyl® Mouth Sore Rinse 

If you’ve got bad breath and irritated, sore gums, this anti-inflammatory mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide can help to support your gums as they heal. It removes oral debris with a gentle, bubbling action, soothing your gums as it gets rids of halitosis-causing bacteria. 

All of our recommended mouthwashes for bad breath contain zero alcohol. That’s because alcohol can dry out the mouth, creating the ideal conditions for odor-causing bacteria to flourish. And if you have gum inflammation or sores in your mouth, alcohol can cause irritation and discomfort, too. 

Next time your choosing a mouthwash for bad breath, ask yourself: Do I want to mask bad breath or get rid of it? By choosing a product with the right ingredients, you don't just cover up embarrassing odors, but treat them at their source, so you enjoy fresh breath all day long. Who needs gum and mints when you have healthy teeth and gums?

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.