When it comes to personal hygiene, we always want to feel and look our best. It is only natural that we want to take care with our appearance and how we come across to others – nobody wants to smell bad, afterall!
But when it comes to our breath, now that is a tricky one. Sometimes no matter how hard we keep up with dental hygiene, bad breath can sneak up on us. Most of the time we do not notice until the person we are speaking to is slowly recoiling from us. Did you check your breath?
Now that you have found the problem, it can be a difficult one to manage if it is something you suffer with on a daily basis. With lots of different products that say they target this exact problem, it can be troublesome knowing what to look for.
Fear not, because we are here to help. Below we have put together a list of mouthwashes that will do the trick of freshening that breath if used daily.
Plus, we have included a handy buyers guide so you know exactly what to look for before purchasing some breath-busting mouthwash.
Table of Contents
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Dentist Formulated Oral Rinse
Originally launched in 1993 to help his daughter combat her bad breath, the TheraBreath is said to be a Dentist-formulated mouthwash that can target sulfur-producing bacteria.
As you have probably already realized, bad breath can have a sulfur-kinda-smell. You want to try and get rid of this bacteria to hopefully clear yourself of the icky breath.
It uses clinically-proven oxygenating ingredients to try and fight the bacteria that causes this smelly breath. This is done by the mouthwash targeting deep below the surface of the tongue and the back of the throat – two places known to harbor bacteria.
Also, because the mouthwash is professional-grade, their products have been designed to target and prevent many areas such as gum disease, halitosis, cavity prevention and much more.
It has an icy mint flavor which is extremely refreshing and is said to not burn and work for 24 hours (though brush your teeth again during that time!), and it comes in a 16oz bottle.
However, not everyone will like the strong minty flavor, as some people have pointed out it is a little too strong.
It includes no alcohol or artificial colors or flavorings, so is a great option for those who want something that is healthier all-round. And if you are vegan or on a gluten free diet, then this one will do the job for you.
Pros
- pH balanced – helps to maintain a non-acidic environment in the mouth which reduces any experiension of tooth erosion and a burning sensation
- Oxygenating ingredients – helps to penetrate deep into the tongue and the back of the mouth
- Professional-grade – created by a Dentist and helps to prevent gum disease, halitosis and much more
Cons
- Icy mint flavor – it actually may be too strong for some people
ProFresh BreathCare System Starter Kit
If you are looking for something that has a little more than just a bottle of mouthwash, then the ProFresh BreachCare system is for you.
It includes a number of items such as an oral rinse, activator packs, a small cup, a tongue cleaner, a breath spray bottle, a toothbrush and a guide on how to use it all – you might need it!
Completely alcohol-free so as not to burn the mouth or cause any future problems, the brand has been around for over 20 years trying to help people combat their bad breath. They do not use any flavoring agents to try and mask bad breath smells, and instead attempt to target it using specially formulated ingredients.
It has activators that do more than a regular mouthwash, though this can come across as a little fiddly to some people. Even so, it has shown that it has proven to work.
Also, the taste of the mouthwash is not pleasant to everyone, with people stating that it tastes weaker than other brands. This does not seem to affect how the product works, however.
It also comes with a tongue scraper which is ideal to help remove bacteria build-up off the tongue.
Pros
- A full system – to target more areas and issues of the mouth
- Tongue scraper – it also comes with a tongue scraper which is ideal to remove built-up bacteria from the tongue
- Highly rated – it has been proven to produce good results
Cons
- The taste – some people have reported a week, odd flavor, not quite minty enough but does the job well
- Fiddly – extra items to deal with
Goodbreath Labs Mouthwash
The GoodBreath Labs mouthwash is said to work by neutralizing the breath in under three minutes due to its special ozone technology.
This Ozone (03) formular works by being a breath neutralizer and a powerful bactericide that kills 99% of anaerobic bacterias as soon as it hits contact with them.
This professional-grade unique mouthwash has been specially formulated by a Dentist who created it to help her father with his chronic halitosis.
So with this in mind, it also helps to prevent bleeding gums, gum disease, plaque build-up and so much more.
It is also alcohol-free and has a refreshing minty taste that will keep your mouth feeling fresh for a few hours. Well, until you decide to slurp that coffee! And the good thing is, the mouthwash does not affect the taste of what you drink or eat either.
It is a little pricey, but it is sure to do the job so will be really worth it.
Pros
- Ozone technology – a powerful formulation that kills bacteria within the mouth
- Alcohol-free – will not sting or burn once used
- Profession-grade – gives you peace of mind that the product has been well researched
Cons
- Pricey – but it is also highly rated
Listerine Freshburst Antiseptic Mouthwash
When it comes to mouthwashes, we have all heard of Listerine, but there is a reason they are so popular – they are good. The Freshburst version is no different, with its antiseptic formula that kills 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, gingivitis and plaque build-up.
It is said to be clinically proven to reduce plaque by 52 percent than regular brushing and flossing alone, as well as reduce gingivitis by 21 percent, making this an allround germ buster for the mouth.
It has a spearmint flavor that is less harsh than what Listerine is known for (if you know, you know). Just swirl it around the mouth for thirty seconds and you are done.
It also has an ADA seal of acceptance, which means it has been approved by the American Dental Association as being safe and effective to use.
It does, however, include alcohol which may not be to everyone’s taste (but not literally). With this being the case, it may sting more sensitive mouths.
Pros
- ADA approved – the American Dental Association have approved it safe and effective
- Spearmint flavor – is less harsh than mint
- Antiseptic – kills 99.9% of bacteria within the mouth
Cons
- Contains alcohol – may not be suitable for sensitive mouths
CloSYS Sensitive Antimicrobial Mouthwash
The CloSYS is a big mouthwash with its 32 ounce bottle. Even so, it is inexpensive meaning that it is good value for those on a tighter budget. It has also been formulated to work for those who have sensitive mouths. It uses a natural mint flavor so as not to burn the person’s mouth.
Another good thing to know is that, just like with the Listerine, it has been approved by the ADA. This means that it has been proven to work and be an effective way of treating bad breath, as well preventing plaque build-up.
It uses a patented formula to reduce 99 percent of bad breath bacteria within 10 seconds. Now, that is pretty impressive. It also actually does not include that many ingredients, which again, makes it great for those who would like less irritation in the mouth.
It is completely alcohol-free and is suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
Some people may not want such a mild formula, and when this is the case, the
Pros
- Highly rated – lots of positive feedback for a simpler mouthwash
- ADA approved – is professionally recognised by the American Dental Association as being safe and effective
- Kills 99% of bacteria – within 10 seconds of using
- Sensitive friendly – great to use if you have a sensitive mouth
Cons
- Not minty enough – but there are many options above that will give you the mint burst you are after
Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have read our top picks, here are the key areas to look at before purchasing a mouthwash dedicated to combating bad breath.
Alcohol
If you have used many mouthwashes before, you will know that plenty of them include alcohol. The ethanol is included because it has antiseptic properties as well as acts as a preservative for the product itself, meaning it will last longer.
So basically it helps to kill germs and bacteria within the mouth very effectively, and will keep your opened mouthwash fresher for longer.
Even so, a mouthwash does not have to include alcohol because there are other ingredients used to kill off bacteria.
Alcohol can be quite strong for some people, and that includes stinging of the mouth and an overall unpleasant feeling, which of course happens on a case-by-case basis – what might affect you, might not affect another person.
Fortunately, there are now many options that do not include alcohol, so the choice is yours whether you want to have an alcohol-based mouthwash or not.
Antiseptic and Antibacterial
Speaking of killing off bacteria, you will want a mouthwash that will blitz all the nasties that lurk within the crevices of a mouth. These are things that will be causing the bad breath and the teeth to go bad.
Most, if not all, mouthwashes will kill off bacteria, but antiseptic and antibacterial are not the same thing. An alcohol-based mouthwash has antiseptic properties, whilst a normal mouthwash will also include antibacterial properties.
You actually do not need both, though obviously if you do buy a mouthwash with both, well then, that is a double whammy of a mouthwash.
The most important thing you need to make sure when buying a mouthwash is that it is capable of killing off the bacteria within the mouth, otherwise it will not be doing the job you need it to do.
Flavor
The flavor can be important, but only because you want to enjoy the experience otherwise you will hate using it. From minty and spearmint to a weak formula you cannot quite taste the flavor of, there are many to choose from.
Obviously there are novelty flavors too, but you will want to stick with the mints so it gives your mouth a super fresh feeling.
Even though a strong flavor is good, make sure it has not been used as a cover-up for bad breath. This is linked with the antibacterial ingredients within a mouthwash.
If it only offers a minty flavor for fresh breath without any way of killing the bacteria, then avoid it!
ADA Approved
A mouthwash does not need to be ADA approved for it to be the best one for you to use. The ADA is the American Dental Association which approves mouthwashes as being safe and effective to use.
Whilst this is a great thing to find on the packaging of a mouthwash because you know it will be great for the whole family, it is not the be all and end all when searching for a mouthwash to use.
This is because not all brands will have the financial means to be able to get approval, and there are many products out there that do a fantastic job.
Professional-grade
You will, however, want a mouthwash that does its job. Not all mouthwashes will be professional-grade, which usually means it has been created by somebody in the industry with years of experience, but it can be good to find a mouthwash that has been created by a person who has all that experience.
This is because they will have spent a few years trialing it and testing it in the hope of positive outcomes, as well as using their own knowledge of oral hygiene to create the formula.
Mouth Washing Kits
There are also different kits available, but most of the time it really is not necessary to buy a kit bundle. However, if you really are struggling with bad breath that will not budge, it could be a good way of trying extra things to get rid of stinky breath for good.
Some of the kits come with a tongue scraper that allows you to scrape bacteria from the tongue’s surface. We can forget that bacteria will comfortably live on the soft, cushion-like thing that is our tongue – it must be lovely and warm there, afterall!
Also, a tongue spray may be included that will be available to spray at the back of the mouth throughout the day to keep your breath smelling fresh. When it comes to a breath spray, you will want something that kills bacteria and that will not just mask the smell. If that is the case, it will not last very long.
So, if bad breath is affecting your life terribly, then a mouthwash kit could be the answer for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I have bad breath?
It can be difficult to know if you have bad breath by trying to smell it yourself.
There is a way of telling if you have smelly breath by doing this: licking the inside of your wrist and then giving it a smell. If it has a strong smell to it, then you likely have bad breath.
You can also cup your hands over your mouth and nose and give your breath a smell. This is the usual method.
Can you catch bad breath from somebody else?
There are people who believe that you can catch bad breath from others by sharing things, such as a drink or a kiss. This is impossible because it is not contagious.
The bacteria that causes the person to have halitosis will stay in the affected person’s mouth.
What are the symptoms of halitosis?
There are a number of symptoms, though halitosis can also mean suffering with bad breath generally without being able to get rid of it by brushing your teeth. These are: needing to clear your throat, high mucus levels and thick saliva.
Why do I have bad breath?
Bad breath can be caused by a number of odor-producing bacteria that grow within the mouth. When you eat, bits of food are left between your teeth and in your mouth. If you do not brush your teeth properly or floss well, it can get left behind.
This causes sulfur compounds to be released by the bacteria which in turn makes your breath smell.
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