The Best Breath Fresheners
Our Review Process
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Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by eating smelly foods like garlic and onions. However, it can also be due to certain health conditions. People can sometimes (but not always) tell that they have bad breath, and the symptoms can also include an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
If you have concerns, adjust your oral hygiene habits by brushing your tongue and your teeth after meals, drinking more water and using dental floss. It’s also a great idea to check with your dentist if you think there’s a serious problem: remember, everyone has bad breath once in a while, but a persistent smell could indicate an underlying condition.
Health issues that cause bad breath include dry mouth (xerostomia), infections, sinus and throat problems, reflux and some cancers. Tonsil stones can also cause bad breath; these are little lumps of hard material that can form on the tonsils; they look like tiny yellow or white pebbles.
Medications can also produce bad breath by causing dry mouth or releasing chemicals that get into the mouth. People who have bad breath from these can try medicated oral rinses and over-the-counter pills to help. Some are made with all-natural ingredients, while others contain additives like flavorings.
Like these more potent products, breath fresheners go after bacteria. They don’t address the root problem of the cause if there’s a medical condition. They’re great if you eat bad-smelling food, have a temporary bad taste in your mouth, or recently drank alcohol or smoked.
Breath fresheners usually come in sprays and strips that are small enough to fit in pockets and purses. You can also keep some in your car. If you decide to use rinses or pills, follow the directions on the label.
Our Picks For The Top Breath Fresheners
- 1. Breath Pearls Gluten-Free Breath Freshener, 50-Count
- 2. Oral Complete Probiotic Dietary Supplement Breath Freshener, 120-Count
- 3. Binaca Sugar-Free Spray Breath Freshener, 3-Pack
- 4. Listerine Cool Heat Dissolving Strips Breath Freshener, 3-Pack
- 5. Andrew Lessman Breath Plus Odor Eliminating Dietary Supplement, 60-Count
- 6. Crest Scope Airline Approved Mint Mist Spray Breath Freshener, 2-Pack
You won't find any artificial ingredients in this all-natural breath freshener. The bottle contains a total of 50 softgels that work to fight bad breath all day long, not just 30 minutes after you use it like other brands. Peppermint and parsley seed oil are t...
Budget-Friendly OptionGo with this affordable breath freshener and save big.
These maximum-strength oral health capsules do it all. They neutralize the acid in the mouth, replenish good bacteria and promote healthier teeth, gums, sinuses, throats, noses and ears.
Solves the Root CauseYou can feel confident using these twice-daily breath freshener pills because every single ingredient inside is pure and potent.
These breath fresheners are time-tested. Here’s a pack of six peppermint-flavored breath spray bottles. Each provides about 150 sugar-free, calorie-free spritzes that eliminate breath odors.
Long-Lasting, Portable RefreshmentThese peppermint-flavored breath sprays do the job, and your mouth feels great when you use them.
Listerine’s cinnamon-flavored breath strips quickly dissolve on the tongue. The three 24-packs include menthol and other effective ingredients that quickly get rid of bad tastes and smells in the mouth.
Tip of the TongueWake up your palate and feel like yourself again with these convenient, fast-acting breath refreshers.
What to Look For
- Bad breath can be embarrassing, but as much as 30% of the population suffers from the chronic kind.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can protect your gums and enamel, and don’t forget to brush your tongue and floss.
- Some people use tongue scrapers to boost their oral hygiene.
- It’s hard to tell if your breath smells bad, so ask someone you trust and tell them to be honest.
- Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, but this ingredient kills good and bad bacteria. Choose alcohol-free versions if you prefer, but know that they don’t wipe out all bad stuff.
More to Explore
Most people realize that onions, garlic and stinky cheeses cause severe bad breath, but other culprits can be even worse. One is canned fish, which has trimethylamines that can linger in the mouth.
Citrus fruits and pasta sauces are acidic and can lead to bad breath. Coffee is another stinker because it dries out the mouth and reduces saliva flow. Foods and drinks containing a lot of protein can also be bad (peanut butter, for example) because they take much longer to break down in the mouth.