Having bad breath when talking to someone can be such a turn-off. Some people may not know they have bad breath if someone does not tell them so. If not taken care of properly, your bad breath can become extremely bad, putting your oral health at risk. Various things can cause bad breath, and not all mean you necessarily have poor hygiene. Learn more below about what causes bad breath and five at-home remedies to help you get rid of bad breath fast!
What Causes Bad Breath?
Various things can cause bad breath. Some people have bad breath from stinky foods such as garlic and onion, while others have bad breath due to poor oral health. Smoking and drinking can also cause bad breath and a build-up of food residue. The reason bad breath occurs is that bacteria grow in your mouth, causing a strong odor to be produced. The sulfur compounds from food residue will be released and cause your breath to release a stinky odor. When we eat, smoke, drink, or simply breathe and are not brushing and flossing regularly, that bad odor and bacteria will build up, causing bad breath.
5 At-Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bad Breath Fast
If you want to get rid of your bad breath fast and efficiently, look at these five at-home remedies you can use!
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can help you freshen up your breath naturally in a few ways! Tea tree oil is a beneficial product that can help treat various infections and irritations and has other skin and health properties. Many people are unaware that tea tree oil can be added to your dental routine to beat that bad breath! Add a few drops of the oil to toothpaste and brush your teeth as usual. This will fight off the bad breath in your mouth without adding steps to your routine. If you want to receive the tea tree oil directly, you can swap out the toothpaste for just a few drops onto your toothbrush. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste is essential, but this allows the oil to get into your mouth and teeth directly. A final option is swishing around a few drops of tea tree oil in your mouth that has been diluted with warm water. This will act as a natural mouthwash and cleanse your mouth after you brush.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is another multipurpose product that benefits your bad breath. If you love eating onions, garlic, and other strong foods and beverages, apple cider vinegar is your friend! Use a few splashes of ACV in your water, and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. The vinegar will instantly kill the strong taste in your mouth and clean your bad breath right up! Spit it out after you gargle, and you will notice a fresh, clean taste and no bad breath in sight!
Eat More Fruits & Vegetables
Did you know eating more fruits and vegetables will help you prevent bad breath? When eating fruits and veggies, natural odor-removing properties are released into the mouth to fight bad breath or bacteria. Apples, carrots, and celery are three types of fruits and veggies known for being natural toothbrushes that can aid in your bad breath. Oranges are also great for bad breath because they contain high levels of vitamin C, which help increase saliva production to help eliminate odor-causing bacteria and fight bad breath.
Rinse With Warm Salt Water
Rinsing with warm salt water is an easy and effective way to remove bad breath. Gargling salt water is excellent for sore throats and bad breath because it helps remove bacteria that is stuck in the mouth and throat. Add ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, gargle in the back of your throat for about 30 seconds, rinse, and repeat a few times. Swish it around the front of your teeth and gargle to eliminate the bacteria and bad breath from the mouth.
Chew Gum
A final at-home remedy for your bad breath is to chew sugar-free gum. It may seem evident that chewing gum or having mints helps with your bad breath, but it is one of the easiest ways to eliminate your stinky breath if you are out and about. No one wants to get too close to someone with bad breath, but chewing on mint sugar-free gum is a great quick and easy way to cover up your bad breath.
Get Fresh Breath With Your Dentist
At Dr. Emma Wu & Associates, our dentists help patients in North Andover, MA, and surrounding areas freshen their breath and oral health! If you want ways to beat your bad breath and naturally freshen your mouth, our team is here to help! Please schedule an appointment for a routine cleaning and checkup by calling us at 978-686-2223 or filling out our contact form.