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 get your breath under control quickly. Here's how to get rid of that lingering garlic breath after one of your favorite meals.
How To Get Rid Of Garlic Breath
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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications
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 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 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 with Mouthwash
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 odor. Plus, chewing gum helps stimulate your salivary flow. That extra saliva can wash away the garlic food particles that are still in your mouth.
While any gum can help cover up your 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.
4. Drink Green Tea
Green tea can make a great post-meal respite. 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.
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 favorite restaurant to help with those post-meal odors.
While claims of parsley's odor-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. A study published in the Journal of Food Science reports that milk significantly reduces the concentrations of garlic's odorous compounds.
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.
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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.
