TheraBreath vs Listerine: How Does LIVFRESH Mouthwash Compare?
No oral care regimen is complete without mouthwash. A quick rinse post-brushing can reach areas that toothbrush bristles can’t, fighting plaque, improving gum health, and keeping your breath fresh for longer. But not all mouthwashes are created equal.
We see TheraBreath vs Listerine compared all the time. These are two top choices in the oral care space. But is TheraBreath better than Listerine, or is it the other way around? How do these mainstream options stack up to our new mouthwash here at LIVRESH?
Learn more about Listerine vs TheraBreath vs LIVFRESH below, as we compare and contrast formulas, benefits, harshness, and more. But if you just came here for the quick answer, we think LIVFRESH is in a league of its own.
Our mouthwash is powered by the same patented ingredient in our gel toothpaste, activated edathamil. It’s clinically proven at major US universities to deliver more than twice as much gum health improvement and 70% better plaque reduction than leading brands, with virtually no burn!
Edathamil technology doesn’t just mask odor or kill surface bacteria. It disrupts the plaque bond at its source to keep gums cleaner and healthier between brushes. Upgrade your rinse to LIVFRESH today for results you can feel and your dentist can see.
TheraBreath vs Listerine vs LIVFRESH: Quick Breakdown
|
Brand |
Active / Approach |
Alcohol |
How It Works |
Best For |
Key Pros |
Potential Cons |
|
LIVFRESH Mouthwash |
Activated Edathamil + essential oils |
~0.1% |
Disrupts plaque’s molecular bond and helps prevent re-attachment. |
Measured gum, plaque, and tartar improvement; gentle daily use |
Clinically proven; minimal burn; pairs with LIVFRESH Gel for amplified results |
Premium price; best used alonside LIVFRESH toothpaste |
|
TheraBreath (Fresh Breath Oral Rinse) |
Sodium chlorite (oxygenating), alcohol-free |
0% |
Neutralizes sulfur compounds tied to bad breath; mild daily rinse. |
Chronic bad breath; dry or sensitive mouths |
No burn; dye-free; easy twice-daily adherence |
Limited plaque/tartar metrics; not designed for adhesion control |
|
Listerine (Antiseptic/Gum Therapy family) |
Essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate) |
~21-26% (varies) |
Antiseptic action reduces plaque and gingivitis with regular use. |
Fast “deep clean” feel; widely available |
ADA-accepted for plaque/gingivitis reduction; strong freshness |
Burn/dryness for sensitive users; no plaque re-attachment defense |
Overview of TheraBreath
TheraBreath was founded in the early 1990s by dentist Dr. Harold Katz. The goal was simple - create a gentler, science-driven solution for people struggling with bad breath and oral discomfort. What started as a clinical formula to neutralize sulfur-based mouth odors has evolved into one of the most trusted dentist-developed oral rinse lines in the U.S.
TheraBreath formulas rely on oxygenating compounds (most often sodium chlorite) to fight off volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These are the most common culprits behind halitosis, or chronic bad breath. TheraBreath chemically eliminates them instead of just masking them.
Most variants also include xylitol, a natural sweetener that supports saliva flow and helps keep the oral cavity pH neutral. Dry mouth and pH imbalance create the ideal conditions for odor-causing buildup.
The brand’s “Healthy Gums” line adds cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), an antiseptic agent that helps control plaque and gingivitis, while the “Fresh Breath” rinse keeps the formula simple and mild for everyday use.
Across the board, TheraBreath’s mouthwashes are alcohol-free, dye-free, and SLS-free - perfect for people with dry mouth or oral sensitivities who hate burning sensations from stronger formulas, like Listerine.
Just know TheraBreath’s benefits largely center around odor control and comfort - as the name suggests. There’s little to no evidence showing that its mouthwashes can reduce deep plaque or tartar. These rinses won’t physically disrupt plaque adhesion.
Overview of Listerine
This is the brand that comes to mind when most people think about mouthwash. Listerine has been around for well over a century, first released as a surgical antiseptic before becoming a household mouthwash by the 1920s.
Listerine is synonymous with that familiar burn, a sensation that some people love because it makes them feel like their mouth is getting clean. Others hate it because it lingers longer than they’d like and creates discomfort, especially if they’re already struggling with sensitivity.
Listerine’s staying power comes from its essential oil-based antiseptic formula, which hasn’t evolved much over the years. Eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol are still the main ingredients, all working together to penetrate and disrupt microbial cell walls. This is how Listerine reduces plaque and gingivitis with regular use.
These oils are carried in an alcohol base that ranges from 21-26% in most formulations. That’s what gives Listerine its signature tingle, but it can also cause dryness, irritation, or burning, especially for those with sensitive gums.
There are quite a few different formulas in the Listerine lineup:
- Cool Mint Antiseptic: the classic formula focused on plaque and gingivitis control.
- Total Care: adds fluoride for enamel protection.
- Zero Alcohol: a milder variant for sensitive users.
- Gum Therapy: targets early gum disease with reduced alcohol and added stabilizers.
Listerine is ADA-accepted for plaque and gingivitis reduction - but there’s a catch. It does not address the root cause of plaque adhesion or tartar buildup. It simply kills surface bacteria. Don’t expect any of these mouthwashes to prevent new biofilm from binding to teeth.
This is why even loyal Listerine users find themselves in a never-ending battle against plaque/tartar buildup or persistent sensitivity. It’s also why people are drawn to LIVFRESH as a smarter Listerine alternative.
How LIVFRESH Works Differently
We know you came here to learn about TheraBreath vs Listerine, but LIVFRESH is quite literally unlike any other oral rinse on the market. That’s because it’s powered by an ingredient backed by 40 patents.
It took over a decade (and a few million dollars) to develop activated edathamil, but it was worth the wait - because it works better than any other mouthwash. We say that because we have the studies to back it up:
- 2x better gum health compared to leading brands
- 70% greater plaque reduction over eight weeks
- 1.6x stronger tartar control than alcohol-based rinses
- 38% better improvement in mouth odor than major competitors
So, what makes it work so differently? Activated Edathamil doesn’t just mask odor or kill surface bacteria - it targets the underlying structure of dental plaque.
Plaque is held in place by calcium and other mineral ions that help it adhere to teeth and gums. LIVFRESH alters the surface charge of your teeth, quite literally dissolving plaque and preventing it from sticking in place going forward.
The result is a cleaner gumline, less tartar buildup, and long-lasting freshness - all while avoiding that off-putting harsh burn or dryness that comes with high-alcohol rinses. LIVFRESH is microbiome-friendly, preserving the balance of beneficial oral flora for healthy gums.
Fight the root cause of cavities and other oral health complications head-on with the smartest oral rinse on the market. Shop today and experience the difference firsthand, or learn more about TheraBreath vs Listerine vs LIVFRESH below if you’re still not sold.
TheraBreath vs Listerine vs LIVFRESH: Side-by-Side Comparison
Adding a mouthwash to your arsenal is great. But not all mouthwashes are made equal. And just because it’s familiar doesn’t mean it’s the right choice. Let’s take a closer look at Listerine vs TheraBreath vs LIVFRESH to help you make the most informed choice.
Oral Health Benefits
The whole point of adding mouthwash to your daily routine is to improve oral health - so which brand actually makes a difference?
Listerine’s essential oil formula (eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, and methyl salicylate) has decades of evidence showing it reduces plaque and gingivitis when used twice daily. It’s ADA-accepted and delivers a strong “clean” sensation almost instantly. The downside is that the alcohol-heavy formula can dry soft tissues and irritate sensitive gums.
TheraBreath takes the opposite approach. It’s completely alcohol-free and uses sodium chlorite to neutralize sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. Some versions with CPC bring light antibacterial action to the equation, which is really helpful for chronic halitosis or oral sensitivity. But there’s little evidence showing TheraBreath can address plaque adhesion or tartar control.
This is where LIVFRESH stands out. It’s the only mouthwash powered by a patented Activated Edathamil system that works on a molecular level. Rather than just sanitizing or freshening breath, it targets the calcium bonds that hold plaque together - effectively loosening and destabilizing buildup so it’s easier to brush away.
LIVFRESH mouthwash not only improves gum comfort and cleanliness but also helps prevent plaque from reattaching, something no other rinse on the market can do as well. You don’t just have to take our word for it, either. Because the other major distinction between LIVFRESH vs TheraBreath vs Listerine? Clinical backing.
Clinical Validation
Listerine has more than a century of research behind its essential oil base, with multiple peer-reviewed studies confirming its antiseptic effect on surface-level plaque and gingivitis. But there’s no evidence on deeper gum health or tartar prevention.
TheraBreath’s validation is focused primarily on odor reduction and sulfur compound neutralization, with less emphasis on measurable gum or plaque metrics. Again, it’s widely trusted by dentists for gentle breath care, but there’s no science regarding plaque and tartar outcomes.
LIVFRESH stands apart here. Its Activated Edathamil formula is backed by 26 clinical studies and 40 patents, all conducted by major US universities. The results are measurable and consistent:
- 2x better gum health compared to leading brands
- 114% greater plaque reduction
- 1.6x improved tartar control
- 38% better mouth odor improvement over alcohol-based rinses
There’s no arguing with this level of data-driven validation. LIVFRESH is the most scientifically supported mouthwash ever developed for gum and plaque care, not just bad breath.
Rinse Harshness
You need a mouthwash you can stick with consistently for the long haul. That’s why you need to think not just about benefits, but how harsh the rinse is when comparing TheraBreath vs Listerine vs LIVFRESH.
Listerine is definitely the harshest of the bunch with around 21-26% alcohol content. You get that familiar sting and cooling rush, which some users associate with “proof of cleaning.” But that same burn is caused by tissue dehydration and alcohol evaporation. This can lead to dry mouth and oral irritation over time.
TheraBreath is alcohol-free and intentionally mild. It’s an easy rinse for those with sensitivities or dry mouth, offering a soft mint flavor and no afterburn. It scores points for being gentle, but it’s also “gentle” on plaque and tartar - so this does come at the cost of effectiveness.
If you’re looking for something that balances gentleness with thoroughness, your search ends at LIVFRESH. It provides a light, cooling peppermint sensation without the pain or dryness since it only contains 0.1% alcohol.
The slight tingle you feel comes from the essential oils working in tandem with Activated Edathamil, but it’s comfortable enough for twice-daily use - even if you typically avoid mouthwash.
Cost and Availability
Listerine is easy to find anywhere, from grocery stores to gas stations. It’s still one of the most affordable options on the shelf. TheraBreath costs a little bit more, but it’s also pretty easy to get your hands on - both in stores and online.
LIVFRESH is a premium, science-backed product, available exclusively through our online storefront. The best mouthwash is quite literally just a click away!
Yes, it’s a little more expensive, but you get what you pay for. The cost reflects decades of R&D, with millions of dollars invested to create a product that works (with countless clinical trials to back it up). Just think of it as an investment in prevention. You’ll spend less time in the dentist's chair and less time worrying about your oral health.
So is TheraBreath Better Than Listerine or LIVFRESH?
All that being said, is TheraBreath better than Listerine? Or is it the other way around? Frankly, we’re not here to debate second best. We want to provide you with the best mouthwash on the market, and that’s LIVFRESH.
Listerine is tried-and-true for those who like a powerful, no-nonsense antiseptic rinse. TheraBreath has its place in managing chronic bad breath. But in either case, you’re settling.
LIVFRESH is the only mouthwash that breaks the plaque cycle at the molecular level and supports measurable gum health improvement backed by clinical science. It’s clean, gentle, and proven to deliver better results where it matters most: below the gumline.
See the science behind Activated Edathamil over on our site, or shop now for better oral health.
Bringing Our Listerine vs TheraBreath Comparison to a Close
Whether you’re trying to remove plaque from teeth at home or stop bleeding gums, it’s time to rethink your oral care arsenal. Although you came here hoping for help choosing between TheraBreath vs Listerine, you can see that both fall short in comparison to LIVFRESH.
Our blog has similar resources comparing David's vs Boka toothpaste or even fluoride vs non-fluoride toothpaste if you want to learn more. But just know that upgrading your oral health is as simple as pairing our plaque removal toothpaste with our mouthwash.
Switch to cleaner, smarter gum care - choose LIVFRESH now!
