How to get rid of bad breath
Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. Here are some home remedies which can help you to come over this problem.
1. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.
2. A soft rubber wiper called a tongue scraper can remove bacteria at the back of the tongue, which brushing can miss.
3. Brushing alone only cleans up to about 60% of the surface of your teeth. Flossing removes food trapped between teeth, which would otherwise turn stale and smelly.
4. The best time to use mouthwash is just before bedtime. There are many different types of mouthwash. Most are alcohol-based. Alcohol can dry out or irritate your mouth, so if you have problems, switch to an alcohol-free brand that contains chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide.
5. The chewing stimulates saliva and stops your mouth drying out. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath. But gum is not a substitute for proper oral hygiene. Always clean your teeth thoroughly, even if you’ve chewed gum.
6. It’s a chance to have a deep clean of your teeth and review your oral hygiene practices. You’ll also get a definitive answer on whether you’ve got bad breath.
7. If you smoke, your breath is likely to smell of stale smoke. Smoking cigarettes also increases your risk of getting gum disease, which is another cause of bad breath.
8. Take fruits high in vitamin C, for example. Melons, berries and citrus fruits such as oranges are packed with vitamin C, something that doesn’t sit well with the bacteria in your mouth.Celery, carrots and apples are all good options to munch after a meal because these fiber-packed foods will help remove any food that’s stuck in your teeth.
9. Green tea helps keep your breath fresh because it has antibacterial compounds that fight the germs in your mouth.
10. Mint, parsley, basil, cilantro and dill temporarily mask offending oral odors because they release scented essential oils when chewed or crushed. While these herbs offer a quick solution to rancid breath, they also contain high levels of chlorophyll that can provide long-term benefits.
11. Chew cardamom to get rid of bad breath quickly for a shorter time. Cardamom seeds are very effective mouth freshener and it can eliminate the hard smell of alcohol and smoke also. It also helps to produce more saliva in your mouth to fight with bacteria.
12. Clove is also very effective for bad breath. It does not only fight bacteria but also treat most of the oral disease like Gum Cavities, Gum Bleeding and give instant relief from tooth ache.
13. Gargle every day with warm salt water. Salt water is a natural home remedy to get rid of bad breath because of oral disease. Just add a spoon of salt in a glass of water and boil it and gargle with it for two to three minutes. It helps to kill bacteria and treat infection and gum cavities. It also treats throat infection.
14. Drink water. Swish the water between your teeth from side to side. Water won’t necessarily increase saliva production, but it’ll wash out your mouth and it’s good for you.
15. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications and medical conditions. Ask your doctor about switching medications, or addressing the underlying condition.
16. Avoid notorious stink foods like onions, garlic, cheese, and coffee (or at least brush vigorously after eating them)
17. As your body breaks down fats instead of carbs for energy, it creates ketones, some of which are released in your mouth.
Unfortunately, ketones smell bad, and so will your breath. If you’re on a strict carb-restricting diet, or any diet that forces you to burn fat instead of carbs, consider throwing healthy carb-rich snacks into the mix, like apples or bananas.