Bad breath is an exasperating condition. Though temporary bad breath caused due to onions, tuna, garlic, or spices wards off by itself in some time, bad breath associated with poor oral hygiene and other conditions prevail. While mouthwashes and mints promise fresher breath instantly, these might not be a permanent solution. Trying natural remedies is always a good idea since they cause no serious side effects and are affordable.
Some of the natural remedies to fight bad breath are:
- Parsley
The fresh scent of parsley and its high content of chlorophyll have a deodorizing effect on your oral cavity. It has been used for ages in folk medicine. Some studies conducted on animals revealed that consumption of parsley can fight the foul smell caused due to sulfur compounds.
You can chew a few leaves of parsley after every meal or simply pop a parsley supplement. - Water
One of the major causes of bad breath is dry mouth. It is caused due to the decreased hydration or decreased production of saliva. Saliva plays an important role not just in the digestion of food but also in the cleansing of mouth. It removes the bacteria in the mouth, preventing any plaque formation.
Dry mouth is commonly experienced at night, which is why you experience morning breath. However, this can be well avoided by keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day. Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. It is best to avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks since they only aggravate the situation. - Fennel seeds
The use of fennel seeds as mouth fresheners dates back to ancient times. Popularly used in the Indian subcontinent, fennel seeds help cleanse your mouth and impart fresher breath. They have aromatic essential oils that taste sweet and cause freshness. They can be consumed raw, roasted, or coated with sugar. - Pineapple juice
Pineapple juice fights bad breath in a quick span of time. Drinking a glass of fresh organic pineapple juice or eating a slice of pineapple after a meal helps avoid bad breath. Although there is no scientific backing, anecdotal reports suggest the effectiveness. Make sure you rinse your mouth with water after drinking the juice or eating the fruit to avoid any side effects from the sugar. - Green tea
Green tea has various health benefits. From weight reduction to glowing skin, green tea is effective. It also fights bad breath through its disinfectant and deodorizing properties. Since mint also has similar properties, they work well together. Brew green tea along with some mint leaves, and sip it throughout the day. - Orange
Owing to the various benefits as it contains vitamin C, oranges are also effectively used as a mouth freshener. It not only improves one’s dental hygiene but also enhances the production of saliva which helps fight dry mouth.
