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What are the Best Bad Breath Remedies?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Bad breath is a condition that just about everyone experiences at one time or another. Depending on the reasons for the foul-smelling breath, there are a number of different remedies that will banish the noxious aroma that drives people away, and leave the breath fresh and inviting. Some of these methods are simple strategies that can be managed at home, while other approaches may require the help of a professional.

One of the most basic bad breath remedies has to do with assessing dental hygiene. People who do not brush after each meal, use mouthwash on a regular basis, or utilize dental floss from time to time greatly enhance the chances for bad breath. Talking with a dentist and learning how to practice proper dental hygiene with greatly minimize the incidence of bad breath, as well as help prevent a number of health problems.

A tongue scraper, which can help with bad breath.
A tongue scraper, which can help with bad breath.

Making other lifestyle changes is another approach to banishing bad breath. Avoid the use of tobacco products, and limit consumption of coffee. Basic changes in habits of this nature are among some of the simplest bad breath remedies, and may also help the individual to feel better in general.

Assuming that the dental hygiene regimen is good, the problem may have to do with the types of foods consumed. Garlic and onions are notorious for causing bad breath, but other foods like asparagus may also trigger the condition with some people. Try leaving off some of the foods that seem to cause the breath to go sour, and see if some type of difference takes place.

Smoking cigarettes can cause bad breath.
Smoking cigarettes can cause bad breath.

Herbs are among the favorite bad breath remedies for many people. Chewing a small amount of mint leaves can often freshen the breath considerably. Parsley also is a great cure for bad breath. Brewing a simple tea with several sprigs of parsley and a small amount of ground cloves creates a beverage that is not only healthy, but also will help banish bad breath quickly. Some people find that chewing guava also has an immediate effect, as does chewing orange or lemon rinds.

Mouthwash may be helpful in eliminating bad breath.
Mouthwash may be helpful in eliminating bad breath.

There are instances in which the origin of the bad breath is a digestive problem. When this is the case, bad breath remedies like eating guava may be the ideal solution. Guava is an excellent source of minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as containing tannic and phosphoric acids that can help with the digestive disorder. As the problems in the digestive tract subside, the breath begins to improve noticeably.

Guava is particularly helpful if bad breath stems from a digestive issue.
Guava is particularly helpful if bad breath stems from a digestive issue.

When simple bad breath remedies don’t seem to eliminate the problem, there may be an underlying health issue causing the foul breath. A physician can run the proper tests to determine if the bad breath is a symptom of a serious issue, and take steps to treat the problem before the condition worsens. Often, the bad breath will begin to subside as the treatment begins to make an impact on the health problem, making it possible to once again maintain fresh breath by practicing good dental hygiene.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • A tongue scraper, which can help with bad breath.
      By: chatursunil
      A tongue scraper, which can help with bad breath.
    • Smoking cigarettes can cause bad breath.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      Smoking cigarettes can cause bad breath.
    • Mouthwash may be helpful in eliminating bad breath.
      By: ijacky
      Mouthwash may be helpful in eliminating bad breath.
    • Guava is particularly helpful if bad breath stems from a digestive issue.
      By: wuttichok
      Guava is particularly helpful if bad breath stems from a digestive issue.
    • Chewing parsley can help get rid of bad breath.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Chewing parsley can help get rid of bad breath.
    • Vitamin supplements may help tame bad breath.
      By: Scott Griessel
      Vitamin supplements may help tame bad breath.
    • Limiting consumption of coffee may help treat bad breath.
      By: volff
      Limiting consumption of coffee may help treat bad breath.
    • Onions have been known to cause bad breath.
      By: Natika
      Onions have been known to cause bad breath.
    • Chewing mint leaves may help relieve bad breath.
      By: Dionisvera
      Chewing mint leaves may help relieve bad breath.
    • Chewing gum can help get rid of bad breath.
      By: TomFreeze
      Chewing gum can help get rid of bad breath.
    • Chlorophyll works as a deodorizer to treat bad breath.
      By: Maksim Shebeko
      Chlorophyll works as a deodorizer to treat bad breath.
    • Flossing can remove food particles that might cause bad breath.
      By: Steve Morvay
      Flossing can remove food particles that might cause bad breath.
    • For some people, chronic bad breath can be a sign of a serious health condition, like cancer or diabetes.
      By: Gina Sanders
      For some people, chronic bad breath can be a sign of a serious health condition, like cancer or diabetes.
    • When simple bad breath remedies don't work, it could mean there's an underlying cause for the problem.
      By: carla9
      When simple bad breath remedies don't work, it could mean there's an underlying cause for the problem.