Bad breath
Halitosis, known as bad breath in layman’s terms, can stem from oral hygiene practices and may indicate underlying health issues. Furthermore, the consumption of certain foods and engaging in unhealthy lifestyle habits can exacerbate bad breath. To combat and address halitosis, there are measures you can take both at home and with the assistance of your doctor.
Causes of Bad Breath
- Unmaintained dental hygiene
- Conditions affecting the mouth, nose and throat
- Dry mouth
- Foreign body
- Diseases
- Tobacco
- Crash diets
- Food
- Few medications
10 Home Remedies to Combat Bad Breath
Referred to as halitosis in medical terms, bad breath can affect anyone, particularly in the mornings. Here are some of the home remedies to combat bad breath:
Probiotics: These are live bacteria that promote good health and can be beneficial for reducing levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth. This can potentially improve breath. All types of yoghurt contain probiotics because these bacteria are necessary for the fermentation process that turns milk into yoghurt. However, probiotic yoghurt contains higher levels of these beneficial bacteria. Consuming probiotic yoghurt may be just as effective in preventing tooth decay and treating bad breath as chewing xylitol gum.
Pineapple: Some people believe that pineapple juice is the fastest and most effective remedy for bad breath, although there is no specific evidence to support this claim. Anecdotal reports suggest that it may work. To potentially alleviate bad breath, you can drink a glass of organic pineapple juice after each meal or chew on a slice of pineapple for one to two minutes. It is important to remember to rinse your mouth afterwards to remove any sugars from the fruit or juice.
Salt Water: Another simple and cost-effective method to combat bad breath is rinsing your mouth with salt water. Saltwater rinses help eliminate bacteria and wash away any food particles that get stuck between your teeth. They can serve as an appropriate alternative to alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can be harsh on your teeth. After brushing and flossing, mix salt with warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for approximately 30 seconds. Repeat this process until you feel your mouth has been thoroughly rinsed.
Dental Hygiene: It is essential to maintain a good dental hygiene, that plays a crucial role in preventing bad breath. Poor dental hygiene leads to plaque buildup. To ensure a healthy and clean mouth, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste two times a day. In addition to brushing, it is important to floss and tongue scrape at least once a day, as bacteria can accumulate in both these areas.
Cinnamon: When it comes to natural remedies for bad breath, cinnamon can be highly effective. Cinnamon contains an essential oil called ‘cinnamic aldehyde’ which helps kill bacteria in the mouth and masks bad breath. One way to use cinnamon as a remedy is by adding cinnamon powder to a pot of boiling water along with bay leaves and cardamom seeds. After straining the water to remove the excess leaves and seeds, use it to rinse your mouth twice a day.
Parsley: Parsley is a well-known remedy for combating bad breath. Its pleasant aroma and rich chlorophyll content indicate that it possesses deodorizing properties. To address bad breath, one can chew on fresh parsley leaves after each meal or opt for a parsley dietary supplement.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Another cost-effective solution for eliminating bad breath is apple cider vinegar. Although its taste is astringent, it effectively inhibits bacteria growth that is responsible for causing unpleasant odours and helps maintain well-balanced pH levels. If you can consume a tablespoon of diluted apple cider vinegar with water before food, due to its high acidity, it prevents bad breath by aiding in digestion.
Green Tea: Green tea possesses disinfectant and deodorizing properties that can provide temporary freshness to the breath. Mint also has similar effects, making green mint tea an excellent choice for freshening breath. Brew two cups of tea before bedtime and refrigerate them overnight. Take the chilled tea with you to work and slowly sip through the day.
Tea Tree Oil: While chlorhexidine is a commonly used antimicrobial in mouthwash, tea tree oil offers similar effects and serves as a natural alternative. It helps reduce the growth of bacteria, contributing to improved oral hygiene. To create a tea tree oil rinse, dilute minimal tea tree oil in a few drops of vegetable oil and add it to a cup of warm water. Swish this in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out.
Apple: The natural compounds present in apples neutralize the unpleasant odour caused by garlic. Unlike simply deodorizing the mouth, apples work by neutralizing the compounds in the bloodstream, making them particularly useful for individuals whose garlic breath persists.
Conclusion
Certain individuals may unknowingly suffer from unpleasant breath. Assessing the odour of one’s own breath can prove challenging, so seek an honest opinion from a trusted individual. If your concerns are validated, numerous home remedies exist to effectively combat bad breath.
