We all experience the embarrassment of bad breath from time to time. Fortunately, there are a variety of over-the-counter products available to freshen your breath – from mouthwash to breath mints and much more. But if you prefer a more natural approach to tackling the issue of bad breath, you should be pleased to know that there are several effective home remedy options as well.
- Improve your hygiene habits. One of the most common causes of bad breath is not brushing and flossing often enough. Simply brushing (at least twice a day) and flossing (at least once a day) on a regular basis can not only improve your breath, but your oral health as well.
- Stay hydrated. Another common reason for bad breath is dry mouth. To help prevent this from happening to you, drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will encourage your mouth to produce more saliva, which will keep your breath fresher.
- Munch on parsley. If you’ve ever wondered why so many restaurants garnish their dishes with fresh parsley, now you know – it is a natural remedy to combat bad breath.
- Eat yogurt. The probiotics in yogurt not only benefit your digestion; they also help to eliminate bad breath. This is due to a healthy bacteria in yogurt called lactobacillus, which helps to fight off the bad bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath.
- Drink milk. Most of us know that the calcium in milk can help to strengthen our teeth and bones, but you may not know that milk also freshens your breath. Drinking a glass either during or right after a meal can be a healthy choice all the way around.
- Eat an apple. Eating a fresh, crisp apple provides all sorts of benefits. The vitamins and minerals in the apple help your overall health, and the natural compounds act to freshen your breath.
- Enjoy a cup of green tea. The deodorizing properties in green tea work well to eliminate bad breath, at least temporarily. Adding a sprig of mint will make your breath even fresher.
If you continue to experience persistent bad breath, talk to your dentist. While it’s true that most people have bad breath simply due to eating certain foods – such as garlic or onions, for example – persistent bad breath may be a sign of an oral health issue such as tooth decay or gum disease. If your breath doesn’t get better, your dentist can help.
