13 Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Bad breath is an oral condition that can affect your self-esteem. Improper oral hygiene may cause it, but some other reasons may be at play too. Sometimes the problem isn’t even in your mouth. The condition also known as halitosis may be a result of various other reasons like a diet rich in foods with strong scents, medications, and issues with your throat or nose.

Other reasons include gum disease or bacterial growth on your tongue. Treating this condition is very important for your social life as bad breath can be very embarrassing. It isn’t just something that might push people away, but some people may even use it make fun of you. Bad breath can also come to you as a part of genetics. Whatever the case may be, you need to narrow it down and deal with the problem accordingly.

1. Cinnamon

This aromatic herb has the power to cover up bad odor by inhibiting bacterial growth. It cuts down the number of bacteria in your mouth through its antimicrobial properties. It contains cinnamic aldehyde, which is an active compound bond with bacteria and makes sure that the bacteria do not replicate.

All you need to do is mix three spoons of cinnamon in a glass of hot water and then add a teaspoon of fennel seed to the mix. Let it sit for about ten minutes. Drink this tea about two times a day to refresh your mood. You can also rinse your mouth with it by swishing and pulling the liquid around. After that, spit the liquid out and rinse your mouth with water.

2. Saltwater

Saltwater discourages the growth of microbes that cause bad breath. It does so by alkalizing the pH of your mouth as the salt water has some acidity to it. It prevents the buildup of bacteria that may lead to infections. Just add a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water. Swish the solution around in your mouth and then spit it out. Repeat twice daily and you will see the results in about a week.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a force of nature as it is quite common in various home remedies. It can also help you get rid of bad breath by killing the bacteria under your tongue because it is slightly acidic and has promising anti-bacterial properties. To get rid of bad breath, take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it with grass of warm water. Swish the solution around in your mouth and floss your teeth after you spit it out.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is great for your oral health as it can fight the odor-producing bacteria in your mouth. It can even prevent cavities by lowering the level of acidity and bacteria in your mouth. Drink green tea daily two or three times to make sure that you do not suffer from bad breath anymore.

5. Cloves

Cloves have been used in South Asia not just as an ingredient to the delicious food, but it is also used to cure tooth decay and bad breath naturally. The natural oil present in them has strong antibacterial properties that fight bad breath. It can also control gum inflammation while freshening your mouth. To gain its benefits, boil a cup of water and add six cloves to it. Let it sit for ten minutes and strain the water into a cup. Add a few drops of apple cider vinegar and drink this tea once a day. You can even chew on a few cloves for a quick fix.

6. Aloe Vera

The plant’s extract is both antibacterial and antifungal. It doesn’t just reduce the plaque in your mouth as a chlorhexidine mouthwash, but it can also boost the production of collagen and help you heal faster. Make your own Aloe Vera mouthwash by boiling some water and adding a little Aloe Vera gel to it. Let the water cool and add some peppermint to the mix.

7. Parsley

You may think of parsley as a way to garnish your food but it a very potent remedy against bad breath as well. It is alkaline and can treat bad breath. It is full of chlorophyll that neutralizes smell and acts as an anti-mutagen. Chew a spring of parsley every day or make your mouthwash with it. Just boil some parsley sprigs with cloves. Strain the liquid into a cup and swish it around your mouth once it cools down.

8. Tea Tree Oil

This extract has a special place in curing various diseases naturally. The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make it a good candidate against bad breath. Just add two teaspoons of the oil to lukewarm water and use it as mouthwash. Swish it around your mouth for three minutes and spit it out. Repeat the process twice daily for best results.

9. Water

Water is life; it is vital that you drink a good amount of water every day to make sure that your body functions properly. Dehydration can cause many problems, and bad breath is one of them. Make sure you do not have a dry mouth as it can lead to a bad smell in your mouth. Drink eight glasses of water daily to make sure that bacteria activity reduces to a minimum.

10. Thyme Tea

Thyme tea has been used to get rid of bad breath since ancient times. The essential oil extracted from the herb kills bacteria and yeast while eliminating bad breath. Make thyme tea by boiling ten or fifteen thyme leaves in a cup of water. Turn off the stove and let it sit for ten minutes. Strain the tea into a cup and sip it down. Pregnant women are advised not to consume this tea as it is bad for them. You can also make your mouthwash by adding a few drops of the extract in a glass of water.

11. Baking Soda

Baking soda can balance the pH level of your mouth and hinder bacterial growth. You can also use it to whiten your teeth due to its bleaching properties. To get rid of bad breath, mix two teaspoons of baking soda to a glass of warm water. Rinse your mouth daily with the solution at least twice a day.

12. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient way to clean your mouth. It removes plaque, whitens teeth and gets rid of bacteria in your mouth. After just 14 days of trying this method, you will see great results. Take a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil and swish it around your mouth. Push and pull it in every direction you can for about 20 minutes. Spit it out in the trash can and brush your teeth like you usually do. Do this once daily.

13. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seed can fight off catarrhal infection. It is a rare condition that causes bad breath. It can produce saliva that dissolves enzymes properly and prevents bad breath. All you have to do is add two teaspoons of fenugreek seed to a glass of boiling water. Let it sit for five minutes and strain the liquid into a cup. Rinse your mouth daily until your bad breath goes away. You can even chew the seed for five minutes daily to get rid of the problem.

Conclusion

Bad breath is more common in people than they realize, and it is a pesky one. You need to get rid of it as soon as possible as it can affect your social and personal relation and even your self-esteem. Make sure you brush your teeth regularly and floss them every day to prevent your mouth from developing the problem. Before you try any home remedy, it is better to be safe and discuss it with your healthcare provider.