Having trouble deciding on a mouthwash? Not sure which one is the best choice? Mouthwashes of all types and flavors fill store shelves and can make it difficult to understand which is actually the best for defeating bad breath.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath can be caused by numerous reasons, including:

• Smelly gases released by bacteria coating the teeth, tongue, and gums.
• Food particles get trapped in between the teeth
• Strong tasting food and drink like garlic and coffee
• Medical problems such as dry mouth
• Smoking cigarettes
• Infections in the nose or lungs

To keep your mouth healthy, bad bacteria must be removed by regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. However, many rely on an overpowering mint flavor to mask bad breath. Others contain a high level of alcohol, which you should be cautious about. It’s clinically proven that alcohol dries out your mouth, which worsens bad breath.

So, what’s the right mouthwash product for you? It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. There are two main types of mouthwashes: Cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic typically contain mint flavoring that gives off a fresh smell, but they won’t kill the bacteria causing your bad breath. Therapeutic mouthwashes contain ingredients that do kill odorous bacteria. Therapeutic mouthwashes work by killing odor-causing bacteria, reducing plaque, and have been shown to be an effective way to reduce bacteria and control bad breath.

Regardless of what you want your mouthwash to do, look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This seal denotes that the claims made on the packaging have been tested and proven by the ADA, an independent scientific organization.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Still struggling with bad breath? Schedule an appointment today and we’ll be happy to get your breath—and smile—back to normal.