This Dentist-Approved Secret Could Help You Finally Get Rid Of Bad Breath

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

Chronic and noticeably bad breath is a condition that affects many of us. We’ve previously spoken with oral care experts about the many possible causes and solutions for this persistent odor, including one we hadn’t really considered, which is dry mouth. One unexpected solution emerged from our coverage: This discreet tube of easy-to-apply gel from trusted dental hygiene brand Biotène. According to shoppers, it’s eliminating oral discomfort and the bad breath that people have been dealing with for years.

$7 at Walmart$7 at Amazon

We’ve been told by dentists that dry mouth can contribute significantly to bad breath, especially if the type of breath you’re experiencing smells “fishy.” This is because bacteria bind more readily to teeth in a dry mouth, resulting in bacterial colonies that promote cavities or problems with the gums and supporting bone.

Chronic dry mouth can even accelerate aging in the oral environment, dentists said in previous coverage, since saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and maintaining a healthy oral microbiome.

This Oral Balance gel by Biotène, a brand that dentists have recommended in the past for its line of dry mouth products, contains a blend of natural antimicrobial enzymes that activate the salivary glands in the mouth and combat bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens.

The flavorless, alcohol- and sugar-free formula also contains glycerol, a mouth moisturizer that quickly soothes and lubricates the mouth for up to four hours, as well as soothing aloe and xylitol, a sweetening alternative that may prevent certain odor-causing bacteria from developing in the mouth and strengthen tooth enamel.

According to reviewers, the Biotène oral gel has also proved helpful for CPAP users who wanted to prevent the dry mouth that their machines caused.

“I also sleep with a CPAP machine that keeps my airway open. I use the Biotene every night before bed, and it really does help the normal production of saliva and reduce the possibility of waking up with ‘Death Valley’ in your mouth! I also use it periodically during the day to keep my breath fresh,” one Amazon customer wrote.

To use, just place a small amount on your tongue and spread around your mouth every four hours or as often as needed. Plus, the portable tube and connected snap cap make this easy to use even if you’re not at home and are concerned about bad breath.

For just $7, bad breath can be a forgotten problem, but if you need more convicning take a look at some promising reviews ahead.

$7 at Walmart$7 at Amazon

Promising reviews:

″I’ve had dry mouth and bad breath for yrs now. I hate the spit and rise biotene especially when Im just waking up and want to go back to sleep. This solves that problem plus its easy to put in my pocket and go. I also use it in my water. It makes my water bottle last all day long. I just wish it lasted longer.” — Lydia Whetstone

“Love this product for dry mouth while I sleep. I use it every night just before I close my eyes and I don’t wake up with that sand paper mouth anymore.” — Vacation Guru

“I use this because of an oral appliance I wear at night. It was always giving me bad breath in the morning and my dentist said that bacteria likes growing when it’s dry. I figured some gel in my appliance at night would help stop germs from proliferating. From the first night it solved that problem! Now I wake up with fresh breath!” — K. Mari

“I have sleep apnea. This helps so much to keep my mouth from drying out when i sleep. It helps with your breath. It keep the bacteria from building up on your tongue.” — Darleaner

“After using the Biotene gel for several nights, I am happy that I bought it. The product is convenient to use and effective. My dry mouth was leaving my tongue parched at night. This gel solved my problem. I highly recommend it.” — NCJack

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