Effective Home Remedies For Bad Breath

To fight bad breath at home, it’s important to perfect the basics first! Brushing and flossing is the foundation of good oral care. When it’s not done consistently, food particles remain in the mouth, causing plaque build-up, bacteria, and  bad breath. So brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to help reduce plaque, bacteria, and odor-causing food debris. This can also help stop periodontal disease, which may also cause bad breath.

Paying particular attention to your tongue while brushing your teeth can also be a great home remedy for bad breath. When bacteria and amino acids (created when protein is broken down) combine, sulfuric compounds form on your tongue and in your mouth, causing an unpleasant sulfur-like smell. Brushing your tongue gently with your toothbrush and using a tongue scraper at the back of your tongue can reduce these bacteria, keeping your breath fresh.

Often feel like hiding after having a meal with garlic or onion? Mouthwash can quickly freshen your breath and stop the smell caused by certain foods. Adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your dental routine can also reduce plaque and gingivitis, giving your mouth a pleasant aroma.

Do you drink enough water? When your mouth doesn't have enough moisture to produce saliva, dry mouth and odor-causing bacteria can develop. A dry mouth can be caused by dehydration and several other things, including side effects of medications, medical conditions, and diseases. It can also occur while you're sleeping, especially if you snore or have sleep apnea. And it can happen after an intense workout, when you’re not only dehydrated but may have been breathing through your mouth more, too.

Drinking water is an easy way to curb dry mouth and bad breath. Remember to keep hydrated throughout the day, and start your mornings with a fresh glass of water to help eliminate overnight bacteria. Consider tracking how much water you drink in a day. This is an easy way to see if your water intake affects your breath.

We all know that certain foods like raw onions and garlic can affect how your breath smells. Cutting back or avoiding these food items can assist with fighting bad breath, but they’re not the only culprits! Take care with these foods and drinks, too: 

• Tea and coffee.
• Alcohol.
• Fish.
• Sugary foods.
• Spicy foods.

Many home remedies for bad breath start in the kitchen! Try these foods and drinks to freshen your breath:

• Milk. A glass of milk can help to neutralize the odors from strong-smelling foods like onion and garlic. Milk is also known to help neutralize the acids that can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. 
• Yogurt. The friendly bacteria in yogurt can help to control odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, and can also benefit your gut health, too. Make sure to choose a plain or naturally flavored variety, though, as many yogurts have added sugars that can make bad breath worse. 
• Crunchy fruits and veggies. These have a scrubbing effect on your teeth that can help to remove plaque. The extra chewing also stimulates saliva flow, which can help to wash away food debris and odor-causing bacteria. And some, like apples, also contain compounds that neutralize compounds in smelly foods like garlic.
• Pineapple. Experts aren’t sure how this one works! But lots of people swear by pineapple and pineapple juice for freshening their breath. Rinse with water afterwards, though, to protect your teeth from the high acid and sugar content.
• Fresh herbs. Chewing on fresh herbs like mint or parsley has long been believed to fight bad breath. They help to neutralize sulfuric compounds and fight bacteria, and of course mint leaves behind a lovely, fresh scent, too!
• Fennel or anise seeds. These fragrant seeds have been used as breath fresheners since ancient times. They contain sweet-smelling essential oils that are released when chewing. 

These quick and easy home remedies for bad breath can help to freshen your mouth and boost your confidence. So remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss, clean your tongue, and add an antibacterial mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine for that extra fresh breath. Drink more water and fill up on breath-freshening foods and drinks, too; they’re good for your entire body, not just your 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.