Written by Tracy Obeng Nyamekye
It’s quite irritating when you have to sit beside someone who has a bad breath. Do you know what is worse than that? Being the person with the bad breath.
There are so many things that can cause bad breath. It could be due to poor oral hygiene or even an underlying health condition. However, all hope isn’t lost since there are several remedies. Below are some things you can do to control or fix bad breath.
1. DRINK WATER.
It is no surprise that drinking water would help with bad breath. Water is essential for human survival. When the mouth is dry and there is no or little saliva, the mouth begins to smell. Drinking water keeps the mouth moist.
Saliva helps prevent bad breath.
2. RINSE WITH WARM SALT WATER.
Gargling salt water is a natural way to stop bad breath. Create a mixture of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to every 8 ounces of warm water. Swish a swig of the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat as needed.
3. CHEW ON CLOVES.
Cloves help freshen your breath instantly and fight off bacteria that cause cavities. Simply suck on or chew a few cloves a few times a day.
Do not use clove oil or powdered cloves as that can cause burns.
4. USE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR.
This remedy is perfect for onion and garlic breath. Get rid of these bad breath odours instantly with apple cider vinegar.
Add a generous amount of it to a glass of water and swish it around your mouth. Gargle for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
5. EAT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.
Did your know fruits and vegetables help freshen your breath?
Apples, celery, and carrots act as natural toothbrushes and help remove odour-causing bacteria from your teeth.
Oranges (vitamin C) help increase saliva production to fight bad breath.
6. FLOSS YOUR TEETH AND CLEAN YOUR TONGUE.
Flossing removes plaque build-up, bacteria, or food stuck between or on your teeth, which is often the culprit for bad breath.
Tongues can harvest all sorts of bacteria, making your breath smell bad.
To clean your tongue, gently scrub it with your toothbrush.
Make sure to rinse your toothbrush and mouth afterward.
With all these natural remedies, the best way to permanently end bad breath is by having a good dental hygiene routine. That includes:
• Brushing your teeth at least twice daily.
• Flossing your teeth at least twice daily.
• Visiting the dentist at least every six months.
• Using clean toothbrushes and changing them frequently at least every three months.
It doesn’t end here.
