Keep a spray bottle with water nearby and spray inside your mouth when needed to keep it wet. Adding a few drops of aloe or glycerin to the water can make it last longer or extend the moisturizing effects. Dry mouth? Don't delay treatment. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm254273.htm. Accessed Feb. 15, 2017. Common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and do not last long.

Pham KL, et al. Oral diseases and oral manifestations of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 6, 2023. Before we talk about the best mouthwash for bad breath in the UK, a word of warning. The best way to get rid of bad breath is by brushing your teeth properly twice a day and cleaning between teeth daily with floss or an interdental brush. Chlorhexidine treatments are generally very safe. Many people use them without having any side effects at all. Side effects with skin treatments

Alcohol can further dry out your mouth. Most kids’ mouthwashes are alcohol-free, and many brands have an alcohol-free option.

Xerostomia (dry mouth). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/xerostomia. Accessed Feb. 15, 2017. Chlorhexidine is usually a safe medicine if you follow the instructions that come with it. However, do not use more than the recommended dose. If you are going into hospital, you may be sent a chlorhexidine product to wash with before you come into hospital to reduce the chances of infection. This should come with instructions on how to use it. What if I forget to use my chlorhexidine treatment? This is the most effective way to remove the plaque bacteria which cause bad breath and tooth decay. Using a tongue scraper can also make a big difference to your breath.Only use chlorhexidine lozenges and sore throat spray for a short time. Do not keep using them continuously. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if this bothers you or does not go away. Common side effects with sore throat and dental treatments Prescribe medication that stimulates saliva. Your doctor may prescribe pilocarpine (Salagen) or cevimeline (Evoxac) to stimulate saliva production.

Regular use of mouthwash for bad breath may be masking a more serious problem. Halitosis (chronic bad breath) can be caused by rotting teeth, gum disease, and other medical conditions. Visit your dentist rather than trying to cover up the issue. Has your dentist recommended mouthwash for better gum health? Or perhaps you've spotted the signs of early gum disease – swollen, red, sore, receding or bleeding gums– and want an intensive gum disease mouthwash to help reverse the problem.

Stop using chlorhexidine dental treatments and speak to a dentist, doctor or pharmacist if your mouth is: Sugary or acidic foods and candies. These increase the risk of tooth decay. Also avoid spicy or salty food because they can cause irritation. The usual dose for children aged 12 and older is up to 5 lozenges a day. Adults can have up to 10 a day. Visit your dentist at least once a year to detect and treat tooth decay or other dental problems. You may need to visit your dentist more often, depending on your dental needs. Spit.Don't swallow any mouth rinse, since the ingredients can be harmful if ingested in large enough quantities.