Worried You Have Bad Breath? Try These 4 Tactics

1 min

If you have ever felt self-conscious about your breath and weren’t sure what to do, don’t just reach for the mouthwash. Halitosis is the odor caused by bacteria from decaying food particles or debris in the mouth and poor oral hygiene, and can’t simply covered up by chewing gum or using oral antiseptics. Some products, especially those that contain alcohol, can even make bad breath worse, in part because they have a drying effect. Try the following natural ways to help prevent or lessen halitosis:

1. Brush your tongue. The tongue, and especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria. When you brush your teeth, spend some time on the tongue, moving gradually toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex. A tongue scraper used twice a day can also be useful.

2. Keep your mouth hydrated.A dry mouth can lead to halitosis, so try snacking on oranges or celery, and be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
3. Freshen your mouth.Try an herbal palate cleanser such as parsley (chew on it after meals), peppermint tea, or cardamom seeds (chew, but don’t swallow). If your halitosis persists, contact your dentist. He or she may be able to prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash and can diagnose any condition or concerns of an oral cavity, such as gum or tooth disease, that may be causing the problems.
4. Eat the good guys. Making sure to incorporate probiotic consumption regularly, as it can help keep the bad bacteria at bay. Consume fermented foods, like kimchi or kefir, or take capsule of probiotic regularly. You may even try opening the probiotic capsule and swishing in your mouth with water before swallowing.

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