Home Remedies for Bad Breath – 7 Natural Treatments

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can be an extremely embarrassing problem. The issue isn’t a serious one, but it could leave you feeling dirty, uncomfortable, self-conscious, or even socially isolated. With Americans spending upwards of $6.7 billion total on mouth freshening products in 2007, it is no surprise to find out that bad breath is the 3rd top reason for seeking dental aid. But you’ll be happy to find out that artificial mouth freshening products simply aren’t necessary, that there are many home remedies for bad breath that can be taken advantage of.

Primary Causes

Bad breath is an issue with many causes as well as many solutions. The primary cause of bad breath is overall poor dental hygiene, but there are other certainly other causes to consider. Here are the main reasons you may be experiencing bad breath:

• Poor dental hygiene – plaque, rotting food in between the teeth, gum disease
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Abscessed tooth
• Cavities
• Acid reflux
• Dentures
• Eating certain foods
• Tobacco
• Medication
• Diabetes

The issue of bad breath may seem trivial, and it likely is at first, but it could lead to numerous other problems you simply won’t want to deal with. Luckily, there are many natural ways to get rid of bad breath naturally. If you want to go a different route than artificial mouth freshening products, try utilizing one or more of the home remedies for bad breath listed below.

Home Remedies for Bad Breath

• Brush Your Teeth – It is essential for most people to brush regularly (preferably with fluoride-free toothpaste) not only to wipe away bad breath, but to maintain oral health. Brushing at least twice a day will help to reduce plaque buildup and reduce any chances of developing gum disease. Brushing with a split mixture of Himalayan salt and baking soda can be especially effective. Brush your tongue along with your teeth.
• Floss – Along with brushing, flossing is another important step in maintaining oral health and subsequently reducing the chance for bad breath. These are basic tips, but important ones nonetheless. Try to make a habit by always flossing after you brush your teeth at the end of the day. Some people will see a notable difference in oral health in a just one week.
• Oil Pulling – By engaging in an activity known as oil pulling, which involves swishing oil around in your mouth, you can boost oral health and kill bacteria in your mouth. It may not be  a great short-term solution, but it’s certainly an interesting long-term solution to consider. and even whiten your teeth. The process is also used as one of many teeth whitening home remedies.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – It may seem odd, but many people attest to apple cider vinegar’s ability to rid bad breath away. Just mix a tablespoon of ACV in some water and use it as a mouthwash, gargling for 10 seconds at a time.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – One of the most popular home remedies for bad breath, hydrogen peroxide is one of the top solutions on Earthclinic. Simply mix 3 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide with 5 parts water and use the mixture as a mouthwash. Some have found mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to be a solutions as well. The effect should last much longer than typical mouthwash. (Note: It is recommended to replace mercury fillings before using hydrogen peroxide, as mercury may be leached with use).
• Parsley – A bacteria-killing compound found in parsley chlorophyll is great for handling unwanted bacteria in the mouth. Just chew some parsley leaves or nibble on a sprig to get rid of bad breath.
• Fennel seeds – Fennel seeds not only add a desirable odor to your breath, but they also prevent overgrowth of bacteria by alkalizing saliva. Further, these seeds are super easy to carry while out of the house or traveling.

Other Tips to Get Rid of Bad Breath

• Avoid certain foods or drinks if you don’t want your breath to smell at a specific time. Foods include onions, garlic, coffee, beer, wine, whiskey, and cheese.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth.
• Supplement with zinc. Zinc helps maintain a clean mouth.
• Tea tree oil. Just place some drops of tea tree oil on your toothbrush along with your toothpaste. Alternatively, coat your floss in tea tree oil.
• Using equal parts of sage, calendula, and myrrh extracts, create a mixture and gargle with the mixture four times daily. Keep the mixture tightly sealed in a container.
• Take probiotics and shift to a healthy diet. A deficiency in beneficial flora in your gut could be the cause of bad breath.
• Use organic mint

As always, remember to share which solutions you use to get rid of bad breath, as well as which home remedies for bad breath haven’t worked for you.

Additional Sources:

MayoClinic

eMedicineHealth

Webmd