There are many home remedies for bad breath: some people recommend chewing some cloves or gargling with salt water. Others suggest drinking mint tea, eating minty foods, or using a mouthwash containing zinc oxide.
Some remedies are more temporary and will work only while you are using them, while others are more long-term and will work even if you don’t use them regularly. Try some of these home remedies for bad breath and see which ones work best for you:
1. Drink Water
One of the simplest things you can do to fight bad breath is to drink plenty of water. Drinking water helps flush out your mouth and wash away bacteria that cause bad breath. Drinking water also helps to reduce the risk of dental cavities and gum disease. Signs You Are Not Drinking Enough Water.
In addition, water is essential for other bodily functions, including
- Maintaining a normal blood pressure
- Helping the body to regulate temperature
- Regulating fluid balance
- protecting cells from damage
- Supporting the digestion process
- Promoting skin health
- Flushes out toxins
- Prevents kidney stones
- Promotes weight loss
2. Chew On Cloves
Cloves are the dried flower buds of a small tree in the family Myrtaceae. The cloves are used as a spice and flavoring agent in many cuisines, most notably Indian and Arabic cuisine.
The spices are often combined with other flavors to make various masala sauces. Cloves contain essential oil, which gives them their characteristic smell and flavor.
Other than flavoring food, cloves can help combat bad breath. The spice is known to help kill bacteria responsible for causing bad breath. Additionally, cloves have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation in the mouth.
To use cloves for bad breath, chew or suck a few of them several times a day.
3. Salt Water Rinse
Saltwater rinses are a great way to prevent bad breath. When you rinse your mouth with salt water, it neutralizes the acids that cause bad breath. Not only will this prevent bad breath, but it will also clean your teeth and gums.
For those who smoke, salt water rinses can also help reduce the amount of smoke residue that accumulates in the mouth.
4. Tea Tree Oil Rinse
Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient that can be used to treat bad breath. This oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree plant and has antibacterial properties that can help to kill bacteria responsible for bad breath.
To use tea tree oil to treat bad breath, mix a few drops of this oil with water and gargle for about 20-30 seconds before spitting out. You can repeat this twice daily. Tea tree oil is also effective when used as a mouthwash.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes. It has been used for centuries to fight bad breath, and modern studies continue to support its use.
Baking soda works by absorbing bad breath and causing them to dissipate. It is especially effective against garlic, onion, and other strong-smelling compounds. In addition, baking soda helps to neutralize acids that can cause bad breath.
Here are three ways to use baking soda to fight bad breath:
Use it as a mouthwash: Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 8 ounces of warm water and stir until the baking soda is dissolved. Swish this solution around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this twice a day for the best results.
Add it to your toothpaste: Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to your toothpaste recipe. This will help freshen your breath and remove bad taste and odors from your teeth and gums.
That being said, the effectiveness of baking soda as a bad breath fighter depends on a number of factors, including the presence of other oral health problems and how often you use it. Some people find that using baking soda intermittently is enough to combat bad breath, while others find that it works best when used every day.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for bad breath. It is composed of acetic acid, which helps break down the bacteria that cause bad breath. Additionally, apple cider vinegar can help neutralize odor-causing compounds in the mouth.
Apple cider vinegar also has antimicrobial properties that can work to fight other common infections, such as cavities and gum disease.
Overall, apple cider vinegar is a great way to fight bad breath and improve your oral hygiene habits.
To use apple cider vinegar for bad breath, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a class of water and gargle for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.
7. Brush Your Teeth At Least Two Times A Day
Tooth brushing is one of the most important habits you can develop for fighting bad breath. When you brush your teeth, you remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth. This helps to keep your breath smelling fresh and clean. Brushing your teeth twice a day is the most effective way to prevent bad breath.
8. Floss Your Teeth
Regular flossing can help reduce the number of bacteria that can cause bad breath. The act of flossing removes bacteria and food particles from between your teeth, which reduces the chance of them fermenting and creating bad breath.
9. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have a strong, pungent aroma that can help prevent bad breath. The essential oil in fennel seeds is especially effective at inhibiting bacterial action on the tongue, which is responsible for producing bad breath.
Also, when you chew fennel seeds, they work to reduce the production of sulfur-containing compounds that can cause bad breath. Fennel also contains flavonoids and antioxidants that can fight against the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.
10. Apples
There are many benefits to eating apples. Not only do they have health benefits, but they also help fight bad breath. Apples contain a compound called malic acid, which helps to fight bad breath bacteria. Studies have shown that people who eat apples regularly have less bad breath and improved dental hygiene.
11. Yogurt
If you suffer from bad breath, yogurt may be your best friend.
Coconut yogurt is a great way to prevent bad breath because it contains probiotics, which help break down the bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Additionally, yogurt contains natural acids that can neutralize the PH of your mouth, making it less hospitable to bad bacteria.
Finally, yogurt contains enzymes that can clean up any plaque or bacteria that has built up in your mouth. So next time you have bad breath, take some yogurt and see how it helps!
That said, keep in mind that animal products can worsen bad breath, so always consider plant-based yogurt. And even better, make your own at home.
Besides, yogurt is a healthy addition that can boost other benefits like improving digestion, boosting your immunity, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
12. Eat Cucumbers
Cucumbers can help prevent bad breath due to the various nutrients they contain. They are high in water content, which helps
cleanse the mouth and throat. They also contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. When eaten as part of a healthy diet, cucumbers can help keep your breath clean and smell great!
Cucumbers are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, which can help keep you feeling full after eating. In addition, cucumbers are low in calories and provide a healthy dose of vitamin B6. All these nutrients can help support your body’s overall health.
Additional Habits That Can Prevent Bad Breath
While the above natural remedies can relieve bad breath, understanding habits that contribute to bad breath and avoiding them can actually boost your effort to combat bad breath. The things you should work on eliminating include
Smoking
Smoking is the number one cause of bad breath. The smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products contains chemicals that can damage your oral tissues and inflame your throat.
These chemicals also cause bacteria to grow in your mouth, which can lead to bad breath. Dangers Of Smoking
In addition to causing bad breath, smoking can increase your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other illnesses. It can also increase your chance of dying from any cause.
And if that’s not enough, smoking also harms nonsmokers who are in close proximity to smokers. The smoke from cigarettes contains nicotine, tar, and other chemicals that can be harmful to your health.
Avoiding Caffeine
Caffeine can cause bad breath in a number of ways. First, caffeine can dehydrate the mouth, leading to an increase in bad breath production.
Second, caffeine causes an acidic environment that creates a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive.
Third, caffeine can irritate the oral cavity and cause bad breath. How Does Caffeine Affect The Body?
Sugary foods
Sugar is a common culprit behind bad breath. The bacteria that cause bad breath thrive in environments with high levels of sugar.
When the bacteria break down the sugar, they produce sulfur dioxide and other compounds that can cause bad breath.
Additionally, sugar can stimulate the production of oral bacteria in your mouth, which can also contribute to bad breath.
If you’re struggling with bad breath, try to avoid foods and drinks with a high sugar content. Instead, stick to healthier options that won’t leave your breath smelling terrible. How To Stop Craving Sugary Foods?
Keep off dairy
A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that dairy products are a common cause of bad breath. According to research, the proteins in dairy produce sulfur-containing compounds when they are metabolized. These compounds can contribute to bad breath.
Dairy also contains lactose, a sugar that causes bacteria to multiply and cause bad breath. Is Milk Bad For You?
Stop Alcohol Intake
Any alcoholic drink can cause bad breath, but beer and wine are the most common culprits. Alcohol dehydrates the mouth, which causes bacteria to overgrow. These bacteria produce sulfur-containing compounds that can give your breath a sour smell.
Alcohol abuse can also lead to a number of health problems, including liver disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer. It can also cause accidents, injuries, and even death.
In addition, heavy drinking can decrease the availability of serotonin in the brain, which can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Dangers Of Alcohol
When To See A Doctor
While there’re things you can do at home to treat bad breath, if bad breath is causing significant health problems, seeing a doctor is the best course of action.
Here are some guidelines on when to see a doctor for bad breath:
- If you have been experiencing the problem for more than two weeks and the bad breath is causing significant discomfort or difficulty in daily life, then it is time to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
- If you are experiencing persistent bad breath that has not improved after using home remedies, then it is also time to see a doctor. Bad breath may indicate a more serious illness, and your doctor will be able to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
- If your bad breath is accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, rash, fever, or difficulty breathing, then you should see a doctor.
- If your bad breath is caused by dental problems like cavities or gum disease, then visiting a dentist is the best action. However, if your bad breath is only occasional or comes and goes with no known cause, then seeing a doctor may be more appropriate.
Final Thoughts On Home Remedies For Bad Breath
Bad breath is one of the most common problems people deal with, and there are a number of home remedies that can help. Some of the more popular remedies include tea tree oil rinse, chewing cloves, baking soda, and a saltwater rinse.
If you’re struggling with bad breath, try out some of these remedies and see if they work for you.
Some of these solutions require more time (and patience), but they should work if you apply them consistently.
If you have tried all of these tips and your bad breath persists, consult with your doctor or dentist for further advice.
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