Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Also known as halitosis, the more commonly-termed bad breath for some reason haunts some people more than others, and for a variety of reasons. The causes of bad breath vary from postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, uncontrolled diabetes, respiratory tract infection, and liver or kidney disease to digestive disorders like acid reflux. The majority of cases of bad breath stem from the mouth itself via improper dental hygiene, periodontal disease or dry mouth. Typically, stuck food particles and dead cells in the mouth form bacteria in areas of the mouth that lack oxygen, such as the back of the tongue and the gums surrounding molars.

How can I prevent bad breath?

  • Brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash will go a long way toward keeping the breath fresh.
  • Regularly use a tongue scraper, which typically come with tooth brushes (on the opposite side of the bristles), to scrape dead skin cells that contribute to bad breath. They can also be purchased separately at a higher cost.
  • Drink lots of liquids to keep the mouth moist and wash away bacteria in the mouth.
  • Consistently wash dental appliances to maintain a clean mouth feel.

What are the symptoms of bad breath?

  • A noticeable change in the cleanness of breath, either as a self-diagnosis or being told so (which can be embarrassing) by someone around you.

How do I get rid of bad breath?

  • One effective way is to drink tea. Research suggests that both green and black teas offer polyphenols that fight the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath. They may also deteriorate the compound hydrogen sulfide, which is one of the bacteria responsible for bad breath.
  • A mouthwash that contains zinc is another product that neutralizes sulfide compounds and improves breath.
  • A mouthwash that contains essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint, and lemon oils has been found to be more effective at deteriorating sulfide compounds than conventional mouthwash.
  • Bad morning breath can occur out of hunger, and when caused by stomach acids it is often decidedly different than bad breath caused by the teeth. Try eating a small snack for breakfast to squash bad morning breath.
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