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

When your breath needs a freshness boost, swishing mouthwash can be convenient and more effective than a quick fix with sugarless mints or gum.

But not all mouthwashes are created equal. So, how can you select the best bad breath mouthwash when staring at shelves of bottles all touting the same thing? 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 bacteria causing stinky breath. By understanding the difference between the two, you can choose the best mouthwash for bad breath and kiss your halitosis goodbye.

What Are the Main Differences in Mouthwashes?

Mouthwashes fall into two categories: cosmetic and therapeutic.

Cosmetic Mouthwashes

Masking bad breath rather than getting rid of the cause, cosmetic mouthwashes typically contain mint flavoring giving off a fresh fragrance. However, these mouthwashes won't kill the bacteria causing your bad breath in the first place.

"No Alcohol" is commonly seen on cosmetic mouthwash labels. Instead of alcohol, these mouthwashes might contain astringent salts as a substitute to freshen the mouth without necessarily killing any germs. Individuals sensitive to alcohol often choose cosmetic mouthwashes for this reason.

Therapeutic Mouthwashes

Some people might require a therapeutic mouthwash. Available by prescription and over-the-counter – depending on the formula – therapeutic mouthwashes kill 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 flavour.

What Key Ingredients Are in Therapeutic Mouthwashes?

To help slay dragon breath, look for these ingredients to find the best mouthwash for halitosis, as well as other oral care issues.

Antibacterial Agents

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 less than pleasant quickly.

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 germs 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 to keep bad breath at bay.

Fluoride

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.

You Deserve the Best Bad Breath Solution

Next time you encounter shop shelves of mouthwashes, ask yourself: Do I want only to mask bad breath or get rid of it?

By choosing a product with the right ingredients, you don't just cover up embarrassing odours, 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?