Do you have bad breath? You’re not alone: halitosis is a very common problem affecting more than half of the general population.
Dental conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay can cause bad breath. Certain medications that dry the mouth can also contribute to it.
If you have chronic bad breath you should visit a dentist first to make sure an underlying dental condition isn’t causing it. If your mouth is healthy and you’re still experiencing halitosis, try these five natural remedies for bad breath. They help eliminate the bacteria that contribute to an odourous mouth rather than cover it up.
1. Scrape or Brush Your Tongue
Along with brushing twice a day and flossing daily, cleaning your tongue should be part of your oral routine. Built-up bacteria on the tongue’s surface can cause bad breath.
Scrape your tongue daily using a tongue scraper or spoon. Start at the back of the tongue and gently scrape forward, rinsing the tool as you clean. You can also brush your tongue with your toothbrush after you’re done cleaning your teeth.
If your tongue has a white coating on it, you may have oral thrush. Scraping your tongue can help remedy this oral fungal condition.
2. Drink Water Throughout The Day
Plain water helps flush away odour-causing bacteria and food particles in the mouth and keeps the mouth hydrated. Drinking water in between meals can help freshen your breath, particularly if you add a squirt of lemon or some mint leaves to your glass. You may want to swish some water around in your mouth upon waking to help wash away morning breath.
3. Munch on Crunchy Fruits or Vegetable
Crunchy fruits and veggies such as apples, carrots, and celery are not only good for you but for your teeth as well. Their firm texture helps scrub teeth in between brushing and promotes saliva flow, helping to wash away bacteria from the mouth.
4. Use an Herbal Mouth Rinse
A study comparing the effectiveness of commercial mouthwashes with herbal-based rinses containing essential oils such clove, basil, and tea tree oil found that the latter was more effective at reducing halitosis-causing bacteria in the mouth. Although more studies are needed, it’s believed that essential oils have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can eliminate bacteria.
Commercial mouthwashes usually contain alcohol and other ingredients that can cause a burning sensation. Look for an herbal-based mouthwash made with natural ingredients that can help eliminate bad breath at its source.
5. Make Sure You’re Thoroughly Cleaning Your Teeth
Many cases of bad breath are caused by inadequate oral hygiene habits. Be sure you’re brushing your teeth for at least two minutes at a time twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste. This amount of time is needed to clean away as much plaque as possible.
Floss your teeth daily, and visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning to ensure you’re on top of your at-home care.
Try These Natural Remedies For Bad Breath
Mints and breath sprays only temporarily cover up halitosis. These natural remedies for bad breath help remove odour-causing bacteria and should keep your mouth smelling fresher throughout the day.
If you have bad breath, schedule an appointment with us here at Estrabillo Dental Group. We’ll check for and treat any dental conditions that may be causing it, and can give you additional tips to help you avoid bad breath and keep your smile healthy.
