Natural Remedies for Bad Breath

Mouthwashes, breath sprays and strips often are just a temporary fix when halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, becomes a problem. The majority of these products are chemical based and using them may not be an option if you’re trying to reduce your exposure to artificial substances.  Here is a list of natural remedies all using common products found on your grocer’s shelves which can help alleviate and combat bad breath.

• Inflammation and bacteria are leading causes of bad breath and it just makes sense that controlling the source works to control the problem. The healthy omega-3s found in fish oil have been proven to reduce both. So pop a daily fish oil supplement or head to the seafood counter on your next trip to the market.
• If you already chew gum to reduce halitosis consider switching to an all natural cinnamon gum. Cinnamon contains the essential oil cinnamic aldehyde and research has determined this oil can reduce saliva bacteria by up to 50 percent which in turn reduces the amount of noticeable odor.
• Eat a piece of celery or munch on an apple or a carrot. All these foods are full of fiber which produce the necessary saliva needed to wash away odor causing plaque.
• Tea has such great healing properties and black tea, which is full of polyphenols can help keep your breath minty fresh. Polyphenols are strong antioxidants that keep plaque from clinging to teeth and also can impede bacterial growth in the mouth.

What other natural remedies have you discovered to control your halitosis? We here at Ellis Dental would love to hear about your solutions so we can pass them along to our patients. Please leave your tips in the comments section below.

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