6 Natural Ways to Reduce Bad Breath

Dentistry Tips

6 Natural Ways to Reduce Bad Breath

Sometimes you don’t have time to make it to the store to grab another bottle of mouthwash. But what if you’re in a pinch and need a quick fix for some bad breath? Look around the house to discover some natural remedies that can help sweeten your breath quickly. Here are 6 natural ways to… Continue Reading 6 Natural Ways to Reduce Bad Breath

Dr. Azy Nasiry

Dentist

Dr. Azy Nasiry

Dentist

Dr. Azy Nasiry is a cosmetic dentist at LA Dental Clinic in Los Angeles and a UCLA faculty member who teaches advanced cosmetic dentistry to practising dentists. She holds a Biomimetic Mastership from the Alleman Center, a certification held by only a small number of dentists in the United States, and developed the layered composite edge bonding technique the practice is known for. She has been treating patients in Los Angeles since 2008 and co-hosts the Smile Sisters Podcast.

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1. Drink the Right Beverages.

One easy way to reduce bad breath is to drink beverages that decrease bacteria growth. Two go-to beverages for the job are water and green tea.

Drinking water increases your saliva production, which continually washes away debris, bacteria, and food that can stay trapped on your teeth and become smelly plaque.
Green tea is both antibacterial and can deodorize because it contains antioxidants called polyphenols. If you don’t want to drink the 3-5 cups a day it takes to get the full benefits, you can also take a polyphenol supplement.

Meanwhile, you should make sure you don’t get dehydrated. Avoiding diuretics like black tea, alcohol, and coffee, which can dehydrate you and cause dry mouth, are going to help your breath smell better.

2. Try Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash

A DIY mouthwash made of a blend of apple cider vinegar and water can make your mouth more alkaline, which reduces or slows down bacteria growth. When your mouth is full of sugars and acids, bacteria is more likely to grow and create foul odors.

3. Brush with Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a highly absorbent material that is great at pulling out stains, toxins, and bacteria from the mouth. People have reported that there have been whitening effects from repetitive activated charcoal brushing. To do this quick remedy, simply get a capsule of activated charcoal, mix with water, and then brush with a toothbrush you don’t mind blackening for 3-5 minutes.

4. Do a Warm Salt Water Rinse

Salt water isn’t just good to soothe sore throats; it can also have an alkalizing effect like apple cider vinegar. This creates an environment in your mouth that isn’t amenable to bacteria growth.

5. Take Zinc

Zinc, a trace element that your body needs to perform at its peak, can actually be used to freshen your breath. Zinc has been observed in a few studies to stop sulfur compounds from building up in the mouth. Sulfur is what makes your breath stink, especially if you have tonsil stones. So reducing their presence will certainly keep your breath smelling better.

6. Explore Your Spice Cabinet

You don’t have to look far to find natural items that will help your breath. In fact, just open your spice cabinet and you’ll find basic cooking ingredients that have homeopathic uses.

Cinnamon- If you chew on a cinnamon stick, you’ll fight bad breath with its antimicrobial properties. It also contains fiber which promotes a diverse microbiome in the mouth, which leads to better oral health.
Cloves- This fragrant spice contains eugenol, which is highly antibacterial. To get the benefit, you need to chew on a whole clove, not use clove oil or the powdered form. Chew and roll the clove nub around your teeth to get the best effects.
Fennel- Chewing on fennel seeds increases saliva production which washes away odor-causing bacteria.
Dill- This herb is high in chlorophyll, which fights bad breath.
Cardamom- In India, people chew cardamom seeds to aid digestion and naturally freshen breath!
Star Anise- This attractive spice tastes like black licorice but can also kill bacteria on your tongue. It can also act like chewing gum and conceal bad breath.

Get Fresh Breath Today

Though natural remedies are great go-tos for minor touch-ups, bad breath can often be a side effect of a deeper dental issue. If you find yourself constantly at war with bad breath, come and get a checkup today.

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