Best Mouthwashes for Bad Breath

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is considered to be the most effective ingredientfor eliminating oral bacteria.  A powerful antiseptic, CHX works very well to prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth and kill bacteria and yeast in your mouth.  Because of its efficacy in reducing bad breath, CHX is the most commonly-used active ingredient in mouthwashes.  It is usually at a concentration of around 0.2%, often in the form of chlorhexidine gluconate.^2,3

As helpful as it is, CHX can have some adverse effects.  You may notice a change in your ability to distinguish tastes after rinsing with a mouthwash containing CHX.  Long-term use of CHX-containing mouthwashes can even stain your teeth and cause gum irritation.² If you want to try a CXH mouthwash, you will need a prescription.

Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is another effective ingredient for reducing odiferous compounds in your mouth.  It is an oxidizing agent that can break down the amino acid precursors to volatile sulfur compounds.  Mouthwash containing 0.1% ClO₂ is effective in reducing bad breath for at least eight hours.  It can also reduce the plaque on your teeth and the population of odor-causing bacteria in your mouth, potentially reducing your risk of gingivitis.  Less harsh than chlorhexidine, ClO₂ is a good alternative if you have a sensitive mouth or mouth sores.^4,5

Recommended:Try a mouthwash for sensitive gums and teeth, CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash with chlorine dioxide. 

There are now a number of plant-derived antiseptics used in commercial mouthwashes.  Like CHX and ClO₂, these have antibacterial properties that reduce odor-causing bacteria in your mouth.  Likewise, they can also reduce bacterial plaques and related decay in your teeth.  One such herbal antiseptic you are likely already familiar with is menthol: this mint-derived compound gives mouthwashes a fresh, minty taste and cool feel as well.⁶ 

Other commonly-used herbal products include methyl salicylate (wintergreen), eucalyptol (from eucalyptus and other herbs), and thymol (from thyme).  Other herbs that have been investigated and found to be helpful for bad breath include ela (true cardamom), Indian gooseberry, myrobalan, betel, pilu, and ajwain, among others.^3,7  Drinking green tea can help your breath smell better as well.⁸

In Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling has been used for centuries as a method for detoxification.  The belief is that swishing a tablespoon of oil around in your mouth on an empty stomach can draw toxins from within your body, for better oral and overall health.  So far, clinical trials have found no benefits of oil pulling in terms of removing poisons from your body.  However, what they did find is that swishing oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes can help with bad breath.  Rice bran oil, sesame seed oil, and sunflower oil are good types to use.^9,10