Signs and Symptoms of Bad Breath
Bad Breath, also known as Halitosis, is a condition almost everyone has experienced some time in their life. A simple way to check for bad breath is to cup your hands over your mouth and nose, give a puff as if blowing into a balloon, and then quickly sniff your breath. If you have bad breath, you will be able to tell based on the smell.
In most cases, bad breath is not serious, but it can lead to significant embarrassment and self-consciousness. In rare situations, halitosis can be a sign of a more serious problem. Therefore, if you have tried all of our bad breath remedies without any success, it is best to see your doctor or dentist to make sure there is not some more serious cause.
Causes of Bad Breath
Almost everything we put into our mouth, particulary food and drink, can make it smell less pleasant. For the majority of people, the most frequent cause of bad breath is associated with bacteria that live in the mouth, particularly on the tongue. This bacteria can build-up as a result of poor oral hygiene and a lack of flossing.
The most common triggers of Bad Breath include:
- food, particulary those high in protein
- not eating breakfast
- smoking
- antihistamines and other drugs or medications
- sinus problems
- mouth sores
- plaque
- cavities
- tooth infections or gum disease (gingivitis)
- stress
- dehydration
- significant talking
- zinc deficiency
- gastrointestinal disorders (indigestion or stomach problems)
- serious illnesses such as cancer, tuberculosis, or syphillis
Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Bad Breath
Bad Breath Home Remedy Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has recently been used as an effective mouthwash that provides long-lasting relief from bad breath. Simply dilute 1/2 tablespoon of the vinegar into a glass of water and gargle it in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time. Also drinking a glass of water with 1/2 tsp of organic ACV in the morning may help balance the acidity levels in the stomach which is often one of the causes of bad breath.
Bad Breath Home Remedy Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is a fantastic remedy for bad breath, since it changes the pH (acidity) level in your mouth, which results in a less friendly environment for odor-causing bacteria. Simply add some baking soda onto your toothbrush, brush with it, and then rinse with water. Another option is to purchase toothpastes that already contain a small amount of baking soda. It is also important to brush the top of your tongue with your toothbrush every morning, since this helps dislodge many odorous particles that contribute to bad breath.
Herbal Remedy for Bad Breath with Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil, is a natural cure for bad breath when used as a toothpaste additive. Simply add a drop of the oil to your toothpaste right before you brush.
You can also create a Tea Tree Oil mouthwash by adding 3 drops of the oil to a cup of warm water. Gargle this solution two to three times a day, preferably after each meal.
NOTE: It is important that you always spit out the Tea Tree Oil mouthwash or toothpaste. Never swallow it.
Oral Hygiene
1A study shows that a group of participants who followed an oral hygiene routine of brushing their teeth, followed by tongue scraping and using a mouthwash had significantly reduced bad breath after 7 days. Therefor, maintaining a routine of brushing, flossing, tongue scraping and use of a good anti-bacterial mouthwash may help with bad breath.
Natural Remedy for Bad Breath Using Citrus Fruits
Bad breath is often simply the result of a dry mouth. If this is the case, simply eating a citrus fruit that is high in citric acid (such as an orange, lemon, or grapefruit) can help improve your breath significantly. The acid in such fruits stimulates the saliva, which helps suppress some of the odor-causing bacteria. At the same time, the tangy taste of such fruits leaves the mouth smelling fresh.
Coconut Oil Pulling for Bad Breath
2Coconut Oil pulling is a traditional oral hygiene practice where you gently swish about a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10–20 minutes before spitting it out. Coconut oil contains natural compounds that may help reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, which can contribute to bad breath (halitosis). Some small clinical trials suggest that coconut oil pulling can help lower bacteria levels in saliva and offer effects similar to those of antiseptic mouthwashes, making it a soothing, low-risk addition to regular brushing and flossing when used as a complementary practice.
References
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Impact of different oral hygiene aids for the reduction of morning bad breath among dental students: a crossover clinical trial - ^
The Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Physiological Halitosis This randomized controlled pilot trial examined the effects of coconut oil pulling on bad breath and compared it with conventional mouthwash.
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