Whether it’s more of a common occurrence or the lingering effects of your last meal, bad breath affects us all at some point. Sure, brushing and flossing are important in killing the bacteria that lead to a less-than-pleasant taste and odor, but mouthwash (the swishing forces food out to reduce bad breath and tooth decay) is just as important-especially when you need a quick fix for the problem at hand. But there are so many mouthwashes on the market with different ingredients setting them apart. The question is which ingredients should you look for?
Zinc. Thought to control the production of gases that cause bad breath, zinc also prevents plaque from hardening on the teeth.
Xylitol. This natural germ fighter has been shown to reduce plaque levels when used regularly.
Aloe vera. Soothing to the gums, aloe vera fights cavities and isn’t abrasive on the teeth.
Fluoride. With Regular use, fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth, improve their health and make them more resistant to cavities.
Essential oils. Essential oils are anti-inflammatory, to calm the gums, and antibacterial, to kill harmful bacteria.
Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide helps to whiten teeth and kill germs.
Baking soda. It keeps the mouth feeling moist and clean while mildly whitening and killing germs.
