4 Natural Cures for Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an embarrassing problem that affects as many as 50 per cent of people, according to the American Dental Association. Why mask bad breath with mints and gum when you really need to be treating it at the source? Here are some natural remedies for bad breath which will help you to clean the odor-causing bacteria out of your mouth and smell fresh as a daisy.

The leading cause of bad breath is a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria love to feast on the scraps of food that remain in the mouth after eating. As bacteria break down the sugars in food to extract their energy, gases that make your breath smell bad are released. Although many products exist to cover up the smell, the most effective cure for halitosis is to tackle the bacteria that cause the problem in the first place.

Natural Remedies for Bad Breath

Tea Tree Oil!

1. Tea tree oil is a natural anti-bacterial agent that has been used for centuries as a cure for bad breath. Simply add a few drops to a cup of water to make a natural breath-freshening mouthwash.

Citrus=Fresh Breath!

2. Citrus fruits stimulate saliva production. One of the purposes of saliva is to fight bacterial growth in the mouth. Snack on orange segments during the day to keep your breath smelling wonderfully fresh.

Chew on Parsley!

3. Parsley contains chlorophyll, which freshens the breath by tackling the bacteria that cause bad smells. Chlorophyll is high in magnesium, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. Chew on some parsley after eating, or take chlorophyll tablets to tackle the problem internally.

Rinse with Baking Soda!

4. Rinsing with baking soda reduces acidity in the mouth, making it more difficult for bacteria to grow. The act of rinsing out your mouth also removes scraps of food that bacteria like to feast on.

Other Common Causes of Bad Breath

Smoking is a leading cause of bad breath. Not matter how much gum you chew, if you are a smoker the smell of tobacco will cling to your mouth, permeating anything you use to try to cover it up. Kicking the habit, or switching to an alternative nicotine delivery mechanism, such as patches or electronic cigarettes, will instantly improve the freshness of your breath.

Spicy foods, particularly garlic, contribute to halitosis. Cutting down on these foods or combining them with natural odor-neutralizers such as cloves, fennel or anise seeds will help to keep your breath smelling fresh.

Fresh Breath Comes From a Healthy Mouth

Following the above tips will help your breath to stay fresh throughout the day. In addition, remember to brush your teeth and tongue at least twice every day to keep your mouth healthy and clean. Remember that halitosis can be a sign of tooth decay or an indicator of an underlying health condition such as acid reflux or even diabetes. If your bad breath persists in spite of trying these natural breath-freshening techniques, see your doctor or dentist to rule out underlying oral or general health problems that could be causing your breath to smell.

Author Bio:
Guest post contributed by Laura Hobbs for Glebe Dental Group. Laura achieved a diploma in dental hygiene, she worked as a dental hygienist before taking an extended pause in her career to start a family. She now writes on the topic of dental health to help others keep their teeth healthy.

Tried any of these natural cures for bad breath? Tell us how they worked! If you know of any others, please share!