Let’s face it, it’s not exactly easy to tell when you have bad breath.
Sometimes, it comes as a hunch after having a meal that might trigger it only for a while. And other times, it’s just really morning breath before a quick brush that clears it all.
But when it becomes persistent enough that you notice in the afternoon when you’ve not eaten a trigger, you might need to be concerned about it.
Even when in doubt, you can seek an honest opinion from someone you trust enough to be unbiased.
If it has been confirmed, there are some natural home remedies that can help get rid of bad breath.
What Causes Bad Breath
Built-up bacteria in the mouth can cause bad breath. This comes from bits of food that get caught in the teeth when we eat.
Poor dental hygiene also causes bad breath. Not brushing and flossing often causes the bacteria in the mouth to grow. There is also a thin film of bacteria known as plaque that builds up on the teeth and can cause a foul odour and tooth decay when it’s not brushed away at least two times daily.
All foods get stuck in the teeth. But certain foods like onions and garlic are more common causes of bad breath. Digestion of these foods releases sulfur compounds into the bloodstream. When the blood reaches the lungs, it affects the breath.
Experts say that although 90% of bad breath cases come from the mouth, there are times when the source is from other areas of the body. While acid reflux is one, others are diabetes complications and renal failure. There is also the diet factor to be considered. For instance, starting a new diet such as the keto diet may cause bad breath.
That said, let’s look at 7 home remedies for bad breath.
Home Remedies for Bad Breath
Good Dental Hygiene
Research has shown that poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. This helps to avoid a plaque buildup in the mouth. Try to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at least twice (morning and night) daily. You should also develop a habit of brushing your tongue regularly as bacteria can also build up on the tongue which can cause a foul odour.
Water
According to research, mouth dryness causes bad breath. The mouth naturally dries out while we sleep and this explains why breath is typically worse in the morning. To prevent a dry mouth, drink water constantly. A minimum of eight glasses of water daily is a good start to regulating saliva that keeps your mouth from developing bad breath.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is said to work well in treating bad breath, according to anecdotal evidence. To achieve this, try to drink a glass of natural pineapple juice after every meal. You can also chew on a pineapple slice for about one to two minutes.
Oranges
Oranges assist in developing a strong and healthy dental hygiene. Rich in vitamin C, oranges work in boosting saliva production in the mouth to fight bad breath. You should take oranges more often now.
Apples
Studies show that there are certain natural properties in raw apples that counteract the foul-smelling compounds in garlic.
Homemade mouthwash with vinegar
The acetic acid in vinegar fights odour-causing bacteria in the mouth. To prepare, add 2 tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water. Gargle for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this once or twice daily.
Green Tea
Green tea works effectively in fighting bad breath, according to proven research that shows that green tea has disinfectant and deodorizing properties that can temporarily freshen the breath.
For optimal results, use green mint tea since mint is also a breath freshener. Prepare by brewing two cups of tea before going to bed and refrigerate it overnight. When it is cool, pour into a water bottle and slowly sip on it as you go about your day.