Bad breath, or halitosis, is more common than you may think.
We’ve all had to deal with it at one time or another.
Here’s how to test if you have bad breath.
In most cases, brushing your teeth and/or using mouthwash or breath mints will help.
However, some people have chronic bad breath and no matter what they do, they can’t seem to get rid of it.
If that’s you, rest assured, you’re not alone!…
Why Your Breath Stinks
Bad breath is mainly caused by odor-producing bacteria that have a nasty habit of growing in your mouth. This can really be a problem for those who do not brush and floss their teeth regularly.
Any little bits of food that are left in your mouth will have this odor-producing bacteria on them. The longer the pieces of food remain in your mouth, the worse your bad breath can get.
It is the sulfur compounds produced by the odor-producing bacteria that actually give you halitosis, or bad breath.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that pungent oils in foods (like onions and garlic) can actually travel to your lungs and out of your mouth. Smoking can also cause serious bad breath.
How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath Naturally
So what do you do if you have bad breath, even though you’re already brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly?
Here are some natural cures that you can use to get rid of bad breath:
#1 Chew on some mint leaves.
In addition to helping with bad breath, there is some astringency in mint leaves which may help to destroy some of that odor-producing bacteria.
#2 Eat foods rich in zinc.
Zinc keeps the anaerobic bacteria in your mouth in check, so the bacteria doesn’t have a field day reproducing and causing your breath to smell bad.
#3 Chew one clove after you eat each meal.
The essential oils in cloves are deadly against bacteria and have analgesic properties that are also used by dentists.
#4 Gargle lemon juice with water.
A drop of lemon can stimulate saliva flow causing your mouth to become moist which makes it less hospitable for odor-causing bacteria.
#5 Eat an apple a day.
The hard texture of apples gets rid of the plaque on your teeth and helps to produce more saliva.
#6 Make a gargle rinse with baking soda and warm water.
This reaches all of those nasty bacteria at the back of your mouth (and the hidden bacteria that likes to hang out on your tongue too).
#7 Chew cardamom seeds.
Cardamom seeds are aromatic and naturally freshen your breath.
#8 Drink a cup of hot, unsweetened tea.
It has the added benefit of being good for you — especially if you drink green tea, which has polyphenols in it which some studies say help to combat and/or prevent cancer.
#9 Brush your gums and teeth with powdered myrrh or cloves.
Myrrh’s antiseptic properties help to get rid of bad breath as well as treat gingivitis and loose teeth.
#10 Rinse your mouth out with water after each meal.
This helps reduce the number of food particles in your mouth that can get the nasty odor-producing bacteria on them. The less food particles, the less bacteria.
#11 Chew anise seeds.
Anise seeds are antimicrobial and antibacterial which provide an effective ingredient in mouthwash.
#12 Eat hazelnuts at a slow pace.
Hazelnuts (or filberts) actually absorb the odor in your mouth while you eat them slowly.
#13 Chew on some sage.
Sage has natural oils that contain potent antibacterial properties.
Here are some natural products that can also help to get rid of bad breath.
My favorite things to write about are topics that have to do with pregnancy, weddings, saving money, living green, and life with dogs. When I’m not writing, I love to spend time with my husband, read, create 3D artwork and Native American beadwork.
