Are you one of those who take care of your smile but suffer from bad breath? In most cases, this bad breath (also called halitosis) is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, especially along the gums and tongue. Thorough brushing of the teeth and tongue after each meal, or at least in the morning and at night, is, of course, the first solution to relieve discomfort. Another is to simply limit your intake of certain foods, which can also help you maintain an ideal weight. But there are other tricks, here are some of them.
1. Drink well
Insufficient saliva production clearly increases the risk of bad breath. To combat dry mouth problems, it is important to stay well hydrated by drinking water regularly. Don’t hesitate to finish your meals with a large glass of water to rinse your mouth and remove much of the food debris.
2. Chew parsley
This is not a received idea! Rich in chlorophyll with antibacterial and deodorant properties, fresh parsley freshens breath. So do not hesitate to chew it at the end of the meal, especially if the latter consists of foods that promote bad breath (sauces, spices, garlic, coffee and others).
3. Sugar-free gum
Chewing gum, in addition to being practical because it is close at hand, can be very useful to keep your breath fresh in any circumstance. Preferably, opt for mint and sugar-free gum. Its flavor will freshen your breath while chewing it will help you eliminate dental plaque, the main cause of bad breath.
4. Mouthwashes
Mouthwashes, which are made after meals (and tooth brushing), are both preventive and treatment. To be effective against bad breath, keep them in your mouth for at least 30 seconds to allow enough time for the active ingredients to work.
5. Mint-based teas or herbal teas
For fans of snacking, there’s nothing like a mint-based tea or herbal tea to freshen your breath.
6. Thyme tea
Thyme has unsuspected virtues. In the form of an infusion, it helps reduce dental plaque and prevents bad breath. Infuse 5 grams of dried thyme in 100 ml of boiling water for fifteen minutes and then gargle with this preparation at least twice a day for very fresh breath. If you don’t have dried thyme, you can use thyme essential oil. All you have to do is dilute about 3 drops of essential oil in a glass of water and then rinse your mouth with it.
7. Limit the consumption of spices
Some foods are enemies of bad breath and others can even damage your teeth (click here for more information on foods that are bad for teeth). This is the case with many seasonings and spices like garlic, onion, paprika, curry, etc., which are known to affect breath even after several hours.
These 7 simple tips can really help you on a daily basis. However, for best effectiveness, remember to limit anything that can intensify bad breath and, at the same time, foods that damage teeth. And of course, don’t forget your dentist: regular check-ups will help detect any oral problems that are responsible for bad breath.
