11 Best Mouthwashes For Bad Breath Of 2022
Keeping a check on your bad breath is much easier with these mouthwashes.
lidiya kodathala 
In This Article
Having a bad breath can leave a very bad impression on the people you meet and interact with. Worse still, it can be a sign of underlying dental issues. Hence, using the best mouthwash for bad breath is a great way to rinse your mouth and eliminate odor and germs.
Finding the right mouthwash might prove difficult considering the wide variety of choices available in the market. Thus, find a list of the best mouthwashes for regular use and tackle your dental issues and mouth odor.
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Types Of Mouthwash
There are two types of mouthwashes:
- Cosmetic mouthwash: It offers a short-term solution that helps cover the bad breath rather than cure it. It contains a mint-flavored ingredient that provides a fresh smell but doesn’t kill the bacteria that causes bad breath.
- Therapeutic mouthwash: This contains plenty of active antiseptic or antibacterial properties that help kill as many bacteria as possible, controlling or reducing conditions like bad breath, plaque, and tooth decay. When combined with your usual oral care habits, therapeutic mouthwash can provide a long-lasting cure for halitosis or bad breath. These are available either over-the-counter or by prescription, depending on their formulation.
11 Best Mouthwashes For Bad Breath
1. Best For Preventing Cavities: Listerine Healthy White Mouthwash
The 16fl. oz bottle of Listerine healthy white mouthwash contains sodium fluoride, a common antiseptic or antibacterial ingredient that helps prevent tooth decay. It also contains hydrogen peroxide that can remove stains, whiten teeth, and clean food particles. Swish ten ml of the mouthwash for one minute after brushing your teeth to create a foaming action that helps deep clean your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Pros
- Doesn’t damage enamel
- Offers minty fresh breath
- Gentle
- Helps prevent cavities
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive teeth
- Taste may not be good
2. Best Tasting: Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Mouthwash
Natural Dentist’s healthy gums mouthwash helps treat bleeding gums and bad breath. Its active ingredient, aloe vera, contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties that inhibit the growth of microbes, reduce inflammation and treat gum diseases and other oral issues. This natural mouthwash is free of alcohol, artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and harsh chemicals. Before byuing, have a look at this video for more details
Pros
- Natural and gentle
- Tastes good
- Alcohol-free formula
- Effective for bleeding gums
- Freshens breath
Cons
- Taste of aloe vera may be overpowering
3. Best With Cetylpyridinium Chloride: Colgate Total Mouthwash
Colgate’s total mouthwash provides 12 hours of protection against germs after drinking and eating. The active ingredient, cetylpyridinium chloride, helps reduce bad breath, plaque and prevent gingivitis. You can swish 20ml of the liquid for 30 seconds after brushing for good results.
Pros
- Alcohol- and fluoride-free formula
- No burning sensation
- Peppermint flavor
- Clean and fresh breath
Cons
- May stain the teeth
4. Best Mint Flavor: Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash
The mouthwash’s active ingredient, cetylpyridinium chloride, helps fight bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling clean and fresh. Rinsing your mouth with 20ml of the liquid every day after brushing can help kill germs and provides you with 24-hour protection.
Pros
- Mint flavor
- Helps prevent gingivitis
- Helps reduce plaque
- Alcohol-free
- No harsh burns
Cons
- May leave an uncomfortable after-taste
- May stain your tongue
5. Best Chemical-Free: Oral-B Breath Therapy Mouthwash
Oral-B breath therapy is a scientifically formulated mouthwash that does not contain harsh chemicals, including alcohol, artificial dyes, gluten, parabens, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The special care rinse has a mild mint taste that helps neutralize malodor without causing any discomfort. Hydrogen peroxide, an active ingredient, helps remove tiny food particles by creating a bubbly texture in your mouth. Additionally, it also helps eliminate stains to whiten your teeth.
Pros
- Helps treat mouth sores
- Pleasant taste
- Long-lasting
- Refreshing breath
Cons
- Not suitable for people with severe oral conditions
- May sting
6. Best With Essential Oils: Oxyfresh Fresh Breath Lemon Mint Mouthwash
The fresh breath lemon-mint mouthwash from Oxyfresh is clinically proven and trusted by many dentists. Its patented oxygene and zinc mixture helps neutralize malodor and gives your mouth a fresh feel. Oxyfresh’s mouth rinse is pH-balanced that helps prevent enamel-erosion caused by acidity, and the aloe vera content hydrates your mouth and strengthens your gums. Infused with essential oils, including bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, and spearmint, the mouthwash gives you a clean and fresh breath.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Non-stinging and gentle
- Free of alcohol, dyes, and artificial flavors
- Antibacterial and antiseptic
Cons
- May be too sweet
7. Best Unflavored: CloSysUltra Sensitive Mouthwash
Closys uses a formula called Cloralstan that helps eliminate the sulfur-producing bacteria, which causes bad breath. Its antimicrobial properties help kill any pathogens that cause oral health problems. As it is unflavored, it neither affects your taste buds nor causes any irritation. If you prefer a little flavor, the mouthwash comes with a flavor dropper and natural concentrated peppermint oil.
Pros
- Non-staining formula
- Does not burn
- Balances pH
- Alcohol-,sulfate- and triclosan-free
Cons
- May leave a strong after-taste
8. Best All-Natural: Lumineux Oral Essentials Mouthwash
The all-natural mouthwash from Lumineux is dentist-formulated and clinically proven. It has been certified as non-toxic and does not contain harsh chemicals. With natural ingredients, such as dead sea salt, aloe vera, and basil oil, the mouthwash provides a moisturizing, soothing, and refreshing feel. This 16fl. oz mouthwash kills only the toxins of the bacteria that cause gum disorders and bad breath.
Pros
- Effective on sensitive teeth and gums
- Clean and minty feel
- No burning sensation
- Reduces inflammation
Cons
- May have a strong taste
9. Best With Zinc Ion Technology: SmartMouth Clinical DDS Mouthwash
Smartmouth’s dentist-formulated and recommended mouthwash helps treat halitosis using its zinc ion technology. It contains two solutions, an oxidizer, and an activator, which combine to release zinc ions that help eliminate and block sulfur gas for 12 hours with every rinse to prevent bad breath. This video will give you an insight into how the mouthwash works
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Kills harmful bacteria
- Prevents gum disorders
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- May have a strange after-taste
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,444 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
10. Best For Restoring pH Level: Uncle Harry’s Miracle Mouthwash
The miracle mouthwash provides complete oral hygiene with its natural ingredients. It contains activated minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, that supply essential nutrients and pure plant extracts, such as mustard seeds and eucalyptus, to strengthen your gums, cleanse and purify your mouth. If you’re suffering from a dry mouth due to pH imbalance, Uncle Harry’s mouthwash can naturally restore your pH levels. Watch this video to understand the moutwash better
Pros
- Helps treat bad breath
- Repairs tooth enamel
- Soothes sore throat
- Pleasant mint taste
Cons
- May cause burns if used undiluted
11. Best Antibacterial And Antiseptic: Act Total Care Mouthwash
The Act total care mouthwash helps promote healthy teeth, leaving your breath fresh and clean. The active ingredient of the mouthwash is sodium fluoride, an antibacterial and antiseptic that helps strengthen the enamel and prevents tooth decay. It also contains ingredients, such as cetylpyridiniumchloride, which helps kill bacteria and eliminate bad breath.
Pros
- Dentist-recommended
- Strengthens teeth and gums
- Helps with sensitivity
- Pleasant taste and doesn’t burn
Cons
- May cause tooth staining
How To Choose The Right Mouthwash For Bad Breath?
Here are some factors to keep in mind while buying a mouthwash for bad breath.
- Types: If you want short-term relief, cosmetic mouthwash is ideal. If you want a long-term solution that targets bad breath or bleeding gums, you may opt for therapeutic mouthwash.
- Ingredients: Look for ingredients, such as fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, cetylpyridinium chloride, or natural ingredients, including dead sea salt, aloe vera, and natural flavors. Avoid products with high alcohol content as it may dry your mouth and worsen your halitosis.
- Oral concerns: Mouthwash formulas target oral problems such as bad breath, dry mouth, plaque, gingivitis, etc. While most mouthwashes provide overall care, some only target certain oral conditions.
- Flavor: Mouthwashes can have a strong flavor that many don’t like. Choose one with a mild taste, and avoid those with artificial flavors or an abundance of sugar.
- ADA-seal: Look for the ADA seal as this tells you if the product is safe and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes bad breath?
There are several potential causes of bad breath, such as excessive smoking, lack of proper dental hygiene, food particles stuck in the teeth, certain medications that treat saliva, mouth, nose, and throat disorders, and certain diseases, including cancer, GERD, and liver failure.
2. Are home remedies best for bad breath?
If you’re not suffering from severe oral health conditions, you may opt for good dental hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, tongue scraping, and using a mouthwash. You may also try some natural remedies to assist your efforts. However, if the home treatment does not reduce your bad breath, consult your dentist immediately.
3. Can mouthwash replace flossing, brushing, and scraping?
No, mouthwash cannot replace brushing, flossing, and scraping, as these are important for your dental health. Instead, mouthwash acts as additional support to your oral care routine to fight off germs.
A complete oral care routine helps kill harmful germs, prevents bad breath and several oral disorders.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have compiled this list of the best mouthwashes for bad breath in detail after conducting extensive research on numerous user reviews and products. We have also explained the types of mouthwashes and offered some pointers regarding how to choose the right one for your requirements. These mouthwashes can help eliminate bad breath and prevent dental issues. They are made of safe ingredients for effective results.
For those struggling with bad breath, the simple brush-and-floss routine may not be enough to keep odor at bay. You also need the right mouthwash to rinse your mouth properly to eliminate germs, one of the major causes of dental problems. The options in our list of the best mouthwashes for bad breath contain several beneficial antibacterial ingredients, addressing different oral concerns. Before buying, check the ingredients and flavor to care for your oral hygiene properly. So, say goodbye to bad breath and other oral concerns and smile confidently.
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