Bad breath happens to all of us. We may eat a delicious dish that’s loaded with garlic or onions or we may suffer from dental disease. Either way, offensive-smelling breath can be embarrassing. Thankfully, there are plenty of common ingredients that can remedy bad breath. Read on to learn six easy ways you can improve your oral hygiene and keep your breath smelling fresh.
Saltwater. A simple swish of saltwater is a powerful and easy way to fight offensive breath. Warm salt water can kill bacteria in the mouth and throat. It’s also a great way to keep the mouth moist.
Cloves. When bad breath is a problem, try nibbling on some cloves. This spice contains eugenol, a natural chemical compound that acts as a potent breath freshener. An added benefit is that eugenol also has anesthetic properties that can alleviate pain from mouth sores and toothaches.
Tea tree oil. Over the centuries, tea tree oil has been lauded for its antiseptic properties and has been used to help conditions including acne, dandruff, and athlete’s foot. You can take advantage of its bad breath-fighting abilities by adding a few drops to your toothpaste before brushing.
Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has PH neutralizing capabilities that can fight bad breath. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of baking powder in a cup of water to create a powerful apple cider vinegar mouthwash.
Orange Peel. For sweet-smelling breath, trying eating not just an orange, but a bit of the peel, too. Orange peel is rich in Vitamin C, an excellent nutrient for fighting gum and dental disease. It also contains citric acid which can fight germs as well as stimulate the salivary glands.
Cinnamon. According to dental experts, cinnamon is a known bacteria killer. You can either chew on a small piece of cinnamon stick or make your own mouthwash by combining a half tablespoon of cinnamon powder, juice from two lemons, and a drop of honey.
Don’t forget to keep a toothbrush with you so that you can brush after every meal. Since the tongue can be a repository for bacteria, you may even want to try using a tongue scraper, too. But if bad breath persists, it’s a good idea to get a check-up and seek advice from your dentist.
