Using Mouthwash for Bad Breath: Amount, Time and What to Watch When Choosing
Mouthwash is a supplementary measure that briefly reduces bad breath, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA, 질병관리청) explains that it has no lasting therapeutic effect. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS, 식품의약품안전처) advises adults and children aged 6 and over to hold 10-15 mL in the mouth, gargle for about 30 seconds, and always spit it out, 1-2 times a day. If your mouth often feels dry, it is better to choose a product without alcohol.
Key facts
| Amount and frequency | Adults and ages 6 and over: 1-2 times a day, 10-15 mL (source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)) |
|---|---|
| Gargling time | Hold for about 30 seconds, then always spit out (source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)) |
| Food after use | Best to avoid eating for about 30 minutes (source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)) |
| Products containing ethanol | May affect alcohol breath-test results right after use (source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)) |
| Limit of effect | Only removes bad breath briefly; no lasting therapeutic effect (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
| When the mouth is dry | Mouthwash containing alcohol can dry the mouth further (source: KDCA National Health Information Portal) |
What role does mouthwash play in bad breath?
Mouthwash temporarily reduces bacteria in the mouth and masks odor with a fresh scent. But the KDCA explains that commercial mouthwash only removes bad breath briefly and has no lasting therapeutic effect.
Most bad breath comes from causes attached inside the mouth, such as tongue coating, tartar and gum disease. Mouthwash cannot remove coating on the back of the tongue, debris between teeth or tartar in gum pockets, so if the odor returns soon even with gargling, managing the cause comes first.
How much and how do I use mouthwash?
The basic directions given by the MFDS are below. Ingredients and directions may differ by product, so first read the directions, dose and cautions on the container or package, and follow the product label if it differs.
Mouthwash is not meant to be swallowed, so you must spit it out after use. For products with a measuring cup, measure the amount with the cup, swish it around so it reaches the whole mouth, then gargle lightly toward the throat. The advice to avoid food for about 30 minutes after use is so that ingredients remaining in the mouth are not swallowed with food.
- Who: adults and children aged 6 and over
- Frequency: 1-2 times a day
- Amount: 10-15 mL each time
- Method: hold in the mouth, gargle for about 30 seconds, then always spit out
- After use: rinse off any remainder with water if needed, and avoid food for about 30 minutes
What should I check when choosing mouthwash?
Some mouthwashes contain ethanol. The MFDS advises caution when using one before driving, because right after using an ethanol-containing product the result of an alcohol breath test can be affected.
For people whose mouths often feel dry, alcohol-containing products can dry the mouth further and actually worsen bad breath. The KDCA bad breath material also warns that misusing products with ethanol or antibacterial ingredients can worsen bad breath.
There is also guidance from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA, 건강보험심사평가원) not to use products containing cetylpyridinium chloride right after brushing. It is good to check the ingredient list and adjust when you use it.
Can I just gargle and skip brushing?
Mouthwash cannot replace brushing. HIRA advises that mouthwash cannot fully replace tooth brushing, and plaque on tooth surfaces and debris between teeth are removed only by cleaning directly with a toothbrush and floss.
Using mouthwash temporarily when brushing is hard while out is fine, but brushing, tongue cleaning and flossing still need to be done during the day. Especially before bed, thorough brushing matters far more for bad breath care than gargling.
What if bad breath continues even with mouthwash?
If an odor that briefly decreased with mouthwash soon returns, causes such as tongue coating, tartar, gum disease and dry mouth are likely still there. If a dentist confirms the cause, scaling or gum treatment can reduce the root cause of the odor.
During gum disease treatment, a dentist may prescribe a medicated rinse, setting the ingredients and period of use. Use a prescribed rinse for the set period and in the set way, and if the mouth stings or a rash appears, stop using it and tell the dentist.
If you use mouthwash several times a day and the odor does not decrease, the disease behind it may be progressing while the mouthwash masks the smell. If gum bleeding or swelling, dry mouth or a feeling of something in the throat come with it, it is better to see a doctor to find the cause than to gargle more often.
Common myths and facts
Myth: The longer and more you gargle, the better it works.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety advises 1-2 times a day, holding 10-15 mL for about 30 seconds and spitting it out. Going beyond the set amount and time does not create a therapeutic effect.
Myth: If I gargle, I do not need to brush.
Mouthwash cannot fully replace brushing. Plaque and debris between teeth must be removed with a toothbrush and floss.
Frequently asked questions
May I rinse with water after gargling?
The MFDS advises rinsing off a small amount remaining in the mouth with water as needed. However, some products recommend not rinsing, so it is good to check the directions on the product label.
May I eat right after gargling?
The MFDS advises not eating for about 30 minutes after use, because gargle ingredients remain in the mouth and could be swallowed with food.
May children also use mouthwash?
The MFDS basic directions are for adults and children aged 6 and over. Check that the child can spit rather than swallow and use it under a guardian's guidance, and follow the label for products with an age limit.
My mouth stings or I got a rash after gargling.
If a hypersensitivity reaction such as a rash or burning in the mouth occurs, it is safe to stop using it and consult a doctor, dentist or pharmacist. If you have a sore in your mouth, it can irritate it, so it is better to avoid using it.
May I use mouthwash before driving?
The MFDS advises that products containing ethanol can affect alcohol breath-test results right after use. Before driving, use an alcohol-free product or adjust the time you use it.