How To Choose The Best Mouthwash For Bad Breath

There are several reasons why you might have bad breath. Most are related to oral hygiene and lifestyle habits such as not flossing, smoking and eating certain foods like onions.

Medication, a mouth infection and certain diseases can also cause bad breath.

While some causes require medical intervention, you can usually eliminate or reduce bad breath by improving your dental and oral hygiene. Make sure you brush at least twice a day and floss often.

Mouthwash can also help. Some mouthwashes are formulated specifically to deal with bad breath.

These mouthwashes tackle multiple problems that could be causing bad breath.

• Kills bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Treats gingivitis, a condition that can cause bad breath.
• Prevents plaque build-up on teeth, gums and tongue.
• Gives your mouth a fresh smell using ingredients like mint.

There are different kinds of mouthwashes. Some are medicated, meaning they contain active ingredients that treat gingivitis and other oral health problems.

Most are antiseptic and antibacterial. They tackle the bacteria that’s responsible for the bad smell.

Many mouthwashes contain alcohol. But you can also find alcohol-free ones. There are also all-natural mouthwashes that use ingredients like essential oils and herbal extracts.

You may have to try two or three mouthwashes before you find the one that works best for you.

The Best Mouthwash For Bad Breath Reviews

In this buying guide, we review the five best mouthwashes for bad breath. We don’t guarantee that they’ll solve your bad breath problem but they are worth a try.

1. Corsodyl Gum Problem Treatment Mouthwash Review

Corsodyl is a medicated mouthwash that treats gum disease (gingivitis). This not only helps with bad breath, it can also keep your teeth from decaying.

The main ingredient is chlorhexidine digluconate, a common antiseptic used in hospitals.

In addition to gingivitis, Corsodyl also helps with mouth ulcers, irritated or swollen gums and bleeding. If you spit out blood every time you brush your teeth, this mouthwash can help.

The manufacturer also recommends it for use after dental surgery to quicken healing.

One of the other ingredients is Peppermint oil, which gives your mouth a fresh minty smell to combat bad breath.

For best results, rinse your mouth with 10ml (1 cap) Corsodyl twice a day.

After rinsing, the mouthwash forms a protective antibacterial coating over your gums and teeth, preventing plaque and bad breath for up to 12 hours.

Note that Corsodyl contains alcohol. Do not give it to children under the age of 12 unless your dentists specifically recommends it.

Also note that, being a medicated mouthwash, Corsodyl is fairly strong. Check the usage instructions before you use it and avoid using too much of it or leaving it for too long in your mouth as it can burn.

What we like about it:

• Works fast and has lasting effects.
• Refreshing minty effect.
• Helps with gingivitis, bleeding gums and other teeth problems.

2. CB12 250ML 3 Pack Mint / Menthol Mouthwash Review

If you want a mouthwash that will last longer, get this 3-pack consisting of three 250ml bottles of mouthwash.

CB12 is primarily for bad breath; it doesn’t treat any mouth problems like gum disease.

It is a mint and menthol mouthwash with a powerful and instant refreshing effect that last for 12 hours.

It is super easy to use thanks to the built-in dispensing mechanism. Hold the bottle downward over your mouth and press the red button. 10ml will be automatically dispensed.

The mouthwash is fairly strong. If you have sensitive gums, the burning feeling can be uncomfortable. Select the mild version instead.

Note that CB12 contains alcohol and fluoride. It’s not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

What we like about it:

• Small 250ml bottles – perfect for travelling.
• Automatic dispenser.
• Prevents bad breath for 12 hours.

3. Listerine TOTAL CARE Clean Mint Review

Listerine is a well-known brand when it comes to mouthwash. Their Total Care Clean Mint mouthwash is a good choice if you are looking for a large and cheap bottle of mouthwash.

With a 1-litre capacity, you are definitely getting a lot for your money.

Total Care is not as strong as the other mouthwashes (though it still stings and burns a bit) so you’ll need to rinse with 20ml instead of the usual 10ml.

It kills almost all oral bacteria, which eliminates bad breath and prevents gum disease, ulcers and many other oral problems. It also strengthens teeth and reduces plaque.

Similar to the other two mouthwashes above, Listerine Total Care contains alcohol. Do not give it to children under the age of 12 unless your dentist recommends it.

If you are looking for a mouthwash without alcohol, see our next two picks.

What we like about it:

• 24 hour bad breath protection.
• Larger capacity but cheaper than other mouthwashes.
• Instant refreshing effect.

4. Sarakan 300 ml Mouthrinse Review

Sarakan is a great choice if you are looking for an alcohol and fluoride free mouthwash.

Sarakan contains extract from Salvadora persica, which is also known as the toothbrush tree. The tree has been used for centuries as a natural toothbrush.

Sarakan provides an instant refreshing feel that lasts the whole day. The taste is noticeably gentler compared to alcohol mouthwashes.

You don’t get that uncomfortable burning feeling. If you have sensitive gums, you’ll love using Sarakan.

In addition to bad breath, it can also help prevent or slow down tooth decay, reduce gum bleeding and prevent plaque.

What we like about it:

• Vegan.
• No alcohol and no fluoride.
• Gentler than most mouthwashes.
• Instant and long-lasting refreshing effect.

5. OREGAWASH Mouthwash Review

Wait, just 30ml?

Yeah, you saw that right. The OREGAWASH contains just 30ml of mouthwash. But it’s not just any kind of mouthwash.

It is an all-natural mouthwash made from Mastic of Chios and oregano essential oil. It doesn’t contain any alcohol, fluoride, artificial sweeteners or artificial colours.

OREGAWASH is strong, really strong. To use it, you add 0.5ml of it to 20ml of water. Unlike other mouthwashes, you need to dilute it.

Never use it in a concentrated form. It can cause injury.

OREGAWASH is highly effective at banishing bad breath, reducing plaque and refreshing your mouth. Use it twice a day to maintain fresh breath round the clock.

It comes in a handy portable bottle that you can carry anywhere. You can quickly gurgle with the mouthwash when you are at the office, on the road, out camping or at a hotel.

What we like about it:

• 100% natural.
• Highly effective.
• Easily portable.