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  4. 10 Best Mouthwashes for Bad Breath UK 2024 | Corsodyl, CB12 and More
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10 Best Mouthwashes for Bad Breath UK 2024 | Corsodyl, CB12 and More

Dental hygiene is crucially important for achieving healthy teeth and gums. It's obvious that we all need to brush our teeth with toothpaste at least twice a day, but what if that's not enough? If you're noticing a bit of halitosis or bad breath, all you need to do is try an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash for bad breath at home that can disinfect your gums and clear away bacteria. 


With so many brands, though, it's hard to know where to start so we've put together our top ten rated products in the UK. In addition, we've run through a few pointers that you should know before you buy your own mouthwash, like whether or not you need a Chlorhexidine formula such as Corsodyl, an alcohol-free option from Listerine, or CB12 for overall bad breath. Read on for a minty fresh experience!

Last updated 27/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Mouthwash for Bad Breath in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Identify the Ingredients Used and Their Potential Benefits for Bad Breath
  2. Opt for Alcohol-free Products If You Have Sensitive Gums and Dry Mouth
  3. Select a Flavour That You Will Enjoy so That You Want Use It Regularly
1

Understand the Ingredients Used and How They Can Benefit Bad Breath

Understand the Ingredients Used and How They Can Benefit Bad Breath

Need a Powerful Solution, Fast? Look For Bacteria-Blasting Chlorhexidine and Cetylpyridinium

Two of the most effective ingredients for combating bad breath are chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium, strong antibacterials that wipe your mouth clean of stenchy germs. Chlorhexidine is also great at clearing up gingivitis. So, if you're looking for a powerful way to blast away bacteria, keep an eye out for these favourites!


It's worth mentioning that using chlorhexidine for long periods can result in staining and chalky build ups on your teeth. This means that whilst they will be very effective, they aren't ideal as a long-lasting fixture for everyone's dental routine. 


Other chemical ingredients to look for instead are ethyl lauroyl arginate HCI and benzoic acid, which work similarly as antifungal and antibacterial agents to clear away bad breath. 


Another tool you need to help with keeping bad breath at bay is a tongue scraper

Consider Natural Antibacterials Like Mint and Eucalyptus if You'd Prefer Something Gentler

Various compounds of essential oils such as thyme (thymol), menthol, or eucalyptus (eucalyptol) also fight fungal infections and bacteria. Similarly, the mineral zinc oxide can also be used. Antifungal and antibacterial elements can help to combat bad breath and maintain fresh and healthy gums. 


However, as these ingredients are gentler than chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium, you may notice that they are not quite as powerful. If you'd like to seriously tackle bad breath, we'd recommend blasting it with stronger solutions, or you can opt for a combination of the two.


Oil pulling products also contain some essential oils that do wonders for your mouth!

2

It's Best to Go for Alcohol-Free Formulas if You Experience Dry Mouth and Sensitive Gums

It's Best to Go for Alcohol-Free Formulas if You Experience Dry Mouth and Sensitive Gums

Many popular mouthwash brands include alcohol in their products, and while this is good for killing germs, it can also have a few undesirable side effects such as dry mouth and irritation. 


If you do suffer from xerostomia (dry mouth) or you have sensitive gums, you should opt for a mouthwash that is alcohol-free. That way, your mouth will be refreshed and soothed and you can still zap that bacteria at the same time! 


You might want to get a mouthwash for gums if you prefer a more targeted formula. 

3

Choose a Flavour You'll Enjoy to Help You Stick to Your New Routine

Choose a Flavour You'll Enjoy to Help You Stick to Your New Routine

When you're trying to get used to a new habit, you're more likely to stick to it if it's something that you enjoy. Not many people can say that using their mouthwash is the best part of their day, but if you choose a tasty flavour, it will be a much better experience. You might even learn to love it!


The most popular flavour, evidently, is mint. Menthol hints are ideal for giving you fresh-smelling breath and tingling clean gums. If you have sensitive gums and you prefer more subtle flavours, you can also get softer mint or herbal infusions to avoid irritation or just to change it up a bit. 


Keep your breath fresh all day long and pick up a pack of breath mints too!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Mouthwashes for Bad Breath in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Corsodyl

Daily Mouthwash Fresh Mint

Corsodyl  Daily Mouthwash Fresh Mint 1

£3.25

Low Mid

A Trusted Solution for Instant Freshness and 24-Hour Protection

2

CB12

Mint Menthol Mouthwash

CB12 Mint Menthol Mouthwash 1

£5.50

Mid

Scientifically Formulated to Neutralise Bad Breath Instead of Masking It

3

The Breath Co.

Fresh Breath Oral Rinse Mild Mint

The Breath Co. Fresh Breath Oral Rinse Mild Mint 1

£9.33

High

A Dentist-Recommended Product to Instantly Battle Bacteria and Dry Mouth

4

Wisdom

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

Wisdom  Chlorhexidine Mouthwash 1

£6.99

High Mid

Top Choice for an Alcohol-Free Medicated Mouthwash

5

Dentyl

Dual-Action Fresh Clove

Dentyl  Dual-Action Fresh Clove 1

£1.97

Low

Perfect for Sensitive Gums With Zero Alcohol and a Mild Clove Flavour

6

Listerine

Advanced Nightly Reset Midnight Mouthwash

Listerine  Advanced Nightly Reset Midnight Mouthwash 1

£5.40

Mid

Giving You Minty Fresh Breath From Dusk to Dawn

7

UltraDEX

UltraDEX Original Daily Oral Rinse

UltraDEX UltraDEX Original Daily Oral Rinse 1

£6.00

Mid

Professionally Developed to Blast Odours Without Irritation or Stinging

8

Colgate

Plax Cool Mint

Colgate Plax Cool Mint 1

£3.49

Low Mid

An Extra Powerful Formula for Quick Freshen-Ups Throughout the Day

9

Care

Chlorhexidine Mouth Wash

Care  Chlorhexidine Mouth Wash 1

£4.99

Mid

An Antiseptic Mouthwash to Treat and Prevent Gum Disease

10

Listerine

Advanced Defence Gum Treatment

Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment 1

£5.40

Mid

Repel Plaque, Germs and Morning Breath While Tackling Gum Issues

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Corsodyl Daily Mouthwash Fresh Mint

Daily Mouthwash Fresh Mint 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£3.25
Low Mid
Reference price
£3.25
Low Mid

A Trusted Solution for Instant Freshness and 24-Hour Protection

Arguably the most trusted name in its field, Corsodyl's daily mouthwash gives you healthy gums and teeth with almost no effort involved. Using a dual-action formula that contains 0.06% chlorhexidine, you'll notice that this product will show positive progress almost instantly. 


Not to mention, this mouthwash is alcohol-free and cares for your gums, as well as providing a whopping 24-hour protection period. So using it twice a day will double your chances of having fresh breath! 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

CB12Mint Menthol Mouthwash

Reference price
£5.50
Mid

Scientifically Formulated to Neutralise Bad Breath Instead of Masking It

This soft, minty mouthwash instantly neutralises malodorous substances such as sulphur gases in the mouth, which will eliminate any possibilities of bad breath that is promised to last over 12 hours. The formula itself is patented and scientifically proven to be both safe and effective. 

With a unique delivery system, this mouthwash pumps exactly the dosage you need each time. Simply press and hold the red button to dispense exactly 10ml of product, gargle for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and spit it out. 

No.3

The Breath Co.Fresh Breath Oral Rinse Mild Mint

Reference price
£9.33
High

A Dentist-Recommended Product to Instantly Battle Bacteria and Dry Mouth

For all-round mouth care, this product helps to solve each and every one of the problems of your teeth and gums on a daily basis. Natural oxygenating power of OXYD-8 kills the bacteria that cause bad breath odours like nasty morning breath and removes sour, bitter, and metallic tastes from your mouth. 


Formulated with no alcohol, no artificial flavours or colours, it is also designed to combat dry mouth, leaving you with fresh and clean breath. This is a good general cleaner for oral bacteria and perfect for anyone who might be irritated by mouthwashes with highly concentrated formulas.

No.4

Wisdom Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.99
High Mid
Reference price
£6.99
High Mid

Top Choice for an Alcohol-Free Medicated Mouthwash

Not only does this mouthwash give you fresh breath, but it also combats gum problems and targets plaque and germs that build up between the gums, and all for a very reasonable price.

The ultra-effective 0.2% chlorhexidine solution will blast away any unwanted bacteria in your mouth that's been causing you bad breath while providing a protective shield for your teeth to prevent future damage. It's also alcohol-free, unlike a number of other medicated mouthwashes. 

No.5

Dentyl Dual-Action Fresh Clove

Dual-Action Fresh Clove 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£1.97
Low
Reference price
£1.97
Low

Perfect for Sensitive Gums With Zero Alcohol and a Mild Clove Flavour

This double-phase mouthwash is clove flavoured, giving you a soft herbal taste for fresher breath. It's key ingredient, cetylpyridinium, acts as an antiseptic to battle any mouth-based bacterias that could be causing bad-smelling breath. 


This is a good alternative for those who aren't keen on mint, and it's super-soothing and great for those with sensitive gums! However, if you don't like the clove flavour, you may find this a bit overpowering.

No.6

Listerine Advanced Nightly Reset Midnight Mouthwash

Reference price
£5.40
Mid

Giving You Minty Fresh Breath From Dusk to Dawn

During the night, our stomachs produce acid from food and drink that we've eaten which can sometimes flow to our mouth and cause bad breath. Using a nightly reset mouthwash is great for waking up feeling refreshed and clean.


While it's recommended to use mouthwash twice a day, this formula targets the bacteria and germs that you gather in your mouth throughout the day and takes advantage of your most inactive hours in order to deeply clean and disinfect your gums. The 'milder mint' flavour will suit those looking for something less overpowering, too. 

No.7

UltraDEXUltraDEX Original Daily Oral Rinse

Reference price
£6.00
Mid

Professionally Developed to Blast Odours Without Irritation or Stinging

By removing bacteria in your mouth that are left behind after brushing your teeth, this mouthwash by UltraDEX can offer protection from germs and eliminate compounds that cause bad breath.


Along with this, this product is alcohol-free so it is suitable for people with sensitive gums and teeth. UltraDEX is different from other mouthwashes because it doesn't just mask bad breath odour with a minty taste, it actually gets rid of the root cause. 

No.8

ColgatePlax Cool Mint

Plax Cool Mint 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.49
Low Mid

An Extra Powerful Formula for Quick Freshen-Ups Throughout the Day

For 24/7 protection against plaque, this is the product that you're looking for. Proven to reduce plaque and freshen the mouth, this is one of the most popular products for combating bad breath. 


Due to the presence of CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride), this mouthwash is suitable both as a short term breath freshener and also for more serious cases, as the powerful antibacterial ingredient works to put bad breath under control. However, it does contain sorbitol, which some people avoid.

No.9

Care Chlorhexidine Mouth Wash

Chlorhexidine Mouth Wash 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.99
Mid
Reference price
£4.99
Mid

An Antiseptic Mouthwash to Treat and Prevent Gum Disease

To ensure that your gums are treated with the right care that they need, you can use this medicated mouthwash which has been clinically proven to fight any infection and bacteria to prevent gum disease and bad breath. 


Using chlorhexidine to disinfect the cracks and creases in your mouth, this powerful product will help to improve gingivitis, gum ulcerations, denture sores and bad breath in no time! It also has a unique aniseed flavour.

No.10

ListerineAdvanced Defence Gum Treatment

Reference price
£5.40
Mid

Repel Plaque, Germs and Morning Breath While Tackling Gum Issues

This mouthwash is popular for its ability to provide a strong protective shield to keep your teeth away from plaque, germs, and all of the other bad-breath cheerleaders, including painful gingivitis.


Unfortunately, this particular mouthwash is rich in alcoholic ingredients, and it also has a highly acidic flavour which can leave a bad taste in your mouth – all of which may not make your new dental routine any easier! 

Written and researched by Annie Speight

Top 5 Mouthwashes for Bad Breath

No. 1: Corsodyl Daily Mouthwash Fresh Mint

No. 2: CB12Mint Menthol Mouthwash

No. 3: The Breath Co.Fresh Breath Oral Rinse Mild Mint

No. 4: Wisdom Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

No. 5: Dentyl Dual-Action Fresh Clove

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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