Bad breath is disgusting and annoying. No one likes to talk to someone whose breath smells bad – it ruins the whole conversation. Not only is it bad for the person smelling it, it is also bad for the person with the breath problem.
Having bad breath is embarrassing. It makes a person feel less confident, and it might even cause them to open their mouth less. No one wants to work their life around hiding an insecurity.
Bad breath might seem like just a social issue, but it can actually be a symptom of a deeper health issue. Bad breath can come from unhealthy gums, food sticking in teeth, smoking, alcohol, cavities, or poor hygiene in general. Sometimes it is a sign that we need to restructure our health regimes.
Although having bad breath – or Halitosis, as it is scientifically called – is pretty common, it is also easy to get rid of. All you need to do is make a change or two to your routine, and your breath will be fresh and wonderful again. Here are 8 natural remedies for bad breath.
1) Zinc
Zinc is just good for you. This mineral can help boost your immune system, and it can also break down volatile sulfur compounds that can cause bad breath.
Rinse your mouth out with a zinc mouthwash to get rid of the excess elements. Be sure to do this after each meal.
2) Green Tea
Green tea is a wonder for your health. Drinking it will help to remove toxins from your body. It can even help to clear skin, reduce fat, and fight bad breath. The antioxidants work to keep away the germs that cause bad breath.
To use green tea as a solution, drink 3-5 cups each day. In addition, consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants. Your breath will be fresh, and your body will be healthier.
3) Aloe Vera
Is there anything aloe vera isn’t good for? This powerful plant has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it great for your body as well as your skin. These features will also destroy your bad breath.
Use an aloe vera toothpaste or mouthwash, or make your own. To prepare the mouthwash yourself, boil a pot of water. Scrape the aloe, and mix it into the water. Then add mint for taste. Once it cools, bottle it up and use it after each meal.
4) Saltwater
Salt is able to neutralize the acidity in our mouths, which is caused by lingering germs. This is good for your health overall, and it is also a great cure for bad breath.
Mix together salt and warm water, and rinse your mouth with it. You can also gargle with this solution to soothe a sore throat.
5) Stay Hydrated
Bad breath can come from food, but it can also come from dehydration. Drinking water is key to staying healthy and looking and feeling your best. While it is typically recommended that the average adult drink 8 glasses of water a day, if you are consuming dehydrating foods like French fries or soda you should up your hydration.
Drinking water helps to flush toxins out of your body. It can help to clear skin, and it can flush out food that may have gotten stuck in your teeth. It will also keep your mouth more moist, so food is less likely to stick there.
6) Stress Less
Stress is horrible for our health. It can cause physical symptoms in our bodies, and bad breath is one of them. Stress blocks our bodies from regulating odor and producing saliva. Since saliva works to prevent bacterial infections, keeping stress in our bodies can lead to bad breath and other oral issues.
Find a way to de-stress each day. Practice mindfulness, meditate, work out, or practice art. Keep a daily diary, or spend quality time with loved ones. Find what relieves the stress in your life, and incorporate it into your schedule. Finally, worry less about life. In the end, the little things won’t matter anyway.
7) Essential Oils
Essential oils can contain strong healing and antibacterial properties. Some, such as clove oil and peppermint oil, really help in getting rid of bad breath. There are a few ways to incorporate essential oils into your oral hygiene routine.
Use toothpaste that contains essential oils as primary ingredients. Just be sure to do your research; some toothpaste brands claim to use these oils but only contain trace amounts. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your mouthwash. Mix it well, and rinse out your mouth. Certain oils can reduce gum inflammation or redness, while others boost the immune system.
8) Brush Your Tongue
When we talk about brushing, we always say, “brushing our teeth.” But you need to brush off your tongue, too. If left on the tongue, food particles can turn into a yellow/white coating that covers the tongue and causes bad breath. To prevent this, give your tongue a little scrape every time you brush your teeth.
If you have a minor breath problem, these simple solutions will work wonders. This advice should not, however, be taken in place of professional help. There are some issues that require medical assistance, such as swollen tonsils that need to be removed. If the problem persists, check with your doctor to find a long-term solution.
Bad breath is easy to get, but it is often just as easy to get rid of. Incorporate these simple practices into your hygiene routine for fresher breath and a more confident smile.
Source: The Daily Net