What is bad breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant odour that originates from the mouth. It is usually caused by bacteria that break down food particles in the mouth and produce volatile sulphur compounds, which have a strong and unpleasant smell. Other causes of bad breath include poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, certain medical conditions, and certain foods and drinks.

Causes of bad breath

The main cause of bad breath is bacteria that live in the mouth and produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) as they break down food particles. Other causes of bad breath include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Tobacco use
• Certain foods and drinks (such as garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol)
• Medical conditions (such as gum disease, tooth decay, sinus infections, and liver or kidney problems)
• Certain medications (such as antidepressants and antihistamines)
• Stress and anxiety
• Sleeping with your mouth open.

It is important to see a dentist if bad breath persists even after practicing good oral hygiene. This may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

5 Simple Home Remedies To Get Rid of Bad Breath

Here are some herbal remedies that may help with bad breath:

1. Clove: Clove has antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath. You can chew on a whole clove or add a few drops of clove oil to water and use as a mouthwash.
2. Fennel: Chewing on fennel seeds after meals can help freshen breath and kill bacteria in the mouth.
3. Sage: Sage has antiseptic properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath. You can add dried sage to boiling water to make a tea, which can be used as a mouthwash.
4. Green tea: Green tea contains polyphenols that can help kill bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath. Drinking green tea regularly can help with bad breath.
5. Peppermint: Peppermint has a fresh, minty scent that can help freshen breath. You can chew on fresh peppermint leaves or use peppermint oil as a mouthwash.

Additional Tips

Here are some effective home remedies to help treat bad breath:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque that can cause bad breath.
• Use a tongue scraper: This can help remove bacteria and food particles from the tongue, which is a common source of bad breath.
• Drink plenty of water: Keeping your mouth hydrated can help wash away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath.
• Chew gum or suck on mints: This can help stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralize bad odours in the mouth.
• Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables: Eating crunchy foods like apples, carrots, and celery can help scrub away food particles and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
• Use mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.
• Avoid certain foods and drinks: Foods and drinks like garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol can cause bad breath.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use can cause bad breath and dry mouth, which can make bad breath worse.

It is important to see a dentist if bad breath persists even after trying home remedies. This may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.