09 Dec How to Get Rid of Bad Breath Naturally
Realizing that you have bad breath can be mortifying. But luckily, there are many natural remedies you can use to freshen your breath and boost your confidence. Let’s take a look at how to get rid of bad breath naturally, and what causes it in the first place.
Causes of Bad Breath (Halitosis)
The most common cause of bad breath—aside from garlic and onions—is a buildup of bacteria on your teeth and gums that releases a foul odor. However, many other factors can lead to bad breath as well. For instance, heartburn and indigestion can cause halitosis, because the process of food breaking down affects your breath.
Certain medications may also lead to halitosis if they cause dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth is an uncomfortable condition that affects your body’s ability to get rid of mouth bacteria naturally with saliva. Smoking and drinking alcohol may also cause dry mouth and bad breath.
Even some things that may seem like a remedy can actually worsen bad breath. For example, sugary mints and gum increase your risk of tooth decay, which negatively impacts your breath and oral health, so sugar-free is the way to go. And mouthwashes that contain alcohol can make dry mouth worse—make sure to choose an alcohol-free mouthwash or a natural alternative.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath: Six Natural Breath Fresheners
1: Brushing and Flossing
Good oral hygiene helps keep the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth under control. An effective routine includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time, using fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings.
2: Drinking More Water
If the cause of your halitosis is dry mouth, then drinking more water can help. Sipping on water increases saliva flow and helps to eliminate bacteria from your mouth, reducing bad breath.
3: Rinsing with Warm Saltwater
Another way to naturally get rid of bacteria buildup in your mouth is to rinse with warm saltwater. Its disinfectant properties kill harmful bacteria and prevent infections.
To make a saltwater rinse, mix together 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm (not hot) water. Stir the solution, swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out.
Don’t rinse with saltwater more than once a day. Too much salt can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums.
4: Chewing on Fresh Herbs
You can also freshen bad breath by chewing on certain aromatic herbs. For instance, peppermint is antimicrobial, so it helps kill halitosis-causing bacteria. It’s also high in chlorophyll, which is a natural breath freshener. Other herbs that are rich in chlorophyll include parsley, basil, cilantro, and dill.
5: Drinking Green Tea
Green tea is a natural halitosis remedy because it has antibacterial and deodorizing properties. You can also add peppermint or cinnamon to green tea, which are also antimicrobial, to make the drink even more effective.
6: Eating Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live bacteria that improve your gut health and fight the bacteria that cause bad breath. Eating one serving of yogurt a day is an effective and healthy way to reduce bad breath. However, some brands and flavors are very high in sugar, so protect your teeth by choosing plain yogurt with no added sugar.
Holistic Dentist in Prescott
It’s normal to experience temporary bad breath after eating something pungent. But bad breath that doesn’t go away could be a warning sign of serious dental issues like a tooth infection, gum disease, or cavities.
If you’re experiencing persistent bad breath, schedule an appointment with Prescott Dentistry right away so we can determine and treat the root of your problem. We also offer a variety of preventative holistic options. To make an appointment, call us at 928-445-1660 today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/9/2022). Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash