Bad Breath? Try These Easy Home Remedies

We’ve all been there… cupping our hand in front of our mouth, trying to sniff out whether or not we have bad breath. It’s not pretty, but the condition, formally known as halitosis, is a fact of life. And it’s one that can make us feel embarrassed and self-conscious, especially during an important encounter like a big meeting or special date (think under the mistletoe anyone?). Don’t be embarrassed, though, because it is estimated that 60 million people suffer from chronic halitosis in the United States, according to The American Breath Specialists.

While there are a slew of culprits that could be to blame, such as cavities, gum disease, or smelly foods like garlic and coffee, there are thankfully also a few easy solutions for getting rid of unpleasant oral odor.

1. Drink Tea to Fight Bad Breath

Both green tea and black tea have antioxidant polyphenols, which stop odor-causing bacteria from growing in your mouth. Brew a cup whenever you feel like your breath isn’t as fresh as can be!

2. Eat a Piece of Lemon or Orange Peel

When you chew on lemon or orange rinds, their citric acid stimulates your salivary glands. This creates fresh saliva, kills bad breath bacteria, and offers a burst of freshness.

3. Chew a Sprig of Parsley, Mint, Cilantro, or Basil

Did you know that chlorophyll actually neutralizes odors? Munching on these fresh greens rich with chlorophyll can help deodorize your breath.

4. Scrape Your Tongue with a Spoon

Working back to front, drag a spoon across your tongue to get rid of bacteria coating the surface that produces an unpleasant smell. If it helps, you can also use gauze to hold the tip your tongue still when you’re cleaning. Make sure not to put the spoon too far back in your mouth or you may prompt your gag reflex!

5. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda helps balance the levels of acid, or pH, in your mouth, which in turn fights bacteria causing bad breath. You can either create a rinse by mixing ½ teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of warm water, or you can brush your teeth directly with baking soda.

We hope these tips are helpful, but if you are finding it hard to manage your halitosis, please visit us at Dental Solutions of Avon where we will work to find a solution right for you!