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.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. 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“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.” — DarleanerIf you want to shop for more dentist-recommended bad breath solutions, take a look at the collection below, gathered from previous HuffPost coverage:An alcohol-free mouth wash targeting bad breathThe TheraBreath formula adheres to many dentists' claims that mouthwash should be alcohol-free. This is because alcohol can actually lead to bad breath by drying out the mouth and killing good bacteria, which leads to an imbalance in the microflora that causes bad breath. Instead, TheraBreath is powered by oxygen to help fight bad bacteria and bad breath for up to 24 hours. Promising Amazon review: "Worked when nothing else would. This stuff is fantastic! My husband had been struggling with bad breath since getting a dental implant, despite a rigorous dental hygiene regimen. No matter how much he brushed, flossed, waterpik-ed, used those micro-brushes for braces, rinsed with mouthwash--he still was having bad breath that started out as occasional, but grew to become a near-constant nuisance.I read online about others who rid themselves of chronic bad breath using this mouthwash, so I quickly ordered a bottle. My husband's bad breath disappeared instantly after the first swish/gargle with this mouthwash, and his breath has not smelled bad even once in the three months or so since he started using this product. I also use it now on a daily basis as well.It has a very mild minty flavour and it doesn't burn at all. It is clear that the mouthwash is eliminating the bad breath stank, and not simply masking it, as the mouthwash doesn't have a strong scent of its own.My husband and I have found it to be immensely effective, and I mentioned it to my dental hygienist sister-in-law, and she raved about it and told me she recommends it to all of her clients. It's a little spendy, but in my experience it's totally worth it." — radharoseAn essential oil mouthwash for healthy gumsPreviously according to a board-certified orthodontist, "mouthwashes with essential oils, such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus, can also be effective in neutralizing odors and combating bacteria." Based on this criteria, we found a tooth and gum tonic that's made with a potent blend of seven essential oils and herbs, including eucalyptus, that target the root causes of the odor under the gum line. This formula is also meant to soothe inflamed and painful gums.Promising Amazon reviews: "I originally purchased this tonic through my dentist. It is expensive but lasts a long time. Bad breath and bad taste in my mouth vanished instantly!" — Carol"An amazing blend of herbs that leaves my gums tingling. Both of my dentists of the last ten years have recommended it; my current one sells it. I'm told my gums have receded less than others my age; I believe this product is partly why. It's great for the back of the throat too - really attacks the bad breath. No alcohol or other laboratory ingredients is a plus. Because my dentist recommends a fluoride rinse (44 yrs old), I use the T&G tonic in the morning and a fluoride rinse at night. Best of both worlds" — Zeitgeber EnzymeA pair of stainless steel tongue scrapersAnother board-certified orthodontist previously stressed the importance of tongue scraping and called it "possibly the most important and effective" method of eliminating bad breath because it has been found to promote the right balance of good bacteria in the mouth. And tongue scrapers specifically remove 30% more volatile sulfur compounds on the tongue than a toothbrush, according to our source. These flexible tongue scrapers were recommended — a set that 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon across 102,400+ ratings and that I'm also a proud owner of. They are made from medical-grade stainless steel, which is much easier to clean than plastic and won’t harbor bacteria. The ergonomic design is U-shaped and flexible so you can cover the entire length and width of your tongue in one pass, or squeeze it smaller to target one specific area. They also come with two cases so they are easy to store in your bathroom drawer or travel with.Promising Amazon reviews: "You need a tongue scraper in your life, it's a game changer. I struggle with bad breathe and this really helps keep the stank away for longer." — Samantha Fryar"Hates tongue scrapers for the longest time as when I was a kid I had a plastic one that didn’t do anything it felt like. There is a noticeable difference using this one and within a week of regular everyday use my lingering bad breath in the morning is pretty much gone. Don’t underestimate the importance tongue scrapers can be for dental care and I would strongly recommend this one." — Andrew Kerstens