34 Effective Home Remedies For Bad Breath In Children & Adults

updated: 11/15/2019

There are few things more unpleasant and uncomfortable in social situations like talking to someone with bad breath. Do you suffer from bad breath? It can be quite an unpleasant situation at a first date or a job interview, and there’s nothing you can do except grimace inwardly. Treating underlying diseases such as tooth decay, gastroesophageal reflux disease or gum disease may help combat this issue. Besides, you can get rid of bad breath by using a lot of natural treatments. Let’s have a look at these effective home remedies for bad breath in children and adults on our site.

 

• Home remedies for tooth decay odor and pain
• Home remedies for tooth infection, toothache, and swelling
• Home remedies for gum disease for children and adults

What Is Bad Breath?

Bad breath or halitosis is a disease when the person’s mouth releases bad breath or produces unpleasant breath odour when spoken. Concern about bad breath is estimated to be the most common reason for people seeking dental care, after decay and periodontal disease (gingivitis), with about 20% of the general population reported to be bad breath. According to the General Dental Institute, in more than 90% of the cases, odors originate from the mouth, throat, and tonsils^[1]. According to research and statistics in the United States, hundreds of millions of people worldwide suffer from bad breath. They may experience bad breath at the present time or at another time in their lives, creating psychological anxiety that haunts the person.

Bad breath is a disease that does not cause pain and other serious consequences such as other dental diseases but it affects the quality of life of people who are unlucky enough to suffer from this disease.

It is a common manifestation in many people, even healthy people, whose mouth is usually smelly in the morning when we wake up.

Bad breath is a fairly common disease that can be experienced by both adults and children. Bad breath can be temporary or may last for a variety of reasons. The intensity of bad breath can differ during the day, because of eating certain foods including garlic, meat, onions, cheese, and fish), alcohol consumption, and smoking.

What Are Common Causes Of Bad Breath?

Here are some of the main causes of bad breath:

• Dry Mouth

The moisture in the mouth helps to keep it clean. If your mouth is dry, it will create a perfect environment for the development of bad breath. Your drunken mouth may be caused by long conversations, coffee or alcohol, or because you have a habit of snoring, etc. Most people find their mouth odor in the morning. It is because when you sleep, your mouth does not produce enough saliva, which makes your mouth dry, bacteria are easy to grow, causing bad breath. For healthy people, bad breath can be improved or lost after brushing. But for people with dry mouth, bad breath is difficult to remove just by brushing. They even suffer from bad breath all day.

• Smoking

Smoking causes the mouth to dry higher, causing bacteria in the mouth to develop, leading to bad breath. Smoking is associated with periodontal disease that is the second most common reason for oral malodor. We all know that the rate of smokers suffering from dental diseases is much higher than that of ordinary people. 

• Xerostomia

Chronic dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, causes bad breath for many people. According to a study by Quirynen (2009), chronic dry mouth disease is the primary cause of approximately 3% of bad breath cases.

Chronic dry mouth can also be caused by taking certain medications. Medications such as antidepressants, antihypertensive medications, etc. can cause this.

Age can also cause bad breath. In order not to get dry, the mouth needs to produce enough saliva. But we all know that when you grow older, your mouth is less active. This means that the mouth does not produce enough saliva to help prevent the mouth from drying. Thus, older people are often susceptible to chronic dry mouth. 

Persons with chronic oral diarrhea are more likely to develop oral and gingivitis. Gum disease or periodontal disease is complex. Gum disease also causes bad breath to develop and makes this disease more difficult to remove.

• Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Another cause of bad breath is gingivitis and periodontitis (two forms of gum disease).

For people with active periodontal disease, their mouths have a very characteristic odor. Doctors can detect their disease even when they have not had a medical examination. In short, bacteria are created by active periodontal disease that causes bad breath.

Quirynen has determined that about 15% of people with bad breath suffer from gum disease, and 24% of people have bad breath caused by it and bacterial coatings on their tongue.

• Foods

Bad breath can be aggravated if you eat certain foods such as onions and garlic. This is because they contain sulfur compounds. Foods such as fish, meat, and milk are high in protein, also indirectly creating sulfur gas, causing bad breath. Coffee, fruit juices, citrus fruits, tomato sauces, eggs, acidic pickles also make your mouth feel foul.

If you drink a lot of alcohol, the oral cavity is dry, the salivary gland decreases activity and cannot clean the oral cavity. Therefore, bacteria have the opportunity to reproduce and cause unpleasant odors.

When you eat sweets, sugar will cause the bacteria in the oral cavity to multiply rapidly, causing the breath to smell.

• Poor Dental Hygiene

Taking care of your teeth is very important. If you do not look after your teeth, your kidneys will cause bacterial buildup in your mouth. Bacteria can cling to teeth, gums and persist for a long time in the mouth. If not treated, these bacteria will be able to heal on the teeth, forming plaque on the teeth. These plaques will gradually damage your teeth and gums, causing bad breath. Deep teeth or dirty dentures can also cause bad breath.

• Illness And Disease

According to the study, about 10% of patients have bad breath because they have other diseases. People with liver disease, liver failure, ketoacidosis, diabetes, respiratory infections or gastrointestinal disorders, often suffer from dry mouth or xerostomia. Inflammation, bronchitis, pneumonia can also cause you bad breath.

What Are Symptoms Of Bad Breath?

• Offensive Breath

Sensitive breath is the most noticeable symptom of halitosis. The fact that you realize it by yourself, or you have been told by others will show you that problem clearly.

• Hard To Pick Up On One’s Own Scent

People with bad breath lose confidence. People who talk to you may feel uncomfortable. However, you do not realize you have bad breath. The simplest way is to lick up your wrist, wait about 5 seconds and then try to smell. In this way, you can determine if you have bad breath.

• Problems Of Mouth

You may see some problems with your mouth. If your mouth feels bitter like the metal taste, your tongue is covered with a white layer, or your mouth produces thick saliva, you could have bad breath.

• Hard To Speak Or Swallow

Many people with bad breath due to dry mouth often have difficulty speaking and swallowing. When speaking or swallowing, they feel pain, dryness, burning sensation.

• Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory infection is also a symptom of bad breath. When you have a respiratory infection, you may have a long-standing cough, a sore throat, and a fever.

Who Is At Risk Of Bad Breath?

People who smoke or drink alcohol or have a habit of eating foods such as garlic or onions are at high risk for halitosis. People who have bad oral hygiene habits are also at high risk.

When To See A Doctor?

Although bad breath is less related to serious illnesses, if you experience the symptoms we have listed above, accompanied by a persistent fever, you should see a doctor for advice. It is also essential to see a dentist at least twice a year.

Top 34 Effective Home Remedies For Bad Breath In Children And Adults

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Using apple cider vinegar is one of the home remedies for bad breath. It has antibacterial properties that help greatly in reducing halitosis. It also restores the pH balance in the mouth. Apple cider vinegar is a product of natural fermentation. It further contains many beneficial ingredients such as amino acids, acetic acid, and along with many vitamins, minerals etched. Due to its high acid content, it has a high level of deflating effect, combined with good vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth^[2].

Method 1: Just Apple Cider Vinegar

• Make a solution of the 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and a glass of cold water.
• Use this as a mouthwash. Gargle for 3-5 minutes.
• Rinse your mouth with plain water.
• Do this in the morning and also before going to bed.

Note: You can use fruit juice instead of water.

Method 2: Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle

• Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water.
• Use this mixture to rinse your mouth for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Spit out and rinse your mouth with clean water.
• Make this remedy routine to get a pleasant breath and improve or avoid bad breath.

Method 3: Apple Cider Vinegar And Parsley

• Dip a small parsley into a glass of apple cider vinegar.
• Get it out and chew it thoroughly.
• After chewing for 2-3 minutes, you can swallow it. If you do not like the taste of it, you can spit it out
• Follow this remedy regularly to prevent or get rid of bad breath.

Method 4: Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey Cocktail

• Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey into a glass of warm water.
• Stir the water thoroughly and drink
• Repeat it once in the morning before breakfast and again at night to get the best results.

Note: Before using this method, pregnant women or lactating women should consult a doctor first.

You can also apply the following way:

• Mix 1 tablespoon apple vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon water.
• Stir well and drink
• Apply this remedy 3 times a day to cure bad breath

Method 5: Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash

• Brush your teeth thoroughly
• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water.
• Stir well and use it to rinse
• Apply this remedy regularly to get the best result.

Method 6: Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda

• Mix 1 teaspoon apple, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with a cup of warm water.
• Stir well this water cup and drink.
• Try following this remedy regularly to get quick results

Besides, you can make toothpaste from apple cider vinegar and baking soda

• Mix 1/2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
• Mix well to make a thick paste like toothpaste
• Put on the brush and brush your teeth gently with this mixture
• Use it on a regular basis.

Method 7: Apple Cider Vinegar And Cinnamon

• Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon powder with a cup of water.
• Stir this cup of water and drink it
• Regularly apply this remedy to reduce or prevent bad breath.

Method 8: Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar And Water

• Mix 2 to 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 3 to 4 teaspoons of sugar with a cup of water.
• Stir well to make the sugar dissolve
• Drink this cup of water to reduce or prevent bad breath.

Precautions:

• Using apple cider vinegar or lemon juice regularly can ruin your enamel. So just use the modulation according to the instructions of each remedy above to get the best effect. Always remember to really rinse your mouth after you use apple cider vinegar to avoid unwanted side effects
• Buy apple cider vinegar at trusted addresses to avoid counterfeit goods

2. Activated Charcoal

Among home remedies for bad breath, using activated charcoal is one of the most effective ways. Activated charcoal absorbs the impurities in your mouth and kills harmful bacteria. It is also good for whitening your teeth^[3] and eliminating bad breath^[4]. It can also buffer the natural pH of your mouth, maintaining its microbiome balance. The activated charcoal powder works by getting rid of food particles from in between the surface of your tongue and tooth gaps. 

What you have to do are:

• Use 1/2 teaspoon activated charcoal to brush your teeth with
• Rinse mouth with water
• Apply this remedy 2-3 times a week until you achieve the desired results.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a very popular ingredient for oral hygiene. It has high antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. That’s why it may keep the mouth clean, healthy, and bacteria-free^[5]. The oil is as effective as a standard chlorhexidine mouthwash at decreasing Streptococcus mutans – one of the main bacteria the mouth^[6]. Besides, daily coconut oil pulling may significantly lower markers of gingivitis^[7]. 

• Gargle with coconut oil for 5 to 10 minutes and then spit out
• Use warm water to rinse your mouth
• Repeat this remedy regularly until you have bad breath.

4. Epsom Salt

This remedy is one of little – known home remedies for bad breath. Epsom salt possesses natural antibacterial properties that may fight oral bacteria while removing odor in the mouth^[8]. Gargling with it also acts as a germicide to help keep your mouth clean.

• Mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt in a glass of lukewarm water.
• Gargle with this.
• Do this every day initially. After a while, do it every alternate day.

Note: Avoid swallowing too much Epsom salt solution because it is a known laxative. If you suffer from kidney disease, don’t consume magnesium sulfate. 

5. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil helps kill bacteria very well. In addition, the oil also has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect, which may help alleviate any swelling or pain present in your mouth^[9]. This oil further has a cooling and refreshing effects that instantly flush out any foul odor of your mouth. It is also beneficial for fighting cavities, clearing out tartar on teeth, removing plaque build-up, and treating gingivitis^[10].

Directions:

• Mix 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 cup of water
• Gargle with this cup of water
• Rinse mouth with water
• Repeat this once every day until you get relief.

6. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds consist of antimicrobial properties and contain a pleasant aroma, so they are a great ally to battle bad breath naturally. It helps your breath smell better and helps prevent infection^[11] [12]. It also helps to treat numerous yeast and fungal infections.

Method 1: Infusion With Fennel And Anise

• Boil some water in a saucepan
• Crush one teaspoon each of fennel seeds and green anise seeds
• Add these seeds to the water and cook slowly for 3 minutes
• Remove your infusion and cover
• Wait for another 3 minutes, strain and consume it.
• Repeat it regularly for quick results.

Method 2:

• All you need to do is chewing and swallowing one teaspoon of fennel seeds.
• Repeat this remedy every day until you see the result.

Method 3: Fennel Tea

You mix 1 to 2 spoons of fennel with a cup of hot water, wait for about 5 minutes and then drink. This tea is good for bad breath.

7. Ginger

Ginger has a very good antibacterial effect, which helps to eliminate bad breath and other oral diseases^[13]. Ginger is well known for its gingerol so it helps to enhance an enzyme in your mouth, which breaks down the substances making your breath smell bad. 

Directions:

• Crush ginger and squeeze to have ginger juice
• Add a little warm water into the ginger juice and stir
• Take this solution to gargle
• Use this remedy after each meal to help clean the mouth and keep the breath pleasant

8. Green Tea

Drinking green tea is considered one of the best natural home remedies for bad breath. Instead of drinking milk or coffee in the morning, let’s drink a cup of green tea. It contains phytochemicals. This substance is good antibacterial, helping you remove the bacteria in the mouth. That way your mouth will not get smelly^[14]. It additionally embraces disinfectant and deodorizing agents that may temporarily freshen your breath^[15].

• Soak some tea bags for a few minutes
• You can add a little honey to drink
• Drink 1 to 3 cups of green tea every day to get the best result.

9. Grapefruit Seed Extract

This citrus extract deodorizes the mouth and also eliminates any bacteria present there^[16] [17]. Along with its anti-bacterial agents, grape seed extract has powerful antioxidants that will help inhibit the bacteria responsible for the odor in your mouth from returning by inhibiting oxidative damage. 

• Brush your teeth clean
• Give a sufficient amount of grapefruit seed to the toothbrush and gently rub. Note that you need to perform this action gently to avoid affecting the enamel of the teeth
• Rinse your mouth with water
• Do this remedy every day to see the best result.

10. Parsley

Parsley is good for digestion. Not only that, chlorophyll in parsley has an antibacterial effect, eliminating bad breath causing bacteria. It may effectively fight off foul sulfur compounds^[18]. The chlorophyll in it works as an antibacterial and helps to eliminate the odor-causing bacteria from the throat and the mouth^[19].

All you have to do is chewing some fresh leaves directly. You can also add it to your food or your regular diet.

11. Lemon Juice 

Lemon juice is antibacterial in nature and will fight against the odor-causing bacteria^[20]. It has been shown to possess phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities that may help kill fungus and bacteria, plus soothe inflammation in the mouth^[21].  Due to its high content of citric acid, it can prevent the growth and spread of bacteria in the mouth. In addition, the smell of lemon juice is very fragrant, so it helps you overcome the bad breath smell in a short time.

Method 1: Use Lemon

• Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of water
• Use this mixture to gargle
• You can also add a little salt. It also has a very good effect on bad breath caused by dry mouth. 
• Apply this method every day until you get the expected result.

Method 2: Lemon And Yogurt

The good bacteria present in yogurt will restore the balance in the natural flora of your oral cavity^[22].

• Mix one tablespoon of lemon with 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt
• Apply this mixture to the teeth.
• Hold for 5-7 minutes and then rinse your mouth with clean water
• Follow this remedy regularly until you stop bad breath.

12. Baking Soda

This is reckoned one of the best home remedies for bad breath. Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is another great solution for getting rid of bad breath and preventing it. It helps balance the levels of acid that contribute to bad breath. Plus, it may fight oral bacteria that cause bad breath^[23] [24]. According to a study, toothpastes having high concentrations of baking soda may effectively reduce bad breath^[25].

Method 1:

Mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water and use it as a mouth rinse once daily until you are satisfied with the results.

Method 2:

Brushing your teeth with baking soda will also help reduce the acidity in your mouth and prevent bacteria from building up on your tongue.

Method 3: Baking Soda & Lemon Juice

• Mix a quantity of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to form a thick mixture
• Put this mixture on your teeth
• Wait for 1 minute and rinse your mouth with water
• Repeat this once a week.

13. Salt Water

Salt water solution may help to neutralize the mouth’s pH while cleansing it^[26]. A salt water rinse is effective at preventing the buildup of infectious bacteria in your throat or mouth^[27]. The effect is maybe due to the slight acidity of salt water. This inhibits the alkalizing environment that promotes the growth of microbes causing bad breath. Apart from that, salt water is one of the natural treatments for the lower and upper respiratory tract.

For this remedy, you mix a teaspoon table salt with a glass of lukewarm water and use it as a gargle. Repeat this once or twice a day.

14. Sesame Oil

Like coconut oil, sesame oil thoroughly cleanses your mouth and improves dental health. An added benefit of using this remedy is that sesame oil also whitens your teeth^[28]. According to a study, oil pulling therapy with sesame oil has been shown to be equally effective like chlorhexidine on the treatment of halitosis^[29]. 

Follow these steps:

• Swish the mix of a tablespoon sesame oil and a cup of lukewarm water
• Use it to rinse your mouth
• Wait for a few minutes and then spit out and rinse your mouth with water
• Do this every day in the morning.

15. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial agent, which works wonders in fighting different types of bacteria and killing them^[30]. It helps to fight against the odor-causing bacteria plus microbes in the mouth.

• Add 1-2 drops tea tree oil to a glass of lukewarm water.
• Gargle for 3-5 minutes.
• You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your toothpaste before brushing the teeth.
• Repeat this every day until the bad breath is gone.

16. Guava

With oxalate, tannic acid, malic acid, and vitamin C, guava is a very effective way to treat bad breath, bleeding and diseased gums, and sensitive teeth. Vitamin C helps to increase saliva production, which may help eliminate bad breath^[31]. You just need to regularly eat guava to improve your bad breath condition. You should eat this fruit anytime during the day. You can also cut it into pieces and sprinkle some salt and black pepper powder on it for flavor. Eat guavas a few times during the week.

17. Cardamom

Cardamom has a deodorizing effect, so it eliminates bad breath very well^[32]. Cardamom is useful for fighting oral pathogenic bacteria such as Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. Besides, its major active component of cardamom oil named cineole is a potent antiseptic, which is known for destroying the bacteria causing bad breath.

All you need to do is chew the Cardamom, try chewing on its seed. Especially after you eat foods that contain onion or garlic, you should chew cardamom thoroughly to deodorize in your mouth.

18. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has been shown to be an effective treatment for bad breath problem without drying out your mouth. Plus, the extra oxygen in it can break down the cell walls of bacteria, thus destroying them^[33]. When used in conjunction with daily brushing and flossing, it can also help to decrease gum disease^[34]. 

Try the steps below:

• Brush your teeth clean
• Dilute one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide 3% in 1/2 cup water
• Use this solution to gargle. Try to rinse your mouth so that the solution reaches the perineum of teeth, gums, tongue to clean them.
• Rinse your mouth with clean water
• Use this treatment every morning until you run out of bad breath. 

Note: You should only use this remedy if you are suffering from bad breath because hydrogen peroxide can affect your teeth and gums.

19. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can clear bad breath by freshening up your breath thanks to its organic compound named cinnamic aldehyde. It additionally may help prevent the odor-causing bacteria due to its antimicrobial properties^[35] [36]. Moreover, it keeps your breath fresh for a longer period of time since it contains a fragrant and refreshing aroma.

Directions:

• Leave the juice of 2 fresh lemons in a bottle
• Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder and 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey
• Pour the hot water into a thick paste and mix well
• Apply this mixture gently to your teeth and hold for 5 to 7 minutes
• Replace your mouth with water
• You can keep the rest of this mixture for next use. Repeat this every day until you see the result.

20. Fenugreek

If the cause of your bad breath is due to catarrhal infection, fenugreek tea is the best solution for you to eliminate it^[37]. It is also good in getting rid of bad odor from the mouth.

You can use this ingredient for bad breath as follows:

• Mix a spoonful of fenugreek with a glass of water.
• Boil this mixture.
• When it cools and drink it.
• Drinking this tea daily is good for bad breath.

21. Cloves

Cloves can freshen your breath. Cloves are antibacterial, so it works very well to remove or prevent bad breath. It also contains very strong antiseptic effects that can combat bacteria contributing to bad breath^[38].

Method 1: Chew

Just chew a few pieces of cloves. Try to chew hard to get the best effect. This method will get you a pleasant breath after a minute.

Method 2: Clove Tea

• Boil a glass of water
• When the water boiled, give a spoonful of clove
• Continue simmer for 5 to 10 minutes
• Turn off the stove, then let it cool that you can enjoy the tea.
• If you do not like tea, you can use this tea to rinse your mouth. Make this remedy twice a day to see the best result.

Additional Tips

1. Eat Foods High In Fiber

High fiber foods may help clean teeth and fight bad breath effectively^[39]. Eating an apple after a meal is a perfect choice. Avoid foods and drinks containing sugars. In addition, avoiding alcohol and coffee is a good way to avoid the risk of bad breath as they will dry your mouth.

2. Eat Foods High In Vitamin D

Foods rich in vitamin D may help create an unfavorable environment for the growth of bacteria^[40]. You can take vitamin D supplements with food or drinks. Some foods rich in vitamin D include fish, mushrooms, cheese, eggs, yogurt, etc.

3. Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum and mint-flavored gum can help bring cool breath to you for hours. Along with that, the chewing sugar-free gum also helps mouth produce more saliva, avoid dry mouth, thereby preventing bad breath.

4. Drink More Water

This is the simplest way of the list of home remedies for bad breath. Believe it or not, dehydration is one of the most common causes of bad breath^[41]. It is possible for chronic dry mouth conditions to play a part in the development of bad breath^[42]. Dry mouth is caused by the decomposition of dead cells in your mouth and on your tongue. This decomposition results in an unpleasant odor.

Drinking water helps filter out food and bacteria trapped in the mouth. It also promotes saliva that cleanses the mouth and helps eliminate bad breath. Drinking less water makes it difficult for the mouth to spit out saliva, which contains natural enzymes that kill bacteria responsible for dental disease. Therefore, you should drink plenty of water so that the oral cavity is always cleaned continuously, limiting the smell of the bacteria.

Furthermore, water helps dissolve waste and turn down your digestive tract easier. If you are dehydrated, your body absorbs all the water to compensate for the loss of water, causing your large intestines to dry and making your bowel movements more difficult. This also causes constipation. Having trouble with your intestines makes it easy for your mouth to smell bad

5. Supplement With Zinc

Zinc mineral deficiency can also cause bad breath. In the book “Free Smoking Medication Guide to Digestive Health,” Heather Caruso writes: “Zinc deficiency is associated with healing, immunity, and poor inflammation. The mineral zinc helps maintain the cleanliness of your mouth, while also preventing bacteria. Regular rinsing with a solution having zinc may be effective in decreasing bad breath for at least six months^[43].

Taking zinc mineral supplements by eating zinc-rich foods is a very effective way to reduce or prevent bad breath. Some zinc mineral-rich foods are pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, sesame seeds, fruits, etc. 

6. Take Probiotics

Probiotics actually help replace odor-causing bacteria with beneficial breeds, helping you to avoid bad breath^[44] [45]. 

Bad gut health also causes bad breath. If your intestinal tract is not good, it means that your digestion is not good, especially when you eat foods that are hard to digest, which can cause your digestive system to malfunction.  As a result, this can cause bad breath. 

Regularly eat foods that contain probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, banana, oatmeal, etc. to help improve your digestive system and maintain intestinal balance. 

7. Stop Smoking

Studies have shown that smokers are at higher risk of developing periodontal disease and dry mouth^[46] [47]. That leads to bad breath. Furthermore, people who smoke may also engage in other habits that promote this condition such as dieting, drinking alcohol, and suffering from chronic anxiety conditions that require exacerbating prescription medications.

Smoking stains your teeth and can irritate your gums. Stopping smoking will help you maintain a healthier mouth.

8. Brush Your Teeth Properly

Brushing your teeth properly is one of the best things you can do in your fight against bad breath. Brush at least twice a day, for at least two minutes and make sure to cover all the areas in your mouth. Especially focus on where the teeth meet the gums.

Use a soft bristled brush and replace it every three to four months.

Brush either right before you eat or one hour afterward (otherwise, you might damage or erode the enamel of your teeth).

Make sure to brush your tongue, because your tongue gets a lot of build-up of bacteria which can cause bad breath. Brush from the back to the front of your tongue and be certain to get the sides, as well. You shouldn’t do more than four brushes on your tongue and make sure that you don’t go too far back.

9. Floss Your Teeth

Flossing removes the plaque and bacteria build-up from between your teeth, which even the best toothbrushes can’t get rid of. Do this at least once a day.

Flossing also rids the mouth of food particles and debris. When you’re flossing you want to focus on where the tooth meets the gum, so make sure that you rub one way against the tooth and then against the next tooth.

10. Avoid Foods That Sour Your Breath

Onions and garlic are big offenders, but brushing after you eat them doesn’t help.

The substances that cause their bad smells make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out, says dentist Richard Price, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

So, looking for the best way to stop the problem? Don’t eat them, or at least avoid them before you go to work or see friends.

The above-mentioned natural home remedies for bad breath are claimed to be able to reduce the symptoms of this condition. Although these remedies are quite time-consuming, slow-acting, their results are surprising. Choose some of them and alternate them in your treating to see how effective they are. 

Save Your Breath!

• Dental Health