10 Home Remedies For Bad Breath
Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, is an undesirable condition that unfortunately affects many people. Some people experience bad breath most often in the morning, but others experience it round-the-clock.
If bad breath is left untreated, it can become a burden to a person’s social or romantic life. Some people like to manage their bad breath by chewing gum, eating ginger, or using other home remedies. Unfortunately, if bad breath is extremely persistent and resistant to these treatments, it could be an indication of a more serious health problem. If you are following proper dental hygiene procedures, then you should be able to avoid bad breath. Flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day are two of the most effective—and affordable—ways to avoid getting bad breath.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always enough to get rid of bad breath, especially if you eat a lot of foods that are known to promote halitosis such as garlic, onions, or red meat. Things like smoking and drinking are also known to contribute to bad breath. Smokers are known for having particularly bad breath in the mornings. Gum disease, cavities, and inflammation in the mouth can all contribute to bad breath, as can problems that cause your mouth to produce less than a normal amount of saliva. In all of these cases, you may find some relief by using some of the home remedies listed below. These can be effective in the short term and, in some cases, in the long term, but remember, they are not a replacement for good dental hygiene.
Home Remedy #1: Fennel Seed
Fennel is a fantastic aromatic seed that has been used in many different forms of cuisine across the world for many thousands of years, particularly in India. This fragrant and delicious seed tastes a little bit like licorice and is known to function as an antiseptic.
This is one of the reasons that fennel is so great for helping people manage their bad breath. By performing as an antiseptic, this seed is able to help kill off some of the bacteria that are known to contribute to bad breath. You can chew the seeds as they are—usually half a tablespoon is plenty for helping to manage bad breath.
Home Remedy #2: Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another spice that’s well-known throughout the world. This rich and warming spice makes a great addition to many foods and drinks and can be easily implemented into your diet.
When used on its own, cinnamon bark is a great way to help manage bad breath. Cinnamon contains a compound known as cinnamic aldehyde, and this compound is known to work as an antibacterial. The strong scent of cinnamon also helps to ward off any bad breath while the cinnamic aldehyde destroys the bacteria causing it.
Home Remedy #3: Cloves
Cloves are another herb that are renowned throughout the world. They have a strong, warming flavor that’s similar to cinnamon and nutmeg. Many people find them quite intense when used on their own—cloves can cause a bit of a numbing sensation in the mouth that can be a bit intense for some people.
However, this numbing sensation is a good indicator that the powerful breath-enhancing effects of cloves are working. If you can’t handle the flavor of chewed cloves, you can brew a strong clove tea and use that as a form of mouthwash.
Home Remedy #4: Baking Soda
Baking soda is well-known for being a fantastic odor killer. It’s been used for decades to soak up bad odors in refrigerators, but people have also begun to recognize the powerful effects of baking soda as a form of deodorant. It can also be used as mouthwash.
Baking soda provides a healthier alternative to alcohol-based mouthwash. All you need to do is mix baking soda and you can use it as a mouthwash. You can also make organic fluoride-free toothpaste by mixing baking soda with coconut water and some cinnamon essential oil.
Home Remedy #5: Water
One of the main causes of bad breath is a lack of saliva in the mouth. If you don’t drink enough water, you will succumb to dehydration, and this will limit the amount of saliva that your mouth produces.
Aside from that, water can be a good way to cleanse your mouth of any bacteria or residual food that might be hanging out. Make sure to drink water at least once an hour and try to swish it around in your mouth a bit when you do so.
Home Remedy #6: Apple Cider Vinegar
Another thing that can be fantastic for helping people manage their bad breath is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is quite pungent and you might not think that it would be great for fighting off bad breath.
However, it’s been known to function well as an antibacterial and can be useful for helping to purge your mouth of any odor-causing bacteria.
Home Remedy #7: Ginger
Ginger is a very powerful medicinal plant and is known in many different forms of traditional medicine for its wide range of benefits. One of the best uses for ginger is freshening the breath.
Cutting a small piece of ginger and chewing it is a great way to help get rid of unpleasant odors that may be lingering in the breath.
Home Remedy #8: Parsley
Parsley is another herb that’s used often in cuisine, but its medicinal benefits are not always recognized. One of the best medicinal uses of parsley is helping to freshen the breath.
Using parsley is simple—all you have to do is chew a small sprig of the herb. This will help to neutralize any offensive odors that might be present in your breath.
Home Remedy #9: Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another powerful way to help freshen your breath.
Lemon juice is rich in citric acid that is known to help stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth, which helps to eliminate offensive breath.
Home Remedy #10: Cardamom
Cardamom is another seed that’s popular in traditional medicine, particularly in India. This seed, which most of us are familiar with because it’s used in chai tea, is also great for freshening breath.
Simply chewing a pod of cardamom seeds is a great way to help eliminate any unpleasant odors that could be found in your mouth.
