mouthwash vs breath mints

[2moretrees]

While this is quite embarassing, I'll throw it our anyway. Although I brush my teeth three times a day and floss, my breath still doesn't smell very good much of the time. I have been using breath mints which works, but they are quite expensive since I use them alot. Does anyone use mouthwash and would this help me do you think? Are there other ways to freshen breath?

[PrincessPerky]

Mouthwash leaves an aftertaste, I do use it but I don't feel it is good for bad breath. Flossing Waaaaay in the back is pretty helpful, as is brushing your tounge (cant spell it sorry! that red thing in your mouth .)

Have you seen a dentist lately? Might be a bad tooth that could come out and save you loot in the long run.

[amomof4]

I use the antibacterial mouthwash to prevent gum disease. Believe me, it really works, especially in combination with flossing. But I'm not so sure it cures bad breath more the temporarily. Probably works as long as your breath mints. Try brushing your tongue to see if that helps.

Bad breath can also be caused by gum disease, oral infection, and stomach problems. Next time you go to the dentist, ask him what he recommends.

PS Dentists don't like antibacterial mouthwash, but I swear by it & so does the MD who recommended it to me.

[terry1156]

I use mouthwash and I think it helps some since it does kill bacteria that may be causing the bad breath. Buy sample sizes since the taste can vary a lot until you find one you like. I've also found that you don't need to use a full cap. A 1/4 cap will work just as well and make it last 4 times as long.

[marla]

If you don't have dental work that prohibits it, you might want to try chewing gum. It usually lasts longer than the mints.

[PrincessPerky]

Also discovered water helps, lots of water, and make sure any gum or mints you do use have no sugar or they will contribute to the problem.

[PennyPincher]

I would be careful of excessive use of the mints. I did that for several months about a decade ago ~ (when I was always feeling nautious). Anyhow, I ended up with two cavities, and the dentist said it was most certainly related. Fresher breath is the goal, not more time or expense with the dentist...

[CRFSaver]

My company has Listerine mint mouth wash in the bathrooms. I brush my teeth and floss after lunch and then use that right after.

[faielyne]

Originally Posted by PrincessPerky

Also discovered water helps, lots of water, and make sure any gum or mints you do use have no sugar or they will contribute to the problem.

This is true, Water helps with most of the bodies weirder smells! It helps to dilute what your body is trying to get rid of. If you ever have worse than usual B.O., you are probably dehydrated!

As far as for bad breath, mix half the amount of mouthwash your using and add the other half hydrogen peroxide. This works well for bad breath, canker sores, and whitening teeth! Also, switch to a baking soda & peroxide toothpaste. If these don't work, see your dentist &/or doctor. While it's easy to assume that bad breath is caused by what's in the mouth, it could be something in the esophagus, stomach, etc. as well. And obviously, as everyone probably already knows, floss floss floss! If you leave something, like a little piece of chicken, in a tooth way in the back and it is there for a couple days, it will rot.

Hope that helps!

[skinnylegs]

Originally Posted by 2moretrees

While this is quite embarassing, I'll throw it our anyway. Although I brush my teeth three times a day and floss, my breath still doesn't smell very good much of the time. I have been using breath mints which works, but they are quite expensive since I use them alot. Does anyone use mouthwash and would this help me do you think? Are there other ways to freshen breath?

Please go to your nearest Dental Hygienist and get your teeth cleaned...This a a must do every six months for the rest of your life..If not every six months, at least once a year.This also helps to prevent bacteria from your mouth from affecting your heart and other parts of your body...I don't care how much mouthwash or breath mints you use, in order to keep your breath fresh GET YOUR TEETH CLEANED!!!

[PrincessPerky]

The local dental school if you can find it would likely offer lower cost cleanings.

[snowmonster]

When you brush your teeth, you should also brush your tongue. Lots of bacteria gets trapped there.........