16 ways to get rid of bad breath
Bad breath is a common problem among men and women alike. It’s not just embarrassing; it also makes you feel self-conscious and unattractive.
There are many reasons why we develop bad breath. Some of these include poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, diet, and even genetics. But regardless of the cause, you can easily eliminate bad breath with simple home remedies. In this post, I will share 12 tips to get rid of bad breath
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath may be caused by several factors:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
If your mouth isn’t properly cleaned, bacteria that live in your mouth will multiply and produce an odor. This includes gum disease, tooth decay, or other infections.
2. Smoking
Smoking has been linked to halitosis (bad breath) because tobacco contains nicotine which irritates the lining of the mouth. The smoke from cigarettes also contain chemicals called “tar” and “carbon monoxide” that damage the gums and teeth.
3. Stress
When we are stressed out, our body produces more cortisol, a hormone that increases blood flow to the skin and mucous membranes. As a result, the glands in the mouth secrete extra saliva, which leads to increased production of sulfur-containing compounds.
4. Diet
Certain foods like garlic, onions, coffee, alcohol, and spicy food can increase the number of volatile sulfur compounds produced in the mouth.
5. Genetics
Genetics plays a role in how much bacteria is present in the mouth. People who have had their wisdom teeth removed are at higher risk for developing bad breath than those who haven’t.
How do you know if you have bad breath?
If you notice any odors coming from your mouth when you talk, then you probably have bad breath. However, there are some things that make it difficult to detect. For example, if you brush your teeth before going to bed, you won’t smell anything until morning. Also, if you eat something sweet right after brushing your teeth, the sugar will mask the odor.
If you want to test yourself, try one of these methods:
1. smell your own breath. You should be able to smell the odor on your tongue.
2. Use a mirror. Look into the mirror and see if you can spot the odor.
3. Try using a straw. Blow through a straw and watch what happens.
4. Spit into a cup. Place the cup under your nose and inhale deeply.
5. Take a whiff. Hold your hand over your mouth and breathe in slowly.
What are the symptoms of bad breath?
The most obvious symptom of bad breath is actually the source itself: foul-smelling breath. Other symptoms include:
– Mouth sores
– Tongue discoloration
– Halitosis
– Dry mouth
– Toothache
– Gum bleeding
– Sticky feeling in the mouth
– Difficulty swallowing
– Headaches
– Fatigue
– Canker sore
How To Get Rid of Bad Breath
1. Brush and floss more often.
Brushing and flossing regularly helps prevent bad breath because it removes food particles stuck between teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing daily is recommended, but if you’re busy, try brushing and flossing at least twice per week.
If you brush too hard, you may damage tooth enamel and cause cavities. So be gentle when you brush and floss. And remember to use only water when cleaning your mouth. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which contain chemicals that dry out your mouth and can actually irritate gum tissue.
2. Rinse your mouth out.
Rinse your mouth out after eating foods that cause bad breath. This includes foods that contain protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria that live in your mouth. Foods that contain proteins, carbohydrates, and fats feed these bacteria, causing them to multiply and produce foul odors.
To avoid this problem, rinse your mouth out thoroughly after meals. Use a toothbrush and brush your teeth at least twice daily. Also, use dental floss to remove food particles trapped between your teeth.
3. Scrape your tongue.
Bad breath isn’t just bad for your health; it’s also embarrassing. So if you’re embarrassed about having bad breath, you need to take action fast. The most effective way to eliminate bad breath is to scrape your tongue.
Scraping your tongue involves gently scraping off any food particles stuck between your teeth and gums. This helps remove bacteria and prevent future bad breath.
To scrape your tongue, use a toothbrush and brush your tongue back and forth until you feel some resistance. Then, turn the bristles sideways and carefully scrape away at the sides of your tongue. Repeat this process several times throughout the day.
4. Avoid foods that sour your breath.
Bad breath isn’t just bad; it’s contagious. And there’s nothing worse than having to share a meal with someone who smells like rotten eggs.
To avoid this problem, try avoiding foods that cause bad breath. Some common culprits include onions, garlic, alcohol, coffee, tea, citrus fruits, and spicy foods.
5. Kick the tobacco habit.
If you’re serious about kicking the bad breath habit, you need to stop smoking.
Smoking causes plaque buildup in your mouth, leading to gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) and periodontal disease (gum disease). Both conditions cause foul-smelling breath.
6. Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead.
Bad breath is not only unsightly, but it’s also embarrassing too. So if you’re going out to eat, skip the mints and opt for chewing gum instead. The minty taste lingers longer than the flavorless gum, so you won’t be able to smell yourself at dinner.
7. Keep your gums healthy.
Gum disease is a major cause of bad breath. Gum disease occurs when bacteria build up between teeth and gum tissue. This causes plaque buildup, which leads to inflammation and infection. The result is bad breath.
The best way to keep your gums healthy is to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Your dentist will examine your gums and recommend treatments that are right for you.
8. Consume More Probiotics
Probiotic foods contain live bacteria that help keep bad breath at bay. These include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso soup, pickles, olives, and tempeh.
If you’re not eating enough probiotic foods, consider adding them to your diet. Some of these foods are delicious, too!
9. Give Oil Pulling a Try
Oil pulling is a simple technique used to cleanse the body and remove toxins. The process involves swishing oil through the mouth for 20 minutes twice daily.
While there isn’t any scientific evidence proving this method works, many people swear by its effectiveness.
Home Remedies For Bad Breath
1. Use baking soda as an antiseptic rinse.
Baking soda can kill germs and reduce odor-causing bacteria on the surface of your tongue. Simply mix one teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water and swish around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit out the mixture and repeat once more.
2. Eat apples.
Apples have been shown to improve oral health and fight off harmful bacteria. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties.
3. Drink ginger tea.
Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that can eliminate odors from the digestive tract. Ginger tea also helps relieve gas pain and bloating.
4. Eat Parsley
Parsley contains volatile oils that freshen breath. You can add fresh parsley leaves to salads or sprinkle dried parsley over food before serving.
5. Chew cinnamon sticks.
Cinnamon has powerful antimicrobial properties that can combat bad breath. Just chew a few cinnamon sticks throughout the day to get the benefits.
6. Drink Pineapple juice
Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein molecules. Bromelain can prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that lead to halitosis.
7. Drink More Water
Water flushes away bacteria and other debris that clog your pipes and drains. It also keeps your mouth moist, which prevents dryness and bad breath.
Conclusion
Bad breath doesn’t have to be a problem if you know how to avoid it. By following some of these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy good breath without having to worry about embarrassing smells.
