The Best Mouthwash for Bad Breath (and What Actually Fixes It)

For most people, TheraBreath Fresh Breath is the mouthwash to buy. It has the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance for helping reduce bad breath, and it's alcohol-free, so it doesn't burn. If your breath is worse when your mouth feels dry, reach for Biotene instead. Our picks are based on ingredient lists, ADA Seal listings and verified reviews.

What causes bad breath

According to the ADA, most bad breath starts in the mouth. Bacteria feed on bits of food and give off smelly waste. A dry mouth makes it worse, because saliva normally washes those bacteria away. Garlic, onions, coffee and smoking all play a part too. Persistent bad breath or a constant bad taste can also be a sign of gum disease, so if it doesn't go away, see your dentist. If your dentist rules out a mouth problem, they may send you to your doctor.

One thing to know up front: the ADA says mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. It's a helpful extra. If you're not cleaning between your teeth every day, a water flosser may help more than any rinse.

How to choose a mouthwash for bad breath

• Look for the ADA Seal. The ADA reviews mouthwashes and lists the specific claim each one is accepted for. For breath, look for "helps reduce bad breath." Seals for other uses, like plaque or dry mouth, are listed separately.
• Therapeutic vs. cosmetic: the ADA says cosmetic rinses only mask bad breath for a while. Therapeutic rinses have active ingredients that can help with bacteria, plaque and gum problems.
• Alcohol-free is gentler. Alcohol is what makes some rinses burn, and many people find it drying. If your breath is worse with a dry mouth, skip alcohol.
• Need cavity protection too? None of our picks contain fluoride. If you want that, look for a rinse labeled "anticavity" and check the label for sodium fluoride.

The best mouthwashes for bad breath

Best overall

TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse

For everyone

Best for Everyday bad breath, without the alcohol burn

The easiest pick for most people. It carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance for helping reduce bad breath, it's alcohol-free, and it comes in several mint strengths, including a milder one if strong mint isn't your thing.

Why we like it

• ADA Seal of Acceptance for bad breath
• Alcohol-free, so no burn
• Several flavor strengths

Worth knowing

• No fluoride, so it doesn't add cavity protection
• Big bottles take up shelf space

Check price on Amazon

TheraBreath is ADA-accepted for bad breath, gentle and easy to find. If the regular version is too minty, try the mild mint. Not for you if you want a rinse with fluoride.

Best for sensitive mouths

CloSYS Fresh Breath Oral Rinse (Ultra Sensitive)

For everyone

Best for Sensitive mouths and people who hate strong mint

CloSYS was the first mouth rinse to earn the ADA Seal for bad breath. It's built on stabilized chlorine dioxide, it's alcohol-free, and the unflavored version comes with an optional mint dropper, so you decide how minty it tastes.

Why we like it

• ADA Seal of Acceptance for bad breath
• Alcohol-free and gentle
• Unflavored option with an add-your-own mint dropper

Worth knowing

• No fluoride
• Unflavored rinse doesn't feel "fresh" the way mint does

Check price on Amazon

If strong mint stings or you just don't like it, CloSYS is the pick. Use it unflavored, or add a few drops of the included mint. Not for you if you want that cold, tingly "just rinsed" feeling.

Best antibacterial

Colgate Total Active Prevention Mouthwash

For everyone

Best for An antibacterial rinse that also targets plaque and gingivitis

An alcohol-free rinse with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), an antibacterial ingredient that Colgate says helps prevent and reduce plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. A good pick if you want one rinse to cover more than breath.

Why we like it

• Alcohol-free
• Antibacterial CPC formula
• Easy to find at any drugstore

Worth knowing

• No fluoride
• Made with artificial dyes
• Not for kids under 12, according to the label

Check price on Amazon

A good everyday choice if you want a rinse that's also labeled for plaque and gingivitis, without the alcohol. Not for you if you avoid artificial dyes.

Best for gum health

Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash

For everyone

Best for An intense clean feeling, plus plaque and gingivitis protection

The classic. Its essential-oil formula (eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol) is labeled to fight plaque and gingivitis, and Listerine says it carries the ADA Seal for that use. It's strong, and it contains alcohol, which some people find drying.

Why we like it

• ADA Seal for plaque and gingivitis, according to Listerine
• Strong, long-lasting clean feeling
• Sold everywhere

Worth knowing

• Contains alcohol, which can dry the mouth and burns for some people
• Not for kids under 12, according to the label
• No fluoride (Listerine sells separate zero-alcohol and fluoride versions)

Check price on Amazon

Listerine is still the go-to if you like a strong clean feeling, and it's labeled for plaque and gingivitis. Not for you if you have a dry mouth or sensitive gums, because it contains alcohol. Listerine's zero-alcohol versions are a gentler option.

Best for dry mouth

Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse

For everyone

Best for Bad breath that comes from a dry mouth

Dry mouth is one of the most common causes of bad breath, and regular mouthwash won't fix it. Biotene is an alcohol-free, sugar-free rinse made to moisturize. It has the ADA Seal for temporarily relieving dry mouth symptoms.

Why we like it

• ADA Seal for temporary dry mouth relief
• Alcohol-free and sugar-free
• Widely available at drugstores

Worth knowing

• Not an antibacterial rinse
• Relief is temporary, so you may need it several times a day
• Only one flavor

Check price on Amazon

If you wake up with a dry, sticky mouth or take medicine that dries you out, an antibacterial rinse won't solve the real problem. Biotene adds moisture instead. Not for you if your mouth isn't dry. One of the other picks will do more for your breath.

Simple habits for fresher breath

1. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily. This removes the food and bacteria that cause most bad breath. An electric toothbrush makes the two minutes easier.
2. Keep your mouth from drying out. The ADA suggests sugar-free gum or candy and crunchy foods like apples and carrots to get saliva flowing.
3. Clean dentures daily. Take them out at night and clean them before you put them back in.
4. See your dentist if bad breath sticks around, or for regular checkups, which catch gum disease and dry mouth early.

FAQ

Does mouthwash actually cure bad breath?

Not on its own. The ADA says over-the-counter rinses only give temporary relief and don't replace brushing and flossing. A rinse with the ADA Seal for bad breath helps, but daily brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular dental checkups are what keep breath fresh.

Is alcohol-free mouthwash better for bad breath?

For many people, yes. Alcohol can make a rinse burn, and many people find it drying, and a dry mouth makes bad breath worse. All of our picks except Listerine Cool Mint are alcohol-free.

When should I use mouthwash?

Follow the directions on the bottle. Most say to swish for about 30 seconds and spit, usually twice a day. Don't swallow it, and check the label's age guidance. The ADA doesn't recommend mouthwash for children under 6.

What if my bad breath won't go away?

See your dentist. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease or dry mouth. If your dentist finds your mouth is healthy, they may refer you to your doctor, since conditions like sinus problems and acid reflux can also cause it.