Bad breath is a major turn off, regardless of the company. People around you shall naturally feel uncomfortable or disgusted if your mouth reeks of decomposing matter. Maintaining good oral hygiene is a fundamental aspect of grooming. Clean teeth and fresh breath instantly make a man ten times more attractive. Many of us suffer from ‘halitosis’, which is a scientific term for bad breath. It is not a medical emergency, though it could be a symptom to an underlying health problem. Not to mention, our mouth is home to hundreds of bacteria that secrete foul smelling compounds. Thankfully, you can easily get rid of the condition by applying any of these simple remedies:
1. Improve your Dental Hygiene regime
Food residues in the mouth are the most common cause of bad breath as they instigate gum cavities and tooth decay. You can easily prevent this by improving your oral health regime. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss after every meal. Don’t forget to scrub the tongue with every brush, and replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months.
2. Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth promotes bacterial growth, so make sure to drink ample water throughout the day. Water cleanses the mouth and increases production of saliva, which contains anti-bacterial enzymes.
3. Munch on Healthy Snacks
Munching on raw crunchy foods also helps keep the mouth fresh and smelling good. Most fruits, nuts, and vegetables contain compounds that kill bacteria and have a deodorizing effect. Apples, carrots, cranberries, walnuts, and celeries are a few good options.
4. Abandon a Restrictive Diet
Certain restrictive diets, such as the Keto diet can be unfavorable for oral health. Consuming too much processed/fatty foods creates toxins in the body and contributes to bad breath. Similarly, fruit juice diets may cause sugar buildup in the mouth, which encourages bacterial growth. Opt for a balanced diet that contains all seven essential nutrients, i.e. carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
5. Add Greek Yogurt to your Meals
Organic Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, which eliminate bad bacteria and improve digestion. Eating yogurt everyday helps cleanse the gut and you will notice a drastic decline in bad breath over a few weeks.
6. Keep Mint/Citrus Gum handy
Chewing on sugar-free gum flavored with mint, lemon, or orange is an easy way to maintain fresh breath.
7. Chew on herbs and spices
Various natural herbs and spices can be chewed to override foul smell. Fennel seeds, cloves, and anise seeds have antiseptic properties. Herbs like parsley, basil, and mint contain chlorophyll that neutralizes bad odor.
8. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
Overusing alcohol based mouthwash can be damaging for the gums, and might even trigger a DUI chargewhen you blow into the Breathalyzer. Moreover, alcohol is an organic compound that lingers in the mouth; it is decomposed by bacteria, which releases a strong stench. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash that contains zinc; zinc eradicates sulfurous compounds in the mouth that emit putrid smell.
9. Start drinking Green Tea
Green tea is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Drink multiple cups throughout your day to keep the mouth clean and fresh. Mint or lemon flavored green tea is even better; also, you can have it hot or cold.
10.Avoid stinky foods
Certain foods like garlic, onions, canned fish, and dairy cheese are infused with strong odors that persist and become nasty (especially when consumed raw). Try to avoid these foods as much as possible.
Author Bio
John Adams is a lifestyle blogger who concentrates on health, fitness, and self-development. He encourages readers to fight their fears and overcome obstacles holding them back. He believes that every person can improve the quality of his/her life by thinking positive and making better choices. He loves to share his insight on life experiences, and contributes on various online platforms in the same niche.