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.