Can breath mints, lozenges, drops, sprays, and chewing gums help cure bad breath?
Just like mouthwashes, breath mints, lozenges, drops, sprays, chewing gums, etc…on their own are typically not the most effective means by which to improve one’s breath. However, when these products are used in conjunction with diligent tongue cleaning and tooth brushing and flossing they can be valuable adjuncts, especially when they contain agents (such as chlorine dioxide, sodium chlorite, and zinc) which have the ability to neutralize volatile sulfur compounds. As an added benefit, the use of mints, lozenges, and chewing gum typically stimulates the flow of saliva in a person’s mouth. As discussed previously, saliva can have a cleansing and diluting effect on the bacteria and bacterial waste products found in a person’s mouth, and therefore can help to curb bad breath. How should a mouthwash be used to get the most benefit from its antibacterial properties? The bacteria which cause bad breath lie both on the surface and also deep within the layer of plaque which accumulates on an
