8 Toothpastes That Dentists Swear Will Prevent Bad Breath (2024)

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Fresh, minty breath is right this way.

By

Shannon Bauer

8 Toothpastes That Dentists Swear Will Prevent Bad Breath (1)

Shannon Bauer

Shannon M. Bauer is a Senior Commerce Editor for Dotdash Meredith's Beauty & Style Group. She joined the Shape team in 2022 and works with a team of talented freelance writers to create expert- and research-driven product roundups. Shannon has seven years of experience writing, editing, and producing beauty and wellness content for top print and digital publications. Shannon was previously a Beauty Editor at Parents, Parents Latina, and Shape print magazines.

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and

Kristen Geil, NASM-CPT

8 Toothpastes That Dentists Swear Will Prevent Bad Breath (2)

Kristen Geil, NASM-CPT

As the Senior Fitness Editor at Shape, Kristen oversees the Fitness category and covers workout trends, exercise tips, recovery, and more. Previously, Kristen was the Chief Content Officer at aSweatLife.com, where she led content and editorial strategy. She has experience in copywriting and digital marketing, and she's an award-winning freelancer who works with B2C clients in health and wellness.

Shape's editorial guidelines

Updated on April 5, 2024

Reviewed by

Shannon Bauer

8 Toothpastes That Dentists Swear Will Prevent Bad Breath (3)

Reviewed byShannon Bauer

Shannon M. Bauer is a Senior Commerce Editor for Dotdash Meredith's Beauty & Style Group. She joined the Shape team in 2022 and works with a team of talented freelance writers to create expert- and research-driven product roundups. Shannon has seven years of experience writing, editing, and producing beauty and wellness content for top print and digital publications. Shannon was previously a Beauty Editor at Parents, Parents Latina, and Shape print magazines.

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8 Toothpastes That Dentists Swear Will Prevent Bad Breath (4)

Few things are more mortifying than noticing someone slowly backing away from you and wondering if the garlic pasta you had for dinner last night is grossing them out. Whether your bad breath is due to a chronic issue (think: gingivitis), a recent meal, or a buildup between brushings, dealing with the issue can be majorly embarrassing."Oral bacteria communicates and organizes to create a biofilm, which attaches to your teeth once a day on average," says Kevin Sands, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills. This accumulation can cause an odor to develop in your mouth.

Luckily, dentist-approved toothpaste can help you get rid of bad breath and feel confident getting up close and personal with others. We conducted in-depth research, diving into ingredient lists and expert input to bring you the best toothpastes for bad breath.

The TL;DR on Toothpastes for Bad Breath

Our Top Picks

Best Toothpaste for Bad Breath Overall:

TheraBreath Fresh Breath Toothpaste at Amazon ($16)

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Best Anticavity Toothpaste for Bad Breath:

Crest 3D White Toothpaste Radiant Mint at Amazon ($22)

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Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth:

Sensodyne Pronamel Fresh Breath at Amazon ($13)

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Best Toothpaste for Bad Breath Without Fluoride:

Oxyfresh Maximum Fresh Breath Lemon Mint Toothpaste at Amazon ($13)

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Why We Like It: A dentist created this toothpaste, so you know it’s good.

It’s Worth Noting: It doesn’t foam up or produce a lather.

Flavor: Mild Mint

TheraBreath is one of the best toothpastes for bad breath, and it's a top-selling on Amazon to boot. Founded by a dentist who wanted to help his own daughter conquer her bad breath, this paste uses oxygenation to attack bad breath at the source (the release of oxygen disrupts the ability of harmful bacteria to grow and colonize), while fluoride helps control plaque, tartar, and cavities. Also nice: It's free of artificial colors and flavors and is certified vegan and kosher. But if you love the feeling of foamy, lathered toothpaste, the TheraBreath toothpaste may not be your match. It turns to liquid quickly while in use.

Why We Like It: The fluoride formula strengthens enamel and protects against cavities.

It’s Worth Noting: It doesn't quite live up to its whitening promises.

Flavor: Radiant Mint

Your toothpaste needs to do it all — and even if you’re looking for toothpaste for bad breath specifically, you probably also want to protect your teeth against cavities. The Crest 3D White Toothpaste wins high praise for strengthening enamel, removing surface stains, and not irritating sensitive teeth, making it an all-around winner. Although this toothpaste claims to remove up to 80 percent of surface stains and whiten teeth, it didn't totally live up to the whitening hype. If whitening your teeth with toothpaste and fixing bad breath is your goal, we’d recommend Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste (more on that below).

Best Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Sensodyne Pronamel Fresh Breath

8 Toothpastes That Dentists Swear Will Prevent Bad Breath (7)

Why We Like It: It protects your teeth from discomfort while fighting bad breath.

It’s Worth Noting: It doesn’t have any whitening or stain-removing capabilities.

Flavor: Fresh Wave

If you have sensitive teeth or gums, consider this toothpaste that binds to dentin (the layer beneath your enamel) to protect against hot and cold substances. On top of being great for those with sensitivities, it also promises fresh breath, fighting against odor-causing bacteria and leaving you with a minty clean feeling.

Why We Like It: The brand claims that the freshness lasts for hours, and who wouldn't want that?

It’s Worth Noting: Other Colgate toothpastes do a better job targeting lingering food aftertastes.

Flavor: Clean Mint

Numbers don’t lie: This toothpaste offers a 10x longer-lasting cool than the next leading fluoride toothpaste. Made with fluoride and packed with hundreds of mini breath strips, this toothpaste whitens and removes stains, and also fights cavities and bad breath-causing bacteria on teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums. However, this toothpaste seems to cover up bad breath, rather than knock it out at its source by targeting food particles or molecules associated with bad breath.

Why We Like It: This toothpaste improves texture and whitening.

It’s Worth Noting: The flavor is unusual.

Flavor: Clean Mint

This Arm & Hammer toothpaste fights bad breath and whitens teeth in just six weeks, but gently (read: your teeth won’t feel overly sensitive or irritated after using). Baking soda helps remove soft plaque and light staining, and it also has antibacterial properties to help prevent your teeth from decay. Meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient for tooth whitening. (Note that because the hydrogen peroxide is a low percentage of active ingredients, it'll take some time to see results). But if you’re picky about taste, this might not be the toothpaste for you. The flavor is slightly odd and not the minty taste you're probably used to. However, this toothpaste is a far better and safer alternative to DIY viral TikTok teeth-whitening hacks.

Why We Like It: The foaming texture gives your teeth a squeaky-clean feeling.

It’s Worth Noting: This toothpaste might irritate sensitive teeth.

Flavor: Mint Blast

If you love the feeling of lathering up your teeth, this foamy toothpaste for bad breath delivers. The Aquafresh Extreme Clean active foam reaches between teeth to remove plaque and food debris and maintain good oral hygiene by killing germs, fighting plaque, and deep cleaning. The added foam also gets way back in your mouth, along your gums, and at the back of your tongue where foul-smelling bacteria can linger. However, if you have sensitive teeth, this toothpaste might be a little bit strong for you.

Why We Like It: This toothpaste uses essential oils to hydrate and soothe your mouth.

It’s Worth Noting: This is the most expensive toothpaste on the list.

Flavor: Lemon Mint

Made without fluoride, this toothpaste fights bad breath at the source, thanks to antioxidant-packed essential oils, zinc, and oxygene (an ingredient that's essentially stabilized chlorine dioxide, which disrupts bacterial colonization and helps disinfect), which control plaque and freshen breath. Multiple customers say that their dentists actually recommended this paste specifically to treat bad breath, canker sores, and more. An independent study even found that this toothpaste has shown beneficial long-term results at helping to reduce plaque and helping to strengthen gum tissue.However, be warned: Dentists typically recommend toothpaste with fluoride in it to prevent tooth decay and other dental hygiene issues.

Why We Like It: This toothpaste uses zinc and essential oils to fight bacteria that cause bad breath.

It’s Worth Noting: It’s on the pricier side.

Flavor: Clean Mint

Coffee fiends, this toothpaste might be the solution to your bad breath and stained teeth. Boasting a unique blend of zinc and essential oils, this toothpaste neutralizes bad breath and oral malodor, while removing stains and aiding in the prevention of dental decay. However, this toothpaste for bad breath is more expensive than other drugstore brands, and it may dry out your mouth.

What to Know About Toothpaste for Bad Breath

  • Causes of bad breath: For starters, there are several causes of bad breath, also known as halitosis, says Sands. First, oral health issues (think: gingivitis, periodontal disease, etc.) or gastrointestinal issues can cause an odor. Stinky breath is also a sign of dehydration. And, having a dry mouth feeds more bacteria and disrupts the oral microbiome—one common reason for mouth taping for sleep. More commonly though, your diet or oral bacteria are to blame. Smelly foods, such as onion or garlic, can leave a lingering odor in your mouth, says Sands. Beyond food, you can blame the bacteria in your mouth for bad breath.
  • Treatments for bad breath: To address bacteria, maintain consistent oral hygiene habits by brushing twice per day and flossing after brushing daily, as well as visiting your dentist for regular visits, says Sands. Stay hydrated and either avoid certain foods that lead bad breath altogether or brush your teeth and use mouthwash (which can also help fight cavities and bad breath) after a meal to remove the scent. If your bad breath is due to oral health or gastrointestinal issues, you'll need to address the side effect with the doctor that's managing your health concerns.
  • Helpful toothpaste ingredients: Toothpaste removes bad bacteria from your mouth, and this bacteria is likely the root cause of any malodorous breath. Your best toothpaste for bad breath will have fluoride, which fights bad breath by maintaining oral hygiene (think: preventing plaque buildup, cavities, and more). There are three types of fluoride approved by the FDA — stannous, sodium, and sodium monofluorophosphate — so look for a toothpaste that contains one of these, which will fight plaque buildup, cavities, and oral malodor. You might also look for toothpaste with antibacterial ingredients to destroy bacteria and maintain a healthy oral microbiome.

Why Trust Shape

Shannon Bauer is a Senior Commerce Editor for Shape with seven years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry. Bauer researched every toothpaste that claimed to fight bad breath, considered various oral hygiene needs, and consulted experts to create this list. The dentists who weighed in are also experts in their field and knowledgeable about the best toothpaste for bad breath. The dentists also gave advice on what to look for in a toothpaste to maintain oral hygiene and prevent cavities, in addition to fighting bad breath.

8 Toothpastes That Dentists Swear Will Prevent Bad Breath (2024)

FAQs

8 Toothpastes That Dentists Swear Will Prevent Bad Breath? ›

If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria called plaque on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Your dentist also may recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup. Treatment of dental disease.

What do dentists use for bad breath? ›

If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria called plaque on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Your dentist also may recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup. Treatment of dental disease.

What is the best toothpaste for overall mouth health? ›

Best Overall

One that ticks all the boxes and is accepted by the American Dental Association. Colgate Total Fresh Mint Stripe Gel takes the top spot for our best overall toothpaste because it reduces sensitivity, has a classic mint flavor, and has a pleasant texture.

Can Sensodyne toothpaste cure bad breath? ›

Sensodyne's range of extra fresh toothpastes for sensitive teeth are designed to deliver a crisp, clean flavour for long-lasting fresh breath. Our breath freshening toothpastes also protect against cavities and provide lasting sensitivity relief, with 24/7 protection from the pain of sensitive teeth.

How to remove mouth smell with toothpaste? ›

Brushing for fresh breath
  1. Use a fluoride toothpaste like the new Pepsodent Germicheck 8, which contains CPC technology to fight germs that can cause bad breath. ...
  2. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, or after each meal – but wait for at least 20 minutes after you've consumed acidic food and drinks.

What kills bad breath quickly? ›

Use Mouthwash. Mouthwash can help you quickly freshen your breath. This quick fix works by killing the microorganisms inside your mouth that contribute to bad breath. The minty aroma also helps to temporarily cover up any underlying odours, like tobacco.

What is the best toothpaste for bad breath? ›

Created by a dentist, our pick for the best toothpaste for bad breath overall is the TheraBreath Fresh Breath Toothpaste that uses oxygenation to disrupt bacteria.

What toothpaste do dentists really use? ›

We recommend Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste as an excellent baseline toothpaste that can get you started on the right foot. It removes up to 96% of plaque bacteria along the gum line from gum problems such as gingivitis and tooth sensitivity.

What is the best mouthwash for bad breath? ›

Best Mouthwash Options for Bad Breath
  • TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse: TheraBreath is a popular choice among those struggling with chronic bad breath. ...
  • Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash: Listerine is a household name when it comes to mouthwash, and their Cool Mint Antiseptic formula is no exception.
Aug 2, 2023

What toothpaste kills bacteria in your mouth? ›

It's also advisable to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. While all types of fluoride help to make tooth enamel stronger and resistant to acid attacks, stannous fluoride also kills bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis.

Does brushing your teeth with baking soda help with bad breath? ›

Studies have shown that baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can effectively kill bacteria in the mouth. Research indicates that toothpastes containing high concentrations of baking soda effectively reduce bad breath. To make a baking soda mouthwash, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water.

What ingredient in toothpaste helps bad breath? ›

Instead, these dentist-formulated and recommended toothpastes contain gentle yet effective ingredients including:
  • Aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
  • Charcoal.
  • Essential oil of peppermint.
  • Glycerin.
  • OXYD-8.
  • Sodium fluoride.
  • Spearmint leaf oil.
  • Water.

Which Colgate is good for bad breath? ›

Try our Total®Pro-Shield Spearmint Mouthwash for the fresh breath you want! The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. The mouth is home to a lot of bacteria, which feed on the foods and drinks in our diet and break them down into strong-smelling compounds.

How do I get my breath to stop smelling bad? ›

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue. , So brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.

What to drink for bad breath? ›

Coffee is a well-known bad breath culprit. But if you enjoy a hot drink to start your day, you might be pleased to know that green tea is much better for your breath. It contains antibacterial compounds that fight odors, and it's packed with healthy antioxidants too.

How come after I brush my teeth my breath still stinks? ›

Cavities and gum disease: Cavities in your teeth can provide a good hiding place for odor-causing bacteria. Because the bacteria are in hard-to-reach spots, removing them when brushing your teeth is challenging. These odor-causing bacteria can also hide in deep gum pockets due to gum disease.

Can a dentist cure bad breath permanently? ›

How can I permanently get rid of bad breath? As mentioned above, treating the underlying condition is the only halitosis cure. Gum and breath mints only cover up the problem. Once your healthcare provider determines what caused halitosis, they can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

What is the best medicine for bad breath? ›

A course of an antibiotic, effective against anaerobic bacteria (such as metronidazole, to reduce the overgrowth of sulphur-producing bacteria), may also help. Speak to your dentist, doctor or chemist to identify the cause of your halitosis and to find the most effective treatment for you.

What is the most effective treatment for halitosis? ›

Treatment / Management
  • The commonest cause of halitosis is poor dental hygiene. ...
  • This is best done by tongue scrapers than toothbrushes. ...
  • For effective control of halitosis, antibacterial agents such as chlorhexidine, zinc, triclosan, and cetylpyridinium chloride are recommended for usage.
Aug 14, 2023

How do dental hygienists deal with bad breath? ›

The hygienist will examine the gums, and if there is an issue, the hygienist will recommend treatment. The treatment for gingivitis or gum disease will eliminate the bad breath.

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