Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to neutralize odor

Rinse with an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing. Look for active ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), chlorhexidine, or essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, thymol). These ingredients kill or suppress the anaerobic bacteria that produce foul-smelling sulfur compounds.

Why It Works

Mouthwash reaches areas that brushing and flossing miss, including the back of the tongue, tonsils, and soft palate. The ADA Seal of Acceptance program evaluates mouthwashes for safety and efficacy -- products carrying the ADA Seal have demonstrated measurable breath-freshening or antimicrobial benefits in clinical trials.

Tips

• Avoid alcohol-based rinses if you have dry mouth, as alcohol can worsen dryness and paradoxically increase odor
• Chlorhexidine rinses are highly effective but are typically prescribed for short-term use (2-4 weeks) due to potential staining
• CPC-based rinses like Crest Pro-Health and essential oil rinses like Listerine are available over the counter for daily use
• Mouthwash is a supplement to brushing and flossing, not a replacement
• Rinse at a separate time from brushing to maximize fluoride exposure from toothpaste