Dealing With Bad Breath: Mints vs Mouthwash

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As you know, many of our favorite foods can lead to bad breath. This is at least one reason that millions of Americans use breath mints or other fresheners daily. However, while mints can be useful, they only offer a temporary solution. This isn’t a problem if your bad breath–properly known as halitosis–is caused by foods or beverages, but it will do little for more serious issues.

You see, recurring bad breath can be caused by problems such as gum disease and tooth decay, and a mint will do little to counteract these issues. In fact, since most breath mints are made mostly from sugar, they could actually lead to more problems. Fortunately, mouthwash may be able to help you overcome these issues.

Conversely, while some mouthwashes are designed to fight off bad breath, most provide other benefits. For instance, many contain fluoride, which will help strengthen your teeth and fight off tooth decay. Others are made to fight off bacteria and to kill germs.

However, we recommend speaking with our dentist if you’re interested in learning about the best mouthwash for you. You see, some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can cause burning. Similarly, some mouthwashes can lead to problems for those who have sensitive teeth. In other words, not every mouthwash is right for everyone.

On a final note, please keep up the other aspects of your oral health. Mouthwash can provide you with extra benefits, but it will not act as an adequate substitute to brushing, flossing, and visiting our dentist regularly. In fact, we recommend visiting our dentist once every six months for a routine cleaning. During this visit, feel free to ask us about the best mouthwash for you!

Are you interested in learning more about the mouthwash that might be best for your needs? Do you have more questions about what you can do to fight and prevent embarrassing bad breath? Are you simply interested in visiting Dr. Jade Cherrington? If so, we invite you to give Rimrock Dental of Redmond a call at 541-699-4200. We’re eager to hear from you!