“You need to give your teeth a good brush…” This is often what we hear when someone notices we have bad breath. However bad breath can be caused by multiple factors other than just a bad hygiene. For example our diet, illnesses, some medical treatments, a dry mouth and mouth infection can all cause us to suffer from bad breath. Everyone can suffer from bad breath at one point or another. However there are some foods that can help freshen your breath on a daily basis. In this article we’ll look at 9 foods which can combat smelly breath.
1) Water
Sometimes the most basic things are the best. Drinking water is important as this can help keep you mouth hydrated and help to remove any of the bacteria responsible for bad breath just as your saliva can do. It also helps combat gastric re-flux and digestion problems which can cause bad breath.
2) Bicarbonate of Soda
It is hard not to mention the number 1 champion of eliminating odors in this article. Bicarbonate of soda can be diluted in water to make a mouth wash that can used everyday to combat bad breath, bacteria and mouth infections and dental plaque.
3) Mint
It is unsurprising that this ingredient freshens your breath as it is used in toothpastes and many breath fresheners. However this plant can help combat bad breath due to the chlorophyll inside the leaves. All you need to do is chew a few leaves after the meal. What is more it is excellent for your digestion!
4) Cucumber
Cucumber can eliminate bacteria in the mouth which is a common cause of bad breath. Eat some raw cucumber without seasoning slowly so as to leave time for it to react.
5) Green or black tea
These teas contain polyphenols which can combat bacteria. You can drink these teas in the morning so you don’t have to worry about bad breath for the rest of the day.
6) Parsley
Like mint, parsley has chlorophyll and can therefore prevent bad breath. It is a good idea to chew a few leaves after a meal so as to eliminate any bad odors especially and smells linked to onions or garlic.
7) Lemon juice
Thanks to the lemon juice’s acidity bacteria doesn’t stand a chance and can’t develop on your tongue or your gum.
8) Cloves
Cloves have anesthetic and antiseptic properties that are perfect when you have toothache. However as well as this use, softly chewing a couple of cloves can also help to combat bad breath and various dental infections. Make sure you don’t chew too hard so that you break your teeth!
9) Fennel
Fennel has antiseptic properties that can help prevent bacteria from forming in your mouth that causes bad breath. You can freshen your breath by chewing a tablespoon of fennel seeds. This will also help to stimulate saliva production. Saliva has antimicrobial effects which is also effective in combating bad breath.