Do you find yourself fighting bad breath often? You’re not alone. Whether from gum disease, dry mouth, or just a nice garlicy lunch, bad breath – also known as halitosis – affects up to half of Americans. If you’re looking for natural ways to fight halitosis, we have a list for you:
Water + lemon are your friends
Drinking lots of water, and even adding a little acidity to it, can help you fight bad breath. A moist mouth helps prevent bacteria, and acid creates an atmosphere that makes it difficult for bacteria to grow. Oranges, strawberries, kiwis and grapefruits are all good options. Drinking water also boosts saliva protection, which naturally cleanses teeth and delivers minerals to help harden enamel.
So is cinnamon
Cinnamon has essential oils that help kill germs. Drinking cinnamon tea, chewing on sugar-free cinnamon gum, and even just rinsing with a cinnamon-water solution can help keep bacteria from your mouth.
Some foods help clean your mouth
Brushing more than three times a day can actually damage your gums, but there are foods that help scrub your teeth. Foods rich in fiber, like spinach or broccoli, help stimulate saliva flow, which can neutralize cavity-causing acids and wash away bacteria before they hide and spread in mouth crevices.
Brush your tongue
Your tongue’s surface is like a carpet – one that can harbor nasty-smelling bacteria. Brush or scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper to keep the bugs at bay.
