Bad Breath Home Remedy Guide: 7 Tips that Work

More than 50% of people have halitosis. No, it's not some serious disease; halitosis is just the scientific word for bad breath.

Not only can halitosis be embarrassing, but it can also mean your teeth and gums aren't in the best shape possible.

In this article, we'll explain what causes bad breath in the first place, plus some bad breath home remedy tips you can try.

First off, your mouth is full of bacteria, both bad and good. When you eat food, you're not just feeding yourself.

Those little bits that get stuck in the nooks and crannies of your teeth? They provide sustenance for bacteria.

When they chow down on those food particles and multiply, they start releasing sulfur compounds. This is what makes your breath smell (it's also what causes the smell when you pass gas ).

This is why it's important for you to regularly brush your teeth and floss. The longer you leave those bits of food in your teeth, the more the bacteria will grow. As a result, your breath will only become worse.

Not only that but once they multiply, the bacteria will create plaque on your teeth. If you don't brush away that plaque, it'll cause an even smellier odor and will decay your teeth. Then, you'll need to get fillings to remedy that.

Gingivitis

A big culprit of bad halitosis is gingivitis. If you don't brush or floss often, or good enough, you may develop gingivitis.

This is a type of periodontal disease where your gums might become red and puffy. When you brush or floss, your gums may bleed, which puts you off from doing either.

However, the remedy to gingivitis is to push on with brushing and flossing. While it may feel tender at first, your gums will get used to it and will grow stronger again.

When this happens, your gums won't bleed anymore, nor will they be red and swollen. They should be a nice healthy pink color.

It's important to keep gingivitis at bay because not only will it become more and more painful, but it'll also cause your gums to recede. This is irreversible, so any damage that's done will be permanent.

If your gums recede enough, it can help bacteria to build up along your teeth and cause them to fall out.

Other Causes

While most culprits of bad breath come from your mouth, there are a few instances where other things may be responsible instead.

For instance, acid reflux and diabetes can cause it, as well as a new diet, like the keto diet.

Now you know why you get bad breath. But how can you fix it?

Read on to find out.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

The most important way to get rid of bad breath is to practice good dental hygiene.

As we've explained above, halitosis usually results from a buildup of bacteria. If you take steps to keep the bacteria population down in your mouth, then you'll decrease the sulfur they give off. As a result, your breath won't be so bad anymore.

Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice per day; once in the morning, once at night. Make sure each session is at least 2 minutes long. Electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones, as they can brush off plaque more effectively.

While you're brushing, don't forget to get your tongue. Bacteria can also grow all over it, so after you're done brushing your teeth, give your tongue a good once over.

You should also floss after every meal. By removing the stuck bits of food right after you eat, you'll starve the bacteria so they won't release those foul smells.

Also, make sure you go to the dentist often for preventative care. If there are any cavities or other problems, they can fix it right away so your breath won't get smelly.

Drink More Water

When your mouth is dry, bacteria flourish. This is because your saliva plays a very important role; not only does it help digest your food, but it also has antibacterial properties.

If you don't drink much water, try upping the glasses you drink in a day. This should help hydrate your mouth so you can produce enough saliva to fight off bad bacteria.

You can also benefit in other ways from drinking more water. For instance, it'll give you smoother, clearer skin, more energy, and can treat headaches.

Eat Apples

If you've been avoiding foods with garlic in them because of the horrible breath you get afterward, you have nothing to fear now.

Apples have special compounds in them that can neutralize the ones found in garlic. It gets into your bloodstream so it doesn't just mask the smell, but it also neutralizes the garlic compounds in your blood.

Drink Green or Mint Tea

Green tea can both disinfect and deodorize, so drinking a cup can leave your mouth feeling fresher and healthier. Mint works in the same way too, so you can drink mint tea, or better yet: green mint tea!

Green tea is also good for weight loss, so if you're trying to drop some pounds, you can kill two birds with one stone here.

Homemade Mouthwash

If you don't have a bottle of Listerine on hand, then you can make some effective mouthwash at home.

Mix a cut of water with either 2 tablespoons of vinegar or 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Swish the mixture in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Now that you know some bad breath home remedy tips, give them a try. However, keep in mind that while they may mask your bad breath, there's still something causing it.

If you don't get to the cause of your bad breath, then you're trapped in an endless cycle, trying to get rid of it daily. Make sure you keep up with your dentist visits to ensure your teeth and gums are in good health. This can help fend off bad breath and gingivitis!