11/17/2023
The best mouthwash for bad breath is actually no mouthwash. Read why mouthwash might be causing your bad breath instead of helping it.
Don’t be fooled by the happy people in Listerine commercials having a blast while they swish with mouthwash. It’s a myth that mouthwash cures bad breath.
Here are two main reasons why the best mouthwash for bad breath is no mouthwash at all.
Mouthwash can cause bad breath because it dries out the mouth.
Mouthwash cannot replace the effectiveness of brushing, flossing, and scraping.
Learn more about why you should not use mouthwash.
Mouthwash can cause bad breath because it dries out the mouth
Most mouthwash brands contain alcohol that dries out your mouth. Some brands contain up to 25% alcohol, which is more than wine or beer!
The compounds in alcohol – ethyl alcohol or acetaldehyde – can damage your salivary glands.
Ethyl alcohol and acetaldehyde can cause:
Cell death
Fat accumulation
Swelling in your salivary glands.
Eventually, the damage to your salivary glands will result in a dry mouth.
Also, here’s something you may not realize that happens when you use mouthwash right after you brush your teeth.
Mouthwash contains cationic compounds that act as surfactants. Your toothpaste contains anionic compounds. Cations always neutralize anions. The neutralization effect created by your toothpaste and mouthwash can increase the drying out of your cheeks and create the perfect environment for bad breath and mouth ulcers.
The Best mouth wash is Alkalizing Mouthwash that contain the following:
Xylitol – inhibits bad bacteria.
Sodium bicarbonate – gentle cleanser and pH balancer
Wild mint and peppermint oils – freshen and kill bacteria.
Tea tree oil – antibacterial and antifungal
Cinnamon and thyme extracts – antimicrobial antioxidants
Orange, lemon, and eucalyptus oils – anti-inflammatory properties
Ask the Dentist