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Home Patient Info Blog Find a Mouthwash to Help Combat Your Bad Breath

Find a Mouthwash to Help Combat Your Bad Breath


Posted on 11/20/2015 by Robert Leale
A man trying to select a type of mouthwash.Have you been trying to change your oral health routine in order to combat your bad breath? Have altering the way that you brush and floss made relatively no difference and you are still scaring off people with the foul odor that emerges every time that you open your mouth? The answer could be to add a mouthwash to your oral hygiene regimen, and there are a variety of options out there that can help you combat your bad breath. Use this guide to assist you as you make your selection.

Examine the Ingredients in a Potential Mouthwash

If you are looking for a mouthwash to help combat your bad breath, there are a few ingredients that you'll want to look for when making your decision:

•  Germicides. Certain mouthwashes will use a germicide like CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride) to both reduce the buildup of plaque and kill germs. Plaque is a major cause of decay and gum disease, both of which will lead to bad breath. Germicides will last long after you spit out the mouthwash, keeping your breath fresh for a good period of time.
•  Antibacterial compounds. Antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine gluconate are commonly used to treat gum disease, and as a treatment for bad breath, it kills off the bacteria that produce that foul stench you are looking to eliminate. This antibacterial agent is typically considered the gold standard in treating bad breath, but it does have some side effects, including noticeable staining of the teeth and tongue, and the compound itself has an unpleasant taste.
•  Fluoride. Fluoride is another important ingredient to look for in a mouthwash, and the ADA states that fluoride can actually strengthen the enamel of the teeth. When teeth are stronger, they will accumulate less plaque, leading to better breath.

Consider the Alcohol Content
Another consideration you need to keep in mind when purchasing a mouthwash is the alcohol content. A mouthwash that is free of alcohol may contain astringent salts to substitute for the lack of alcohol as a way to freshen the breath. However, these washes aren't likely to kill any germs. Mouthwashes that are free of alcohol are generally just cosmetic in nature, and while they may briefly freshen your breath, they won't get to the underlying cause. To truly work toward improving your breath, you'll need a wash that contains ingredients that will target bacteria while keeping your mouth healthy.

What About Essential Oil Mouthwashes?

Everyone seems to be talking about essential oils these days, so it is no surprise that mouthwashes are being created with them. An essential oil mouthwash will be composed of a solution of water and alcohol along with eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, thymol, and menthol. In dentistry, these products have been used historically to treat gum disease, and their antibacterial properties can help with the treatment of chronic bad breath. The most common form of this essential oil mouthwash is the "antiseptic" mouthwash, such as Listerine. Long-term use of these washes will keep odor-causing bacteria levels minimized while also helping to control dental plaque that builds up on the tongue and teeth.

If you are looking for definitive evidence about the best mouthwash product that will treat your bad breath, you are out of luck. There are a variety of great options out there, but the most important step you can take is to ensure that your mouthwash isn't simply cosmetic in nature, as these washes will only briefly improve your breath.

If after you add a mouthwash to your oral care regimen you are still dealing with chronic bad breath, please contact us for further guidance.
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