Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Causes and Symptoms

Bad breath can be caused by a number of different issues such as constipation, diabetes, liver problems, etc. The most common causes in the oral cavity include gum diseases, lack of hydration, low salivary pH, eating pungent foods (onions/garlic), and excessive oral bacteria.

Home remedies

• Hydrate : If you aren't getting your recommended daily intake of water -- and most people are not -- you may suffer from bad breath. Saliva is your body's natural way to eliminate bacteria; its natural enzymes help neutralize bacteria, along with bad odors. If you don't drink enough water, your body is unable to produce sufficient saliva. Luckily, the solution is simple: drink more water and enjoy refreshed breath.
• a diet low in sugar and rich in phytonutrients and anti-oxidants plays a very important role.
• Brush your teeth and tongue after eating and before sleeping.
• chew on piece of ginger
• Green Tea : Polyphenols, the antioxidants contained in tea, eliminate the compounds which cause bad breath. But that's not all. Green tea also wards off other threats to oral health, including tooth decay and mouth cancer. Many advocates also recommend fenugreek tea for similar benefits. Whatever type of tea you choose, avoid adding sugar, as this can foster the growth of bacteria which eventually lead to halitosis.
• Yogurt : the active bacteria in yogurt, specifically Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, may have a beneficial effect on odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
• Fennel seeds provide a very strong, pleasant odor to your breath. Fennel seeds immediately alkalize the saliva which naturally prevents the overgrowth of bad bacteria.
• Chewing gum with Xylitol.
• Dill, mint and parsley are loaded with chlorophyll and vitamin C which are both great for cleansing and purifying the body. Much like fennel, these herbs immediately alkalize the saliva which naturally prevents the overgrowth of bad bacteria. Additionally, these garnishes have a great ability to neutralize the powerful odor of garlic and onions.
• Fresh cloves steeped in warm, purified water make a terrific natural anti-bacterial mouthwash that destroys bacteria and freshens breath.
• People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
• chlorophyll in doses as low as 100 milligrams a day could neutralize bad breath, body odor, menstrual odors, and foul-smelling urine and stools : Greens and algaes contain some of the densest natural concentrations of chlorophyll. Mate tea, grown primarily in countries in South America, is one of the richest known sources of chlorophyll. Herbs such as basil, cilantro, and dill are also good sources of chlorophyll.
• Parsley can kill bacteria that cause bad breath because it is rich in chlorophyll, “which is thought to have antibacterial activity.”
• Myrrh : Used to combat bad breath, myrrh can be found in some fluoride-free toothpastes on the market. You might wonder exactly how it works. Well, one of the compounds in myrrh is actually toxic to all the things that can cause bad breath. And, like many of the supplements listed here, it could also help with gum health. Research shows it’s effective in fighting periodontal disease. A high-quality product, like Fresh Mouth, not only contains myrrh, but also a blend of other ingredients to support a healthy mouth.
• Yoga offers specific breathing techniques, most commonly known as 'pranayama,' in order to aid in the complete balance of the entire system.
• Lemons help freshen breath : Lemon juice contains powerful substances that help inhibit bacterial growth.
• Magnolia bark extract contains chemicals that kill bacteria that cause bad breath (halitosis), a new study shows. Those compounds are called magnolol and honokiol.
• Red Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is used to fight bad breath.
• Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce bacteria in the mouth as well as inflammation -- both of which cause bad breath.
• Fiber : In particular, celery, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes and other crunchy fruits and vegetables help keep your mouth moist by producing excess saliva -- your body's natural weapon against bad breath. These foods also clean the mouth, scrape away plaque buildup and help naturally remove foods that are stuck between teeth and gums.
• Sesame Seeds : Sesame seed oil has been used for oral health for thousands of years in the traditional Indian medical tradition known as Ayurveda in a process known as “oil pulling.” It involves swishing sesame seed oil in the mouth for prolonged durations and has been said to prevent teeth decay, halitosis, bleeding gums, dry throat, and for strengthening the teeth, gums and jaw. Clinical research now confirms that it compares favorably to chemical mouthwash (chlorhexidine) in improving plaque-induced gingivitis,and that it is capable of reducing Streptococcus mutans growth associated with oral plaque formation. (see also : Oil pulling)

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.