Homemade remedies for bad breath

A guide to treating the problem of bad breath at home without spending a lot of money or getting professional treatment.

Bad breath is an embarassing problem for a lot of people, in fact the American Dental Association says approximately 35% of Americans experience chronic bad breath. It's very important to understand the causes of bad breath in order to treat it effectively. Many people think the only way to prevent or cure bad breath is to receive expensive professional treatments, or to pay for a high priced remedy seen on the internet or on television. The fact is, most bad breath can be remedied right in your own home.

So what causes this foul odor? There are many factors involved. The most obvious cause is smoking. For those who smoke, bad breath is more often than not a common problem. Another cause is bacteria growing in the mouth. If you have cavities or other crevices in the teeth where food can get lodged and bacteria can thrive, bad breath is sure to be a problem. The most common cause of bad breath is dry mouth. When the mouth stays dry, bacteria prosper. Dentists say natural saliva is the best mouthwash, so ensuring your mouth is moist can help prevent bad breath. Another cause may be digestive problems, which can create bad-smelling breath from intestinal problems.

Another tool to use is a tongue scraper. This item is used to gather any germs or food left sitting on the back of the tongue. You would be surprised how much harmful bacteria is resting at the back of the mouth. It's best to scrape the tongue BEFORE using the gargle, to get most of the germs out of the mouth before rinsing.

Since dry mouth is the most common reason for bad breath, drinking a lot of water can help as well. Dry mouth is the most common reason for "morning breath", so drinking a glass of water at night may also prevent it. Avoid too much coffee or soda, as caffeine and sugar allow for bacteria to grow inside the mouth. Green tea is also a great remedy. It has antioxidant powers and is known to refresh breath. Add a drop of natural peppermint for flavor and to help keep the fresh breath lasting throughout the day.

Chewing on raw vegetables is another great way to help relieve bad breath. Fresh parsley is the best option, as it is high in cholorphyll which is a known bacteria-killer. This is why parsley is often served at restaurants. It is more than a garnish, it can actually be used after meals as a breath freshener! Some other great fresh fruits and veggies include apples, celery, and carrots. Eating these foods is not only healthy, they also remove trapped food from in between teeth, acting as a natural dental floss.

Surprisingly, gum is another good way to get rid of bad breath, but be sure the gum you chew is SUGARLESS. Gum can stimulate the saliva glands, allowing for more moisture in the mouth. As long as the gum contains no sugar, it's a good way to help keep the mouth moist.

Following all or some of these steps can help make your breath fresher, and episodes of bad breath fewer. Not only are they good preventative measures, but are healhy and inexpensive as well.