5 Effective Remedies to Fight Bad Breath

Halitosis or Bad breath, is the occurrence of unpleasant breath due to poor oral hygiene. It makes you uncomfortable and embarrassed to talk to people. Bad breath originates in the mouth. When you eat food, some food particles get stuck in your teeth, due to which bacteria start growing, and releasing bad odor later.

Lack of dental hygiene is also a common cause of bad breath. If you don’t brush your teeth twice daily, it can build up plaque on your teeth. If you do not remove this plaque by brushing, then it creates a bad smell and tooth decay. It is a myth that bad breath occurs in the mouth and ends there. It can occur due to many reasons. Different conditions in the gums, tongue, dry mouth, acid reflux, digestive tract, tonsils, stomach, or medications cause halitosis.

Here are five effective home remedies that will help you to fight bad breath.

1. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are readily available

Fennel seeds are readily available in most homes. It’s a common tradition in India to offer fennel seeds after a snack, meal, or dessert. Chewing a tablespoon of fennel seeds helps with bloating, indigestion, and increases the production of saliva. The stimulation of saliva washes off food particles and freshens up the breath. It has an antibacterial compound called anethole that destroys the production of yeast, fungi, and bacteria in the mouth.

Fennel oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that fight against harmful germs that cause bad breath. You can take these seeds like any other chewable mouth fresheners. They are inexpensive and you can buy these seeds at any grocery store. Make your fennel seeds mouth freshener by roasting them, sugar coating, or mixing them with shredded coconut and sesame seeds.

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2. Cinnamon and Honey

The cinnamon stick helps in killing the bacteria in the mouth.

Cinnamon is good for bad breath.

The cinnamon stick contains an essential oil called cinnamic aldehyde, which helps in killing the bacteria in the mouth. Chewing on a cinnamon stick is one of the oldest remedies for getting rid of bad breath. It gives out a pleasant smell and freshens you up instantly.

According to the International Association of Dental Research, chewing cinnamon gum reduces mouth odor by 50% and has a stronger effect as compared to mint. You can make DIYs at home to make mouthwash using cinnamon and other ingredients. Cinnamon along with honey (preferably manuka honey) and lemon is an excellent mouthwash. Lemon leaves a strong refreshing scent without changing the pH level in the mouth, whereas honey has antibacterial properties and makes it taste better.

Honey is useful for the treatment of halitosis.

According to NCBI,

Halitosis is an oral health condition that causes malodorous breath. Most of the odor in the oral cavity is caused by the activity of degrading microbes. A recent study has reported that honey consumption ameliorates halitosis due to its strong antibacterial activity resulting from its methylglyoxal component.

For making your cinnamon, honey, and lemon mouthwash, follow the steps below.

In an airtight container, add half a tablespoon cinnamon powder along with 1-2 tablespoons of honey. Pour fresh juice squeezed out from 2 lemons into the same container.
Pour a cup of hot water into this mixture and close the lid. Shake the mixture well to mix all the ingredients.
Your cinnamon mouthwash is ready. You can use 1-2 tablespoons to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth or whenever you want to feel refreshed instantly.
After using it, rinse your mouth with plain water to avoid any residue.

3. Green Tea

Drinking green tea is a good remedy for bad breath.

Drinking green tea is a good remedy for bad breath. According to a study conducted by Pace University, green tea prevents the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay and strep throat. The anti-bacterial properties in green tea help in reducing the acidity levels in saliva. As a result, you have good breath throughout the day. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent gum diseases and cavities. You need to make sure that you use good quality green tea to reap the most benefits. Also, consume green tea with warm water, rather than milk and sugar, as these can promote cavities.

4. Water

Water keeps your mouth hydrated and stimulates saliva production.

According to the International Dental Journal, mouth dryness also causes bad breath. Saliva has an important job to do. It keeps the mouth clean by regularly flushing food particles and bacteria from your mouth. If your mouth starts to dry out, these bacteria create a bad odor in your mouth.

Treat this dry mouth by drinking water. It will wash away any stuck food particles and eliminate bacteria growth in the mouth. Water keeps your mouth hydrated and stimulates saliva production. Reduce the intake of caffeinated drinks. In case of an emergency, you can add a drop or two of peppermint oil in water and rinse off.

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5. Parsley and Mint

Parsley and Mint are common herbs that act as a seasoning.

Parsley and Mint are common herbs that act as a seasoning. Studies have shown that parsley can mask the foul smell of the sulfur compounds. Mint has germicidal properties that flush out the microbes responsible for bad breath.

These bright green leaves are rich in chlorophyll and have a strong flavor that acts as a natural deodorizer. Eat them as it is or adds these to your salads for their odor-neutralizing properties.

Conclusion:

The above points are straightforward and easy to follow remedies to fight bad breath. Follow these remedies along with a proper oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day regularly. Use fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash. Flossing is as essential as brushing your teeth. Stay away from sugar. If you feel like munching, then grab on a carrot and eat, this will be a good exercise for your gums too.

Check with your dentist once every month depending on your oral condition. If the above remedies do not work for you, ask Google to “Find good dentists near me" and book a dental appointment. Dentists are the right people to guide you through a proper dental-care plan.

Author: Jessica Smith has been writing articles for e-business and e-lance sites for more than 4 years. Her educational background is Masters in English and journalism which gives her a broad platform to write on a variety of topics with ease and efficiency. She is an independent writer especially enjoys writing on fashion and lifestyle.

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5 Effective Remedies to Fight Bad Breath