The best mouthwash for bad breath is no mouthwash. Here is why, and the simple routine that works instead.
Why Mouthwash Is Not the Answer
It is a myth that mouthwash cures bad breath. Do not be fooled by the happy people in the adverts swishing it around. There are two main reasons it does not work:
Mouthwash can actually cause bad breath, because it dries out your mouth.
Mouthwash cannot do the job of brushing, flossing and scraping.
Saliva is what keeps the bacteria in your mouth balanced. It holds a healthy acid level and stops certain bacteria growing out of control. If you are not making enough saliva (in other words, you have a dry mouth), you cannot clear out the harmful bacteria, and bad breath can get worse.
Chemical mouthwashes kill bacteria without picking and choosing. That upsets the balance between the good and the bad bacteria, which lets the harmful ones take over and cause bad breath.
To keep bad breath away, follow this simple routine:
Brush after meals, floss, and use a tongue scraper at least once a day.
Drink plenty of water, to keep the saliva that regulates bacteria flowing.
If your bad breath does not shift even after following this routine, book an appointment. Bad breath that hangs around can sometimes be a sign of a more serious health problem, so it is worth having it checked. Speak to us and we will take a look.