Login
8 Ways to Naturally Get Rid of Bad Breath
Whether we ate a salad with lots of onions or we just enjoyed a cup of coffee, bad breath happens to the best of us. But there are those who suffer from chronic bad breath; and this is likely caused by imbalances in mouth bacteria or poor oral hygiene.
The good news is that there are easy, natural remedies to banish bad breath that don’t involve a sugary piece of gum.
1. Brush after every meal
This one is obvious, but brushing as often as you can for at least two minutes will prevent bacteria from sticking to food particles in your mouth (which then releases foul-smelling sulfur compounds). And don’t forget to floss at least once per day!
2. Replace your toothbrush every three months
While we’re discussing brushing, let’s not forget that it’s recommended that you change your toothbrush every three months. This is not so Oral B makes more money, it’s actually proven that a new toothbrush can remove more plaque than an older one (source). Also, as bristles become worn out they are more prone to bacterial growth.
3. Drink plenty of water
The more water you drink, the better your saliva flow, which keeps your mouth moist and discourages bacterial growth. A dry mouth is often the cause of bad breath, which is why most of us wake up with stinky breath. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
4. Scrape your tongue every morning
Scraping your tongue should be a part of your daily oral hygiene. Bacteria grows on your tongue, causing a bad odor. Removing a layer of film from your tongue with a scraper like this one, can help.
5. Chew a piece of lemon or orange rind
This tip is not as well known, but lemon and orange have antimicrobial properties. Also, the citric acid stimulates saliva production. Peel the rind straight from either a lemon or orange and chew it.
6. Gargle with a salt water rinse
Salt water is slightly acidic, so it can prevent the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Try this recipe:
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup warm water
Mix the salt and water, then swish around your mouth for about 10 seconds and spit out. Do not swallow.
7. Breath through your nose, not your mouth
Mouth breathing reduces saliva flow, creating a dry mouth. And a dry mouth is a breading ground for bacteria. Try this nose breathing exercise from Dr. Steven Lin: Hold your tongue to the roof of your mouth, behind your front teeth. Breathe in through your nose, making your belly rise. Breathe in for 3 seconds and exhale for 4 seconds. Do this for 2-3 minutes daily.
8. Use essential oils
Many essential oils have properties that support cleansing, fighting bacteria, and treating dry mouth. Take a look at these essential oils that are recommended for bad breath:
- Peppermint – helps fight off germs and neutralize mouth odor.
- Lemon – adding a few drops of lemon oil to water can help reduce acid indigestion.
- Clove – for years, it has been used in candies, gum, and dental preparations due to its ability to cleanse the mouth and help freshen breath.
- Orange – rich in the antioxidant limonene, orange oil may help to fight bad breath causing microbes (source).
- Spearmint – freshens breath and cleanses the mouth (that’s why it’s used in lots of toothpastes).
Click here to get your ‘fight bad breath essential oil bundle’ and wholesale membership.
And if you’re looking for a natural, non-toxic toothpaste and mouthwash, these are the ones my family uses:
- On Guard Natural Whitening Toothpaste – natural and fluoride-free solution to help clean teeth, reduce plaque, and whiten teeth with gentle polishing agents.
- On Guard Mouthwash – alcohol-free and formulated to clean teeth and gums, reduce plaque, and promote a healthy–looking mouth
Click here to get your oral hygiene bundle and wholesale membership.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.
