According to research, ignorance in oral hygiene is the main reason for bad breath. Preventing plaque to build around the teeth is the key to maintain oral health. Brushing your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste doesn’t allow plaque to accumulate around the teeth.
The food stuck in the teeth helps to grow bacteria causing a foul smell. Bacteria can also accumulate on the tongue hence flossing and scrapping the tongue can help to remove the thin layer of the bacteria from the tongue.
Following are some of the home remedies that aid you to eliminate the bad breath problem.
Parsley
Parsley is known to be a popular remedy to eliminate bad breath. The properties of the parsley-like high chlorophyll and fresh scent provide a deodorizing effect.
To make effective use of the parsley chew some fresh leaves of it after having each meal to combat the bad breath problem.
Pineapple juice
Many people believe that pineapple juice or chewing a slice of the pineapple is the quickest and most effective treatment for bad breath. But it also needs to remember that sugar from the fruit can cause damage to the teeth so you should rinse the mouth after having the pineapple juice.
Water
Dry mouth can be one of the reasons to cause bad breath, saliva helps to keep the mouth clean. Mouth naturally dries out in the sleep which causes the mouth breath to foul. Drinking a lot of water will keep your mouth hydrated and will help encourage saliva production.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains healthy bacteria called lactobacillus which helps to combat the bad bacteria in various parts of your body.
Research has shown that healthy bacteria from the yogurt may also help to reduce bad breath.
A survey done found after six weeks of eating yogurt, 80 percent of participants of the total had a reduction in bad breath. Probiotics in yogurt are effective in reducing the severity of bad breath.
Eat at least one serving per day of non-fat yogurt to fight against the bad breath.
Milk
Milk is a well-known cure for bad breath. A researcher has proved that drinking a glass of low- or full-fat milk during or after having strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.
Fennel or anise seeds
Since ancient times, fennel and anise seeds are been using as mouth freshener. In India, roasted fennel seeds are still used as “Mukhwas” or mouth fresheners after having a meal.
It changes the taste of the mouth and essential oils from the seed give the breath a fresh scent. Fennel and anise seeds can be eaten plain, roasted, or coated with sugar.
Orange
The richness of the oranges in vitamin C not only makes for a healthy dessert but also promotes dental hygiene. Vitamin C encourages saliva production and enough saliva helps to wash away foul smell causing bacteria.
Zinc
Zinc salts, an ingredient in certain mouthwashes and chewing gums counter the bad breath problem. Zinc decreases the number of sulfurous compounds from the mouth.
Rinsing the mouth with zinc richer mouthwashes is an effective way to reduce bad breath for at least 6 months.
You can also go for zinc dietary supplements at your local drug store or purchase them online.
Green tea
Green tea is an effective home remedy to eliminate bad breath. Green tea has disinfectant and deodorizing properties that can help to freshen the breath temporarily. Mint has similar effects, so a cup of green mint tea can act as an ideal breath freshener.
Prepare green tea before going to bed and refrigerate it overnight. Carry this tea in a thermos bottle throughout the day, slowly sip on it throughout the day to keep your breath fresh.
Apples
Raw apples have a powerful effect to neutralize the garlic breath. Apples contain natural compounds that fight against the foul-smelling compounds in garlic. This remedy particularly more helpful for the people whose garlic breath lingers, because it neutralizes the compounds in the bloodstream, rather than just deodorizing the mouth.
Homemade mouthwash with baking soda
Sources have found that baking soda also known as sodium bicarbonate, can kill bacteria in the mouth. Hence toothpaste containing high concentrations of baking soda effectively reduces bad breath.
To make baking soda at a home, mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 cup of warm water. Rinse the mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting out.
Homemade mouthwash with vinegar
Vinegar contains a natural acid called acetic acid. Bacteria fail to grow in acidic environments, so mouthwash made from the vinegar may reduce bacteria growth.
Mix 2 tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water. Rinse around at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.