10 Effective Home Remedies For Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene, but can also be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. While there are many commercial products that claim to fight bad breath, they can be expensive and often contain harsh chemicals. Fortunately, there are many effective and natural home remedies for bad breath that can freshen your breath and improve your oral health.
Here are 10 effective home remedies for bad breath.
1. Water
One of the simplest and most effective home remedies for bad breath is drinking water. Lack of hydration could be one of the reasons behind your bad breath, as it causes the mouth to dry out and reduces saliva production. This can lead to an increase in bacterial growth, resulting in an unpleasant odor. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your mouth stays hydrated and flushes out all the harmful bacteria that cause bad breath. To maximize the benefits of water for bad breath, try drinking it after meals and throughout the day. You should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water every day to maintain good oral health and fresh breath.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics that help balance the bacteria in the mouth. The good bacteria in the yogurt fight the bad bacteria that cause bad breath. Simply eat a cup of plain yogurt daily or swish it around your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing to help freshen your breath. Make sure you choose a plain and unsweetened variety, as sweetened yogurts can actually contribute to bad breath.
3. Green Tea
Not only is green tea a great source of antioxidants, but it also has natural breath-freshening properties that can help combat odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. To make your own at-home remedy, simply steep a bag of green tea in hot water for a few minutes before letting it cool to room temperature. Gargle the tea like mouthwash for about 30 seconds and spit it out. The catechins in the tea will work to kill bacteria and leave your breath smelling fresh and clean. Plus, this trick is easy, affordable, and eco-friendly compared to other commercial mouthwashes full of synthetic chemicals.
4. Chew on Cloves
Cloves have been used for centuries to combat halitosis, and with good reason. Not only do they have a refreshing aroma that helps mask any unpleasant smells in your mouth, but they also contain eugenol, which kills off bad bacteria responsible for producing odor. Simply chew on a few cloves after a meal to freshen your breath. You can also add cloves to your tea or use clove oil as a mouthwash.
5. Oranges
Oranges are not just tasty fruits, they also offer home remedies for bad breath. The acidic content in oranges helps to combat the bacteria causing bad breath. Eating oranges can help to stimulate saliva production, which helps to wash away the bad smell.
Plus, the high vitamin C content in oranges also promotes good oral health by strengthening gums and preventing gum disease. Simply peel an orange and eat it as a snack or squeeze its juice into a glass of water to drink throughout the day. Another option is to mix together equal parts of orange juice and warm water, swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds, and spit it out.
6. Tea Tree Oil Rinse
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties that can help kill bacteria in your mouth, which is often a cause of bad breath. It also has a pleasant scent that can cover up any lingering odors. Simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to warm water and use it as you would mouthwash. Just be sure not to swallow the mixture, as tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
7. Baking Soda
If you're looking for an easy and affordable way to freshen your breath, baking soda might be the answer. This common household ingredient is alkaline and can help neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause bad breath. To use it as a remedy, simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to create a paste and then brush your teeth and tongue with it for about two minutes. You can also dissolve some baking soda in a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. Just be careful not to overdo it, as using too much baking soda can be harmful to your teeth enamel.
8. Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil around in your mouth to remove toxins and bacteria. Coconut oil is a popular choice for oil pulling because it has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out and rinsing your mouth with water.
9. Chewing Gum
One simple solution is to grab a piece of chewing gum after meals or whenever your mouth feels particularly stale. Chewing gum can help stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and food particles that cause bad breath. Look for sugar-free gum with xylitol, which can also help to neutralize odors in the mouth. Choosing sugar-free gum is important, as sugar can actually contribute to bad breath. Just be careful not to chew gum excessively, as this can lead to jaw pain or other problems.
10. Tongue Scraper
This handy tool helps remove bacteria and debris from the surface of your tongue, which is often the culprit behind unpleasant breath. Simply scrape your tongue gently from back to front once or twice per day after brushing your teeth to help freshen your breath. You can find simple metal or plastic scrapers at most drugstores or online retailers, and they typically cost only a few dollars.
