Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can cause self-consciousness, so it’s important to take appropriate measures in a timely manner. This problem can occur due to various reasons such as pungent foods, smoking, dry mouth, overall health condition, gum and tooth diseases. Nevertheless, the primary cause of bad breath is bacteria that accumulate on the back of the tongue or between the teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene significantly reduces bad breath. However, you can also use home remedies to treat bad breath.
Here are 10 best home remedies you can use:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent way to get rid of bad breath and enjoy fresh breath. Use baking soda after brushing your teeth. This will help reduce acidity in the mouth and prevent bacteria from growing on your tongue. You can rinse your mouth with a baking soda solution. This will kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. This is the simplest home remedy to get rid of bacteria that cause bad breath at home.
Water
Water is essential for maintaining fresh breath. After eating, rinse your mouth with water for a few seconds. This will help remove food particles trapped in your teeth and clean your mouth. A clean mouth is a less attractive place for disease-causing bacteria to multiply. Drinking one to two glasses of water between meals stimulates saliva production.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, with its antiseptic properties, acts as a powerful disinfectant and is used to treat bad breath with home remedies. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to your toothbrush along with toothpaste and brush your teeth. You can use toothpaste containing tea tree oil. You can prepare a mouthwash solution by mixing equal parts of water, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lemon oil.
Fennel
Fennel is a very common herb used in cooking. Fennel can be used to treat bad breath with home remedies. Take a spoonful of fennel and chew it slowly until saliva forms in your mouth. This herb contains antimicrobial properties that can stop bad breath. Also, chewing fennel seeds mixed with seeds of other aromatic spices like cloves and cardamom will help eliminate bad breath.
Parsley
Parsley contains chlorophyll, which helps fight bad breath. You can take a handful of fresh parsley leaves and soak them in vinegar, then chew them thoroughly for one to two minutes. You can also make parsley leaf juice using a juicer and drink this juice anytime you want to freshen your breath. Parsley leaves are also helpful for digestion as they help reduce gas formation.
Tea
Drinking tea helps fight bad breath due to the compounds known as polyphenols found in green and black tea. You can drink regular tea or prepare herbal tea with alfalfa. To make this herbal tea, put two teaspoons of dry alfalfa leaves in a cup of boiling water and let it steep for fifteen minutes. You can drink this herbal tea several times a day to maintain fresh breath.
Clove
Clove has powerful antiseptic properties that help get rid of bad breath. Chew a few cloves thoroughly, and within a few minutes, your breath will become fresh. You can also make clove tea. Put three cloves in two cups of hot water and let it steep for twenty minutes, stirring occasionally. Drink this tea or use it as a mouthwash twice a day.
Sage
Sage contains essential oils with antibacterial properties that can eliminate the causes of bad breath. You can slowly chew sage leaves or make herbal tea by adding one tablespoon of chopped sage to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for ten minutes, then slowly drink it. You can mix extracts of sage and calendula in equal proportions and dilute them in a glass of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution several times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Due to its acidic properties, apple cider vinegar is an excellent component for treating bad breath with home remedies. Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water before meals. Vinegar aids digestion and freshens breath. Additionally, drink one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar after each meal.
Lemon
Treating bad breath with lemon juice has been used for generations. The high acidity content in lemon prevents bacterial growth on the tongue and gums. Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice in a glass of water and thoroughly rinse your mouth. You can make a mixture of salt, lemon, and water and rinse your mouth before bed. This remedy will definitely get rid of bad breath within a few days.
Conclusion: If you suffer from bad breath, simply try the above-mentioned home remedies. However, if this problem persists after treating with home remedies for one to two days, it is necessary to see a dentist as soon as possible. Sometimes, it may be a sign of gum disease, gastrointestinal problems, sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes, or even oral cancer.