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

While some mouthwashes contain ingredients that only produce a fresh scent on the surface, others penetrate deeper to eliminate the germs causing foul 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 flavouring giving off a fresh fragrance. However, these mouthwashes won't kill the germs 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.

Some people might require a therapeutic mouthwash. Available by prescription and over-the-counter (depending on its formula), therapeutic mouthwashes help remove odourous germs that produce bad breath.

Therapeutic mouthwashes containing certain ingredients might offer additional oral benefits, such as fighting plaque. You can even ask for one with a minty flavour.

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

Since germs 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 (food) to it throughout the day. Those are the perfect conditions for germs to spread over the tongue and between the teeth, making your breath less than pleasant quickly.

Some mouthwashes use antibacterial agents (aka germicides), such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and chlorhexidine. These germicides can team up to help remove bad breath germs and reduce plaque.

Plaque is a major cause of tooth cavities and gum problems, 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.

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.

Next time you encounter store 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 that you can enjoy fresh breath all day long. Who needs gum and mints when you have healthy teeth and gums?