No matter how hard we try to make a great first impression with our appearance, there are many other things that decide how people see and remember us. And yes, your breath is one of the most important things to keep in mind. If you’re not careful about the way your breath smells, it’s time you think about it.
Having fresh breath is part of good etiquette, and also good to keep in mind from both a personal hygiene and social skills perspective (meaning, if doing it for yourself isn’t motivation enough, use these fine home remedies for bad breath for the sake of the others at least, please!).
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So, if you want to stay healthy and not off put your loved ones (or clients and potential loved ones) around you, swear to remedy your bad breath right now!
The causes of bad breath that you need to be aware of – now!
1. If your oral hygiene is lacking, persistent growth and accumulation of bacteria can lead to bad breath over time.
2. Your eating habits directly affect your breath. Eating strongly flavored foods like garlic, spices, onion, and others can cause your breath to be unpleasant.
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3. What you drink can also have an impact on your breath. For instance, strong smelling drinks like alcohol and coffee can lead you to have bad breath instantly.
4. Bad breath is one of the many harmful effects of smoking. Not only that, it also stains your teeth, diminishes your sense of taste, and can also cause gum and tooth diseases.
5. Not sticking to a healthy diet can (surprisingly so!) lead to bad breath. When you crash diet, your body starts breaking down the fat to meet your energy needs, which results in the production of chemicals called ketones – causing your breath to smell foul.
6. Dehydration or dry mouth are other causes of bad breath. This happens after your saliva production slows while you are asleep.
7. Bad breath can be a side effect of a sinus infection or seasonal allergies. When mucus production increases in the sinuses, it can trickle down and cause your breath to smell bad.
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8. The natural sculpting of your mouth with the shape of teeth, the dentures, and the vacancies leave room for food and other materials to get left behind and cause your breath to smell foul.
9. Certain medications can intensify the smell of your breath based on their chemical makeup. The most common cause is the presence of nitrates in your medicines.
10. When you are suffering from a disease like xerostomia, GORD, gum diseases and others, having bad breath can be a natural side effect. Untreated medical conditions like these often make your breath unpleasant.
Now that we’ve counted ten of the most common causes of unpleasant breath, the next step is finding effective and easy cures. Here are some of the best home remedies telling you how to cure bad breath in no time. Bring out your notepads and get rid of your foul breath once and for all!
1. Regular brushing
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One of the best home remedies for bad breath is preventing it from happening altogether. Sticking to your brushing routine every day promises you perfect oral health with no room for bad breath. So here’s what you need to do – brush at least twice a day (once before going to bed and then after waking up!), rinse your mouth (at least) after every meal (especially when it’s something sweet), floss regularly, and never put your dentist appointments off.
2. Water – the (emergency) magical cure (and don’t you forget it!)
When you know your breath doesn’t smell right, turn to water for some help. Just fill your mouth with water, rinse it well, and repeat until the foulness isn’t there anymore. Gulp some more water and have a quick gargle, making sure it’s all clean and clear. Then, just let some water stay in your mouth for a minute or two for the moisturizing benefits as well.
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3. Ditch the bad breath with baking soda
What makes baking soda such a great bad breath remedy is its effectiveness in getting rid of the increased acid levels in your mouth and fighting oral bacteria like no other. Rinsing your mouth with a glass full of warm water with about half a teaspoon of baking soda will do the trick for you, and you can even add a pinch to your toothbrush before brushing (if it’s that bad!).
4. Fennel can help your breath
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Packed with antimicrobial properties, fennel has always been one of the most popular mouth fresheners all around the world. All it takes is chewing a spoonful of fennel and you’ll have your saliva production well stimulated and bacteria gone for good. Fennel tea is also an amazing option for regular oral care.
5. Apple cider vinegar sweetens your breath well
A powerful remedy for the foul breath you’re suffering from, apple cider vinegar is packed with a pH balancing effect that’s just unbeatable. Gulping a glass full of unfiltered apple cider vinegar diluted in water does the trick while aiding your digestion process as well.
6. Cinnamon is a great home remedy for unpleasant breath
Curbing bacteria in your mouth, cinnamon also contains cinnamic aldehyde that treats bad breath well. Rinsing your mouth with a cupful of water boiled with cinnamon powder and some cardamom, supplies your mouth with ample amount of this essential oil to work its wonders. Do it twice a day!
7. Just a few drops of lemon juice can rid you of foul breath
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The acidic strength of lemon juice is the perfect weapon to fight the bacteria in your mouth. It masks the odor of your breath with its strong smell, making it the perfect solution. All you need to do is rinse your mouth with a cupful of water with lemon drops and some salt.
8. You can bet on fenugreek to freshen your breath
Your best bet for curing bad breath caused by catarrhal infections in particular is fenugreek tea. It is a must-have addition to your daily beverages. All it takes is boiling some fenugreek seeds in a cupful of water, strain it, and your odor troubles get strained away along with it.
9. Let parsley slay your bad breath troubles
The chlorophyll packed in the parsley works wonders in curbing bad breath for you. You can chew it to freshen up your breath any time (or even dip it in vinegar). If you ingest the juice of the herb, you’ll be able to extract many digestive benefits as well.
10. Cloves are the timeless cure that work wonders for your breath
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Their antibacterial powers help freshen your breath in no time. All you need to do is munch on the cloves for a while. You can even make clove tea and revel in the deep flavor.
11. Any and all fresh vegetables are your shields against bad breath
Fresh veggies offer you sweet juice and healthy fiber – so munching on them not only saves you from stale breath, but also gives you an overall health boost.
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12. The best way out of foul breath is avoiding potent foods
Avoiding foods like garlic, raw onions, and other foods that contain sulfur is a great way to prevent your bad breath problems. They are packed with pungent odors that linger for long periods. So, while you are avoiding these foods, don’t forget to limit your coffee and alcohol intake as well.
Now that you’ve got the answer to your troublesome unpleasant breath questions, life is going to be quite a lot easy for you. Using the kitchen magic we’ve just shared, you’re not only going to stay healthier, but you’re also helping others be happy. With all these amazingly effective home remedies for bad breath, we hope that you’re ready to show it off on your first date, your job interview, and everywhere you go.
With your breath freshened up, the world is a bit better place to live in and all the credit goes to you!
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