Bad breath is one of those conditions that are not only embarrassing, but also very unpleasant for both the sufferer and those who spend time around them. Even worse, it is possible for people to suffer from bad breath and be completely oblivious about it until it is pointed out to them by others.
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There are a few reasons why people suffer from bad breath, but the good news is that something can be done about it. Although there are numerous options for treating bad breath, it is also something that can be addressed by using home remedies. Depending on the cause of the bad breath, it might also be necessary to make a few lifestyle changes.
The Basics
One of the best ways to get rid of bad breath is to safeguard against it in the first place. This means sticking to all the basics of oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, avoiding tobacco products and keeping an eye on your diet.
When brushing, it is important to not just focus on the teeth, but also the tongue as well as the roof of the mouth. Plaque can also build up in these areas, which then makes it easier for bacteria, causing bad breath to thrive in the mouth. Also replace your toothbrush regularly, as the older it is, the less effective it becomes. Old toothbrushes can also contain lots of bacteria, so replacing your toothbrush at least once every three to four months can make a huge difference.
Flossing is great for people who have gaps between their teeth, as food particles can easily get trapped in these areas and then start to rot or collect bacteria. To avoid bad breath, it is better to avoid certain types of food or drinks as well. For example, onions and garlic are known to have a very strong smell, while drinks such as soda can also cause bad breath. Lastly, in addition to causing the mouth to dry out, smoking tobacco products, such as cigarettes and cigars, can cause unpleasant mouth odor.
1. Fennel
One of the simplest home remedies for eliminating bad breath is fennel. This is because it contains anti-fungal agents that can take care of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. There are two different ways in which fennel can be used to combat bad breath: Either chew a tablespoon of fennel, or dilute a single teaspoon of the dried variety in a cup of hot water.
2. Red Wine (In Moderation)
Although alcohol should be avoided if you want to freshen up your breath, you can get away with the occasional glass of red wine. This is because consuming this drink in moderation can actually inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth and thus prevent bad breath.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar makes for an effective mouthwash that is able to provide lasting relief from the embarrassment of bad breath. To create the mouthwash, dilute half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water before gargling it for about ten seconds.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another natural ingredient that is very effective for taking care of bad breath when used as a mouthwash. Take one cup of warm water, and add three drops of tea tree oil before gargling the solution. Do this after each meal for the best results, but remember to always spit out the mixture instead of swallowing it.
5. Water
To keep bad breath at bay it is vital that your mouth, especially the mucous membranes, doesn’t dry out. When this happens, certain bacteria begin to take hold in the mouth, which in turn results in bad breath. The most effective way to prevent your mouth from drying out is to drink lots of water. Drinking water also prevents constipation, which is something that can also cause bad breath if you are not careful.
6. Lemon Or Orange Rinds
Lemon and orange rinds are packed with citric acid that can help to stimulate the salivary glands and take care of bad breath. For the best results, thoroughly wash a piece of lemon or orange rind, and then chew on it to release the flavor.
7. Cloves
For those times when you don’t have a toothbrush and toothpaste nearby after a meal, you can also take a single clove and chew on it to take care of any bad odors on your breath.
8. Fenugreek
For bad breath caused by harmful bacteria make use of fenugreek, as it is packed with anti-fungal agents. All you need is one glass of boiled water in which to dissolve about a handful of fenugreek. Rinse out your mouth with the mixture once it has cooled down, to improve your breath.
9. Green & Black Tea
Tea can assist with bad breath relief for two reasons. Firstly, like water, it helps to hydrate your mouth and secondly, if you opt for green or black tea you get the benefit of polyphenols. These help prevent bacteria in the mouth from producing hydrogen sulfide and other odor-causing compounds, leaving your breath fresh for longer.
10. Tongue Scrapers
The tongue can be a major cause of bad breath due to fungi, dead cells and odor-causing bacteria that can occur on it. To prevent this from happening use a tongue scraper every morning to clean the surface of the tongue. If you don’t have a tongue scraper, a spoon also makes for a good scraper.
11. Cinnamon
Another easy way to freshen your breath is cinnamon, as it contains cinnamon aldehyde. Simply heat up a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in one cup of water, and use it to wash out your mouth. Do this twice a day for the best results. The cinnamon and water mixture can also be combined with a few bay leaves and cardamom for even better results.
12. Apple
An apple a day is effective for more than just avoiding trips to the doctor. Thanks to the vital anti-bacterial properties of apples they can also keep bad breath at bay.
13. Probiotics
Candida yeast can live on the tongue surface and result in bad breath. One of the ways to cut down on the amount of yeast is to opt for a probiotic supplement.
14. Baking Soda
For clean teeth, in addition to fresh breath, try some baking soda. Sprinkle some baking soda on your damp toothbrush, and then brush your teeth in the same way as you do with toothpaste. Alternatively, dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda powder in water, and gargle with it instead of mouthwash. Baking soda is effective because it can neutralize the acidic levels in your mouth that can result in bad breath. It is not acidic, either, so won’t cause any damage to your teeth.
