What is the Best Mouthwash for Bad Breath?
Discover the best mouthwash for bad breath and stop living with the fear of talking to someone too close! The best bad breath mouthwash can help you feel more confident in social settings. But with so many formulas at your fingertips, how can you choose the right one?
We’ve compiled a list of the top options on the market, from classics like Listerine and TheraBreath to more unique plaque removal mouthwash formulations like LIVFRESH. Each can help you put nasty odors in the past for good.
Signs You Have Bad Breath
You usually know when you have bad breath, whether someone points it out or you smell it yourself. But most people actually notice other symptoms before that pungent odor presents itself. Your mouth is trying to tell you something if you notice:
- A sour or metallic taste that keeps coming back
- Thick saliva or a sticky feeling along the tongue
- White or yellow buildup on the tongue surface
- Dry mouth, especially in the morning or after talking a lot
- Gum tenderness or light bleeding when brushing
- A coated feeling that returns shortly after brushing
- People subtly stepping back during conversations
It’s embarrassing, demoralizing, and can prevent you from being totally open and present during social settings. But the good news is the best mouthwash for bad breath can help.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
It’s not just something you ate. In most cases, something specific is feeding odor-producing bacteria and letting them hang around longer than they should. Here are some of the most common culprits behind stinky breath:
- Plaque buildup traps bacteria along the gumline and between teeth
- Tongue coating, where sulfur-producing microbes settle into the rough surface
- Dry mouth, which minimizes saliva’s natural cleaning effect
- Gum inflammation or bleeding, often tied to early gum disease
- Food particles left behind after meals (especially protein-rich foods)
- Strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, and coffee that linger in the mouth
- Post-nasal drip or sinus congestion, which adds bacteria to the back of the tongue
- Smoking or vaping - these habits dry tissues and wreak havoc on oral bacteria balance
The key thing to understand is this: bad breath usually comes from bacterial activity, not poor brushing effort. That’s why it’s so frustrating, though. You feel like you’re doing all the right things, and yet, you can’t keep your breath fresh more than a few minutes after brushing.
That’s where the best bad breath mouthwash can make a world of difference.
What is the Best Mouthwash for Bad Breath?
The reason mouthwash is so important - not just for managing bad breath, but all facets of oral hygiene - is that it reaches where your brush bristles or floss cannot.
Most mouthwashes rely on ingredients like alcohol, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), or essential oils to neutralize the bacteria in your mouth that cause odors in the first place. But not all formulas are made equal.
So, what is the best mouthwash for bad breath? LIVFRESH is in a league of its own.
LIVFRESH Mouthwash
It’s the best mouthwash for plaque, which is really what makes it the best mouthwash for bad breath - especially if you have tight crowding or orthodontics that make it hard to get the real clean you need.
It’s all thanks to activated edathamil, a patented ingredient that weakens the bond between plaque and tooth surfaces. Instead of masking smell or killing surface bacteria alone, it helps loosen buildup so brushing and rinsing remove it effortlessly.
It contains just 0.1% alcohol, enough to help deliver active ingredients without drying the mouth or causing an uncomfortable burning sensation. Here’s what clinical studies showed LIVFRESH capable of delivering:
- 163% better tartar control
- 114% better gum health
- 72% better plaque reduction
The microbiome safe formula delivers long-lasting fresh breath. It’s backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, too, so you can try it risk-free.
ACT Restoring Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash
ACT Restoring relies on sodium fluoride to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities. It’s a very solid option if you’re searching for the best bad breath mouthwash, especially if you’re particularly prone to decay.
The alcohol-free formula is fairly comfortable for sensitive mouths. But, it doesn’t directly address plaque structure or sulfur-producing bacteria. Breath benefits tend to be mild and short-lived.
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
TheraBreath uses oxygenating compounds to neutralize volatile sulfur compounds - the gases that cause chronic bad breath. It’s alcohol-free and super gentle, which is why many people with dry mouth tolerate it well.
The tradeoff is longevity. It neutralizes odor well, but it doesn’t disrupt plaque or prevent buildup from returning later in the day.
SmartMouth Clinical DDS Activated Mouthwash
This mouthwash is powered by a zinc ion system that binds to sulfur compounds and prevents odors from forming for several hours. The two-chamber bottle keeps ingredients separate until use to maintain potency and ensure it works its magic.
It performs well for breath control, but it doesn’t clean plaque or support gum health beyond odor suppression. We’ve also seen reviews talk about how the taste and texture are strange.
Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash
No conversation on the best mouthwash for bad breath would be complete without mentioning Listerine, the most popular mouthwash brand in the world. The Cool Mint formula uses a classic essential oil blend containing:
- Eucalyptol
- Menthol
- Thymol
- Methyl salicylate
Listerine also uses a really high alcohol content across its lineup. This can be a blessing and a curse, though. It definitely creates strong antimicrobial activity and an intense fresh feeling. But, it can be overwhelming. The burn and dryness can irritate sensitive gums.
Related: Check out our comparisons of TheraBreath vs Listerine or ACT vs Listerine!
Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwash
Crest is another one of the most established brands in oral care, and a common recommendation for those trying to find the best mouthwash for bad breath.
As we discuss in our Listerine vs Crest mouthwash comparison, this formulation is very different in that it relies on cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) to reduce bacteria linked to plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath.
The alcohol-free formula won’t produce the intense burning sensation some people hate about mouthwash, which is great. But it also won’t do much to loosen tough plaque.
Tom’s of Maine Whole Care Mouthwash
This is a more natural choice if you want the best bad breath mouthwash without intense alcohol content. It leans on zinc, fluoride, and botanical flavor oils to freshen breath and support basic oral hygiene.
Another great thing about Tom’s of Maine is it’s free from artificial dyes, preservatives, and sweeteners. It’s gentle, but the results tend to be a little more subtle than you may want.
Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash
Colgate Pro-Shield combines CPC and antibacterial agents for extended breath protection, often advertised at up to 12 hours.
It leaves a smooth, coated feel that a lot of people associate with cleanliness. That coating can mask odor well, but it doesn’t change how plaque attaches or reforms later. It also feels a little weird at first.
Biotene Fresh Mint Moisturizing Mouthwash
If your bad breath is caused by dry mouth specifically, this might be the best mouthwash for you. It uses humectants and saliva-supporting ingredients instead of traditional antiseptics. That’s how Biotene helps relieve tightness, stickiness, and odor caused by low saliva flow.
CloSYS Original Unflavored Mouthwash
Last but not least, we have CloSYS - which uses stabilized chlorine dioxide to neutralize odor-causing compounds without alcohol, flavoring, or harsh surfactants.
The unflavored formula works well for sensitive mouths and post-dental procedures. But like Tom’s of Maine, it’s hard to call it the best mouthwash for bad breath since it’s a little more subtle.
More Ways to Manage Bad Breath
Mouthwash helps, but there are so many other things you should do at the same time for lasting breath freshness. Here are some other habits to adopt:
- Brush your tongue daily: Bacteria love the textured surface of the tongue. A gentle scraper or soft-bristle brush goes a long way in keeping breath fresh.
- Stay hydrated: Dry mouth lets odor-causing compounds build up faster. Sip water throughout the day, not just at meals.
- Floss consistently: Food trapped between teeth breaks down and feeds odor-causing bacteria, even when you seem to be brushing thoroughly.
- Don’t skip meals: Long gaps without eating slow saliva flow. This can lead to “morning breath” later in the day.
- Watch trigger foods: Garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol leave compounds behind long after the taste fades. Try to avoid these, or at the very least, rinse after consuming them.
- Regular dental visits: Professional cleanings remove tartar that home care can’t touch.
- Pay attention to gum health: Bleeding or tender gums often come with an odor that mouthwash alone won’t fix.
That being said, the best mouthwash for bad breath can help. And whether you’re looking for a gentler Listerine alternative or a more effective TheraBreath alternative, your search ends at LIVFRESH.
Bringing Our Guide on the Best Bad Breath Mouthwash to a Close
Bad breath doesn’t have to get in the way of living life to the fullest. Don’t keep feeling self-conscious when the best bad breath mouthwash can help. Choose a formula that targets odor at the source, not just covers it up with a strong flavor. Choose LIVFRESH!
Frequently asked questions
Does mouthwash really work for bad breath?
Yes, the best mouthwash for bad breath can make a real difference by eliminating odor-causing bacteria and plaque all at the same time. Cosmetic rinses only help briefly, though, so it’s important to do your research into the formula.
What is the most effective mouthwash for bad breath?
The best bad breath mouthwash works on plaque and sulfur-producing bacteria rather than masking smell. Mouthwashes that disrupt buildup will last longer.
How can I permanently get rid of bad breath in my mouth?
There’s no overnight cure, but consistent brushing, tongue cleaning, flossing, hydration, and using the right mouthwash can keep bad breath from returning. Set yourself up for success with the best mouthwash for bad breath at LIVFRESH!
