Groom+Style is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Best Mouthwash For Bad Breath

Last modified on :

Rebecca Moses
Your guide to this Review is Rebecca Moses

How we review products

This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links

Mouthwash For Bad Breath
Best Overall
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash, Mild Mint Flavor, Alcohol-Free, 16 Fl Oz (2-Pack)
Crest 3D White Diamond Strong Mouthwash, Alcohol free, Fluoride Whitening, Clean Mint, 473 mL (16 fl oz), 4 Count
Colgate Total Mouthwash, Alcohol Free Mouthwash, Peppermint, 33.8 Ounce, (Pack of 3)
Schmidt's, Mouthwash For Bad Breath Wondermint Fluoride Free, 1 Ounce (Pack of 6)
CloSYS Sensitive Mouthwash, 32 Ounce, Gentle Mint, Alcohol Free, Dye Free, pH Balanced, Helps Soothe Mouth Sensitivity, Fights Bad Breath
Our Rating
9.7
9.5
9.3
9.1
9.0
MSRP
$15.34
Price not available
$14.97
Price not available
$11.48
Flavour
Mild Mint
Clean Mint
Peppermint
Classic Minty Flavour
Gentle Mint
Size
Pack of 2 (16 Fl Oz)
Pack of 4 (16 Fl Oz)
Pack of 3 (33.8 Fl Oz)
Pack of 6 (16 Fl Oz)
Pack of 1 (32 Fl Oz )
Ingredients
Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Benzoate, Essential Oil of Peppermint, Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Fluoride, Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogen Peroxide
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol,Citric Acid, Sodium Saccharin
Coconut Oil, Vitamin E,Magnolia Bark Extract, Goji Berry and Pomegranate Extracts
Cloralstan , Trisodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Flavor, Sucralose
Best Overall
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash, Mild Mint Flavor, Alcohol-Free, 16 Fl Oz (2-Pack)
Our Rating
9.7
MSRP
$15.34
Flavour
Mild Mint
Size
Pack of 2 (16 Fl Oz)
Ingredients
Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Benzoate, Essential Oil of Peppermint, Sodium Hydroxide
More Information
Crest 3D White Diamond Strong Mouthwash, Alcohol free, Fluoride Whitening, Clean Mint, 473 mL (16 fl oz), 4 Count
Our Rating
9.5
MSRP
Price not available
Flavour
Clean Mint
Size
Pack of 4 (16 Fl Oz)
Ingredients
Sodium Fluoride, Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogen Peroxide
More Information
Colgate Total Mouthwash, Alcohol Free Mouthwash, Peppermint, 33.8 Ounce, (Pack of 3)
Our Rating
9.3
MSRP
$14.97
Flavour
Peppermint
Size
Pack of 3 (33.8 Fl Oz)
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol,Citric Acid, Sodium Saccharin
More Information
Schmidt's, Mouthwash For Bad Breath Wondermint Fluoride Free, 1 Ounce (Pack of 6)
Our Rating
9.1
MSRP
Price not available
Flavour
Classic Minty Flavour
Size
Pack of 6 (16 Fl Oz)
Ingredients
Coconut Oil, Vitamin E,Magnolia Bark Extract, Goji Berry and Pomegranate Extracts
More Information
CloSYS Sensitive Mouthwash, 32 Ounce, Gentle Mint, Alcohol Free, Dye Free, pH Balanced, Helps Soothe Mouth Sensitivity, Fights Bad Breath
Our Rating
9.0
MSRP
$11.48
Flavour
Gentle Mint
Size
Pack of 1 (32 Fl Oz )
Ingredients
Cloralstan , Trisodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Flavor, Sucralose
More Information

Oral hygiene is an essential part of grooming, so you must look after your oral health.

It’s no surprise that many of us are suffering from halitosis. For some, it is short term, and for others, it is long-lasting. Apart from wreaking havoc on your mouth and teeth, bad breath can cause irreparable damage to your reputation.

Mouthwash can be cosmetic, therapeutic, or both. Cosmetic mouth rinse leaves your mouth with a fresh and pleasant taste. Therapeutic mouthwash contains ingredients that kill bacteria, eliminating the risks of gum illness, plaque, and cavities formation.

In case you have halitosis, this guide provides you with all the materials you need, from specifications to pros & cons and the price.
We also have an FAQ section to answer questions you may have about anything else to do with mouthwash.

Best Overall: Fresh Breath Oral Rinse Mild Mint by TheraBreath

Fresh Breath Oral Rinse Mild Mint by TheraBreath Review

Check​ Price on Amazon

This mouthwash proves to be the most effective mouthwash for bad breath among the rest because of its performance. It comes in lovely green bottles with a mild mint flavor. It is from a line of professional products by dentists meant for dealing with various oral health problems.

Fresh Breath Oral Rinse works by targeting the sulfur-producing bacteria. Its ingredients include sodium bicarbonate, essential oils, sodium benzoate, and sodium hydroxide. For 24 hours, your mouth will have a fresh breath. One lovely thing about the formula used is that it ensures you also get immediate results.

Featured specifications

The Fresh Breath Oral Rinse comes in a small bottle of 16oz. It contains baking soda, essential oils, and Oxychlor compounds that make it useful in treating halitosis. You are assured of getting your money’s worth because of its high quality.

Another unique thing about this oral rinse is that it offers premium care. Having been formulated and approved by dentists, it provides a high-quality service. Addressing the problem of halitosis using the mouthwash gives perfect outcomes. It has a minty taste.

Pros

  • Eliminates halitosis for more prolonged periods
  • Excellent and trusted quality
  • Restoration of confidence because of the clinically proven ingredients
  • Professional grade of the product
  • Prevents halitosis, gum diseases, and cavities

Cons

  • You will need recommendations from the doctor before using it.
  • It has a slight corrosive effect and a metal-like taste.

Extra features

Fresh Breath Oral Rinse is made of ingredients good at maintaining the best mouth conditions and healing of diseases. You will, therefore, be comfortable now that it protects you from diseases.

Buying advice

If you are having problems with your oral health, this is the most effective mouthwash for bad breath and gum diseases. The ingredients used ensures that you get immediate relief by eradicating the foul smell in your mouth. The oral rinse keeps your mouth fresh 24/7. This gives you confidence when talking.

Treatment of mouth diseases, elimination of bacteria, and disease control are what you will enjoy most. Buying this mouthwash will make you peaceful and offer you cheap teeth maintenance.

Runner up: Crest 3D White Diamond Strong Mouthwash

Crest 3D White Diamond Strong Mouthwash Review

Check​ Price on Amazon

This mouthwash is lovely because of its action. Crest 3D White Diamond eliminates stains on your teeth while ensuring you have fresh breath. One thing you will appreciate is its ability to strengthen your enamel, giving you sturdy teeth.

As germs and bacterial get eliminated from your teeth, the teeth become healthier. You will, therefore, enjoy long-term service.

Featured specifications

The mouthwash has a mint flavor.  Crest 3D White Diamond comes in bottles that have a smart design. Each bottle has a fluid amounting to 15.99 ounces.

Among the ingredients used to make the mouthwash include sodium fluoride, water, and glycerin. It is, therefore, a very active product. Its strength makes it ideal for cleaning stains and eliminating bad breath.

Pros

  • Whitening of teeth
  • Removal of bad breath and it’s causing agents
  • Removal of stains from your teeth
  • Makes the enamel stronger
  • Makes the color of the teeth shiny

Con

  • Being a strong composition, it may damage weaker teeth.

Extra features

Other ingredients that make up the Crest 3D White Diamond are sucralose, disodium phosphate, phosphoric acid, sodium saccharin, and poloxamer. These ingredients make it the most potent mouthwash for bad breath.

Buying advice

This mouth is perfect for a person who is experiencing both dental and mouth problems. Apart from removing bad breath, it is also suitable for restoring teeth. You will therefore have your teeth functioning better with more strength.

Frequent use of the mouthwash will give you healthy teeth and fresh breath. Your teeth will be brighter, the enamel more potent, and the germs entirely removed.

Alternative: Colgate Total 12 HR Protection

Colgate Total 12 HR Protection Review

Check​ Price on Amazon

Colgate Total 12 HR Protection is ranked as a top mouthwash for bad breath because of its antibacterial properties. On using it, you get to enjoy comfort for at least 12 hours.

The composition of the mouthwash makes it useful and a top performer. It can kill at least 99% of germs in your mouth. This oral rinse reduces your exposure to harmful bacteria. You will love it because it also controls gingivitis.

Featured specifications

The product is alcohol-free, preventing you from burning and corrosion. It has cetylpridium chloride, which controls plaque and gingivitis.

The bottles have a lovely design, with each accommodating 500ml and16.9oz of fluids. The ingredients in this oral rinse are excellent, making it ideal to protect your mouth and teeth and maintain healthy conditions for your mouth.

Pros

  • Kills most of the germs
  • Reduces plaque at a significant degree
  • Reduces and controls gingivitis
  • It has no alcohol; so it’s safe
  • Offers protection for over 12 hours once used
  • Very useful in treating bad breath

Cons

  • Lack of fluoride in the product makes its outcomes not tremendous.
  • It may also not be able to treat some severe challenges

Extra features

It has a glycerin flavor that is sweet and comfortable to the mouth. Other mouthwash ingredients include sucralose, propylparaben, Poloxamer 407, Blue 1, and Sodium Saccharin.

The unique thing about these ingredients is that they make the mouthwash user-friendly. Therefore, it does not react with your teeth, so best for infected teeth, especially gingivitis.

Buying advice

This mouthwash is excellent for you because it offers 12 hours of active results. It, therefore, makes the best choice for daily use. It is the best oral rinse for bad breath because you can use it from time to time and at least twice during the day.

The multiple advantages aim at making the mouthwash the best performer. It delivers the best outcomes and is very safe.

Alternative: Schmidt’s Wondermint Mouthwash

Schmidt's Wondermint Mouthwash Review

Check​ Price on Amazon

For oral care, most people would prefer a friendly and effective mouthwash. This mouthwash is an excellent example of such because of its composition. It has an artificial sweetness and flavor without alcohol.

You will love its design and the bottles used because they are friendly. It has vitamins and oils that aim at making the teeth and the mouth safe. When used, elimination of bad breath takes a shorter time and a quick action.

Featured specifications

The mouthrinse comes in small bottles filled with 16oz fluid. It has great ingredients, such as vitamin E, coconut oil, magnolia bark, goji belly, pomegranate, and botanical extracts.

The good thing is that the fluid composition does not compose alcohol, SLS, triclosan, flavors, and dyes. It is, therefore, very safe for frequent mouth uses. Its oil is extracted from sunflower; thus, best for oral use. Schmidt’s Wondermint mouthwash minty flavor will amaze you.

Pros

  • Leaves your mouth clean and no unpleasant smell
  • Has friendly ingredients such as vitamin E and coconut oil
  • Ideal for frequent use
  • Promotes mouth health when used regularly
  • Offers a relaxed feeling and perfect refreshment
  • Has a lovely taste

Cons

  • It is pricier
  • It has less effect on maintaining the strength of the teeth.
  • It takes time to heal mouth diseases.

Extra features

Natural freshness is one thing that makes the best mouthwash for halitosis. Ingredients used to make the mouthwash are organic and user-friendly, giving you natural healing. Making regular use of the mouthwash guarantees good health to your mouth and teeth.

Buying advice

Although the oralrinse comes at a pricier end, it proves to be an exceptional choice. It has fewer side effects because the ingredients are all from natural components. Removal of unpleasant smell from the mouth gets done naturally, giving your mouth protection for an extended period.

Its formula is plant-based, making it the best mouthwash for bad breath and dental issues. There are less or zero chances of getting irritation. This is because the oral rinse does not consist of any artificial products and alcohol in this mouthrinse.

Alternative: CloSYS Sensitive Antimicrobial Mouthwash

CloSYS Sensitive Antimicrobial Mouthwash Review

Check​ Price on Amazon

You have been looking for the most affordable mouthwash and the strongest mouthwash for bad breath. This mouthwash has fantastic performance in treating and protecting your mouth from bad breath and dental ailments. In case you have been experiencing sensitivity and germs, then you have a solution.

Using it will leave your mouth fresh and clean. It kills 99% of germs, offering excellent care without feelings of burning. The most exciting thing is that you are in control of how you will use the mouthwash.

Featured specifications

Each bottle of the mouthwash contains 32oz of liquid. The bottle itself has an exquisite design that provides durability. It has a gentle mint flavor that makes it user-friendly and pleasant to use.

The ingredients used to make the mouthwash include pure water, chlorine dioxide, citric acid, trisodium phosphate, sucrose, and flavor. Amazingly, it is alcohol, gluten, triclosan, and sulfate-free, making it suitable and safe for use.

Pros

  • Offers advanced oral care for your mouth
  • Has no alcohol to burn your mouth
  • Kills germs and other disease-causing bacteria
  • Treats sensitive mouths leaving them fresh and clean
  • It comes at an affordable price
  • You can choose how to use it

Cons

  • Low concentration of essential ingredients can make it less effective
  • Over diluting will not give the best outcomes
  • Treating severe mouth conditions may not be very effective

Extra features

In case you have plaque, this oralrinse is good at reducing and eventually eliminating it. You will also love the fact that it provides extra safety for mouth diseases. The absence of alcohol and other artificial ingredients in the mouthwash gives your mouth a balanced PH.

The absence of sulfate and triclosan makes the mouthwash the best. The buildup of bacteria is limited for a smoker, making it the best mouthwash for smokers breath.

Buying advice

The product is cost-friendly and has good general safety. The most fantastic thing about the mouthwash is that it doesn’t have harmful ingredients. And it offers optimum protection to your mouth.

It eliminates all potent smells, making it the best oral rinse for bad breath. Frequent use of the mouthwash eliminates chances of having mouth diseases.

Therefore, when you are buying mouthwash, the following principles apply:

Type of mouthwash

young-woman-rinsing-mouth-leaning-over-sink

You must pay close attention to the two categories of mouthwash. First, determine if you want a mouthrinse for cosmetic purposes or healing. But it would be best to choose the oral rinse that has both features.

Mouthwash ingredients

Understanding the components used to make the mouthwash will help you discern if it is user-friendly. Each mouthwash has its composition, which makes it ideal for treating dental ailments and bad breath.

You must look at the list of ingredients used when you are shopping for an oral rinse. Some elements that should be present in your mouthwash include:

  • Fluoride – It hardens your teeth surface and inhibits tooth decay.
  • Chlorhexidine – It prevents plaque buildup and controls gingivitis.
  • Healthy oils – These include peppermint, castor oil, and thyme. They are useful because they have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
  • Hydrogen peroxide – It helps in teeth whitening.
  • Cetylpyridinium chloride – It helps kills harmful microbes and fight bad breath.

The extent of mouth contagion

Thoroughly infected teeth and mouth will need a more potent oral rinse. If the extent of damage is not great, you can get a less effective one. But only if your budget cannot allow you to get an expensive mouthwash.

Flavor

Choose your mouthrinse based on your favorite flavor because that is how your breath will smell for an entire day. The best is mint, as it gives you a minty and cool breath.

Price

Stay within your budget. There are cheap and expensive oralrinse in the market, so buy the one within your price range.

Mouthwash for Bad Breath FAQ

Does mouthwash cause bad breath?

causes of bad breath

No. But below are the most common causes of halitosis.

Bad oral care

Inconsistent oral care practices exacerbate the occurrence of foul smell. Failing to practice proper dental care and mouth hygiene as scheduled leaves food debris in your teeth and mouth, resulting in plaque formation and bad breath. Consequently, your tongue and teeth collect and trap food remnants and harmful bacteria, leading to gross odor production.

Other conditions brought by lacking dental and mouth health practice include gingivitis, cavities, and gum infections. Ensure that you consistently and exhaustively perform and stick to your mouth hygiene routine, as it is the best method to combat bad breath.

Tangy foods

Foods with a pungent smell like garlic, spices, and onion, leave your mouth smelling bad. So clean your teeth and use an oral rinse to remove the pungent smell. Once the food particles enter your blood vessels, they are delivered to the lungs. Thus, affecting your breath, this is highly noticeable every time you breathe out or talk.

Alcohol

Excessive intake of alcohol, especially the cheap kind, results in halitosis. When you consume alcoholic drinks in large amounts, it decreases saliva production. Lack of adequate saliva in the mouth encourages germs growth, causing an unpleasant scent.

High sugars and protein diets

Harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars, thus converting sweets into unpleasant odors. It takes more time for your body to digest a high-protein meal, such as meat, leading to sulfurous gas buildup. You can avoid halitosis by lowering sugar consumption and eating a healthy diet with more leafy vegetables serving and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil.

Smoking

Products produced using tobacco, such as cigarettes, cause unpleasant breath. The worst part is they destroy your gum tissues, leading to gum infection.

Dry mouth

Saliva keeps your mouth clean by getting rid of food specks that get lodged on your tongue and teeth. At night, saliva production slows down; that’s why you find that your breath is slightly smelly after waking up.

How can mouthwash help you with bad breath?

mouthwash for bad breath

It will help you get rid of a foul-smelling mouth. Therefore, use the most effective mouthwash for bad breath to get the benefits below.

Fresh breath

You cannot compare the freshness of a mouthrinse with that gotten from cleaning your teeth with toothpaste. Mouthrinse kills germs that help in the production of bad breath. It also gives you a fresh breath, so get yourself a mouthwash in the flavor you love the most.

Prevents cavity growth

Oral rinse reaches places where your toothbrush can’t. Therefore, make sure to add mouthwash to your routine. It will help you get rid of debris and any other particles that were left behind.

Maybe you are asking, won’t rinsing my mouth with water accomplish the same thing? No. The upside to mouthrinse is that it is healing and cosmetic, giving your mouth a fresh breath and healthy teeth.

Kills bacteria in the mouth

The therapeutic effects of mouth rinse lessen the expanse of harmful microbes trapped in your mouth and cavities, preventing diseases like gingivitis. Did you know that gum infection caused by bacteria can cause pregnancy complications when the infections enter the bloodstream? Well, now, you know.

Brightens your teeth

Oral rinse is not a teeth whitening kit or treatment, but using it for an extended period will make your teeth whiter. If your goal is to have healthy and brighter teeth, look for a mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide. However, you must be cautious when selecting mouthwash because some have a tooth-staining side effect.

What are some home remedies that you can use instead of mouthwash?

Healthy oral care practices

Poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of a foul-smelling mouth. Clean and floss your teeth regularly; better yet, add the oral rinse to your daily program to prevent tooth decay and unpleasant breath. It would help if you use a tongue scraper once daily to clean your tongue.

Parsley

Parsley is an ancient cure for foul-smelling breath. Its garden-fresh aroma and chlorophyll concentration give it deodorizing properties. After meals, you can chew on a few parsley leaves for fresh breath.

How often should you use mouthwash?

gargle mouthwash in mouth

Mouthwash offers you 12-hour protection. So it would be best if you used it two times a day, morning and evening. First, clean and floss your teeth.

Then gargle mouthwash in your mouth. Do it for approximately 30-45 seconds before spitting. This ensures that it targets all parts of your mouth, teeth, and tonsils.

Water

Your saliva plays a vital role in maintaining cleanliness in your mouth, which is why you must stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least two liters of water every day. This prevents your mouth from drying up.

Yogurt

Yogurts have bacteria known as lactobacillus. It is a healthy bacteria that fight harmful bacteria in your gut. Eat several spoons of Bio-yogurt each day to keep halitosis at bay.

Orange

If you suffer from a dry mouth, eat at least one or two oranges each day. This is because mangoes contain vitamin C, enhancing saliva production, helping you maintain dental and mouth hygiene.

Baking soda

It is easy to make oral rinse at home using baking soda, otherwise referred to as sodium bicarbonate. You add two small spoons of sodium bicarbonate to a cup of warm water. Then gargle the solution in your mouth for not less than 30 seconds before spitting.

Conclusion

The information above will help you choose the best mouthwash for halitosis. So now, you don’t have an excuse for having bad breath.

For instance, if you have stubborn halitosis, you can benefit from Thera Breath Fresh Oral Rinse.

Author

  • Rebecca Moses

    Depending on the day, you’ll find Rebecca in a well thought-out ensemble that she handcrafted herself, or in hiking and rock climbing gear. An avid outdoorswoman, cyclist, and cat lover, Rebecca reminds us all on the Groom+Style team just how much we need to get outdoors. She’s worked in spas and salons off and on before going full-time with the G+S team. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-moses-3158b914b/