Garlic has been a culinary staple for thousands of years. Many of the world's most well know dishes contain the herb. While garlic may be a crucial part of your next meal, you may be feeling self-conscious afterward due to its effect on your breath. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to quickly get your breath under control. Here's how to get rid of that lingering garlic breath after one of your favourite meals.
How To Get Rid Of Garlic Breath
1. Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth with toothpaste removes the smelly food particles from your teeth, which will help make your breath smell better. Don't forget to brush your tongue because garlic odours may linger there as well.
If you're on the go, you can still brush your teeth, as long as you plan ahead. Get in 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.
2. Swish withMouthwash
After eating foods that contain garlic, the garlicky scent is known to linger in your breath. Like a minty mouthwash, a strong scent can help cover up this smell until it goes away on its own.
After eating a garlicky meal, swish with a rinse to immediately mask the smell. If you're a garlic lover, you may want to carry a travel-sized bottle in your bag to make sure it's always there when you need it.
3. Chew Gum
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 odour. Plus, chewing gum helps stimulate your salivary flow. That extra saliva can wash away the garlic food particles that are still in your mouth.
The Health Mouth Healthy Body notes that cavity-causing organisms feed on sugar and turn it into acid, which attacks tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Sticky, chewy candy especially can linger on teeth throughout the day. Chewing gum containing sugar may actually increase your chances of developing a cavity, however clinical evidence demonstrates just the opposite for sugar-free gum.
4. Drink Green Tea
Green tea can make a great post-meal respite. A research study published in the Journal of Pharmaceuticals Sciences and Research highlights that the catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria This can lower the risk of infections and lead to improvements in dental health, a lower risk of caries and reduced bad breath (halitosis).
5. Eat Parsley
Parsley is one of the more popular home remedies for bad breath. Today, parsley is still commonly used to garnish plates at your favourite restaurant to help with those post-meal odours.
While claims of parsley's odour-fighting properties continue to persist, studies have shown parsley to have little effect on getting rid of garlic breath. Instead, parsley's strong scent masks bad breath - giving you a bit of post-meal peace of mind.
6. Drink Milk
Surprisingly, you can also get your garlic breath under control by drinking milk. As per a report published in the Indian Express, sipping milk with a spicy meal is an effective counter measure to garlic’s lingering odour.
Knowing the best ways to get rid of garlic breath can give you the confidence to indulge in your next garlic-heavy meal. Just be sure to keep these tips in mind and be prepared next time you feel 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.
