Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Bad Breath Products?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Bad breath can be an embarrassing social faux pas, but it's a very easily treatable condition. With so many different bad breath products available, you should be able to find a solution to your problem. The key is to simply keep trying different bad breath products until you find something that works for your particular needs.

The most obvious way to rid yourself of bad breath is to have better oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth after every meal, flossing nightly, having regular dental cleanings, and getting any cavities taken care of are all ways to boost your hygiene. There are many types of toothpaste for brushing your teeth, depending on your need. There are toothpastes to fight bad breath, as well as those that contain fluoride, those that are specifically for tartar build-up, and those that whiten your teeth.

A toothbrush with toothpaste on it.
A toothbrush with toothpaste on it.

There are multiple kinds of mouthwash products to treat bad breath. There are some for halitosis treatment, some for dry mouth, and even some that are specially for cleaning the tongue. When you're on-the-go, you can even purchase mouthwash strips that dissolve on your tongue to fight bad breath. Most mouthwash products for bad breath have a mint flavor, but you can sometimes find other flavors if you feel the minty taste is too overwhelming.

A tongue scraper, which can help with bad breath.
A tongue scraper, which can help with bad breath.

Mouth sprays can be easily carried around and used at almost any time, but they are more of a temporary fix for bad breath than a long-term solution. Mints and gum are another example of bad breath products that can be taken everywhere with you for easy access if the need arises. However, many mints and types of gum do contain a fair amount of sugar and calories. If you're diabetic or simply someone who is watching her weight, you'll want to read the package carefully before buying this type of bad breath product.

Peppermint is often added to chewing gum to help freshen breath.
Peppermint is often added to chewing gum to help freshen breath.

At some health food stores, you can find vitamin supplements that supposedly help to tame your bad breath. However, if you are taking other medications, you will want to ask your doctor before investing in these bad breath products. Even though vitamins don't require a prescription, these supplements can sometimes cause harmful drug interactions.

Regardless of what type of bad breath product you use, it's helpful to know where bad breath comes from. Approximately, 90% of bad breath is caused by the anaerobic bacteria in our mouths. The waste products left by some of these bacteria consist of sulfur compounds that can cause bad breath. Bad breath can also be caused by gum disease, kidney failure, diabetes, or liver malfunction. Dry mouth and tobacco use can contribute to a smelly mouth, too. Even stress, dieting, snoring, age, or hormonal changes can be the cause of bad breath in some people.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WiseGEEK team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WiseGEEK team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A toothbrush with toothpaste on it.
      By: manipulateur
      A toothbrush with toothpaste on it.
    • A tongue scraper, which can help with bad breath.
      By: chatursunil
      A tongue scraper, which can help with bad breath.
    • Peppermint is often added to chewing gum to help freshen breath.
      By: blende40
      Peppermint is often added to chewing gum to help freshen breath.
    • Toothpaste.
      By: picsfive
      Toothpaste.
    • Chewing tobacco, which can cause bad breath.
      By: robhainer
      Chewing tobacco, which can cause bad breath.
    • Mouthwash, which can help with bad breath.
      By: design56
      Mouthwash, which can help with bad breath.
    • Vitamin supplements may help tame bad breath.
      By: Scott Griessel
      Vitamin supplements may help tame bad breath.
    • Chlorophyll pills can treat bad breath.
      By: Maksim Shebeko
      Chlorophyll pills can treat bad breath.
    • About 90 percent of bad breath is cause by anaerobic bacteria in the mouth.
      By: Gina Sanders
      About 90 percent of bad breath is cause by anaerobic bacteria in the mouth.
    • Trying a variety of bad breath products can help a person find something that fits what they need.
      By: carla9
      Trying a variety of bad breath products can help a person find something that fits what they need.