How To Get Rid Of Garlic Breath

Brushing your teeth with toothpaste removes particles of garlic and other food debris from your teeth, which will help make your breath smell better. Don't forget to brush your tongue because garlic odors may linger there as well.

If you're on the go, you can still brush your teeth, as long as you plan ahead. Get into the habit of carrying a spare toothbrush and toothpaste with you – or storing them in your desk drawer at work, so that you can easily slip into a bathroom to freshen your breath.

A fresh, minty mouthwash can help to rinse food debris from the mouth and mask the lingering smell of garlic breath until it goes away on its own. Swish after eating a meal to instantly freshen up. If you're a garlic lover, you may want to carry a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash in your bag to make sure it's always there when you need it.

If you don't have much time, chew a piece of gum to freshen your breath quickly. The gum will leave a fresh smell behind that will temporarily mask the garlicky odor. Plus, chewing gum helps stimulate your salivary flow, which helps to wash away the garlic food particles that are still in your mouth.

While any gum can help get rid of garlic breath, it's best to choose a sugar-free variety. This is because gums containing sugar can contribute to tooth decay, as explained by the American Dental Association.

Try following your garlicky meal with a steaming mug of green tea. Not only does green tea support healthy digestion, but it's also been shown to be effective at reducing odor-causing compounds in your mouth.

Chewing parsley or mint leaves has been a popular home remedy for freshening the breath for centuries. They have a deodorizing effect on the mouth when chewed, and also help to stimulate odor-cleansing saliva. And mint in particular leaves behind a clean, refreshing scent. 

You can also get rid of garlic breath by drinking milk. A study published in the Journal of Food Science reports that milk significantly reduces the concentrations of garlic's odorous compounds.

The same compounds responsible for the strong smell of garlic are also responsible for that lingering taste. If you’d rather not be able to taste your garlic bread for hours afterwards, our tips on how to get rid of garlic breath will also help. 

Knowing how to get rid of garlic breath means that you can indulge in all of your garlicky favorites whenever you like. Just be sure to keep these tips in mind and be prepared so that next time, you can enjoy your meal without feeling self-conscious about your garlic breath.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.