Nothing will put more of a damper on your day than bad breath. Whether you’re in the boardroom or the bedroom, bad breath is bound to make you feel self-conscious and distract you. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to take steps to fight it. At our dental clinic in Manahawkin, we often help our patients with oral hygiene tips to fight bad breath, so we have compiled this list of remedies to help you if you struggle with this problem.
Practice Good Dental Hygiene
It seems obvious, but many people don’t realize that they are not practicing good oral hygiene, and this is the cause of their bad breath. Make sure that you are taking proper care of your oral health by:
- Brushing twice daily
- Going to the dentist twice a year for regular cleanings
- Replacing your toothbrush every three months
- Brushing your tongue
- Cleaning any dental appliances (dentures, retainers, etc.) every day
If you are still experiencing bad breath despite a regimented dental hygiene routine, you might try some of these tips.
Rinse with Salt Water
One way to freshen up your breath is to rinse your mouth with salt water. Add salt to a glass of warm water, stir, swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat until your bad breath is gone.
Suck on Cloves
Cloves can also be an effective, natural way to freshen your breath. Cloves are also antibacterial, which can help fight plaque buildup. All you need to do is to suck on some whole cloves a couple of times a day. Just make sure you are using whole cloves, not powdered cloves or clove oil. These are too strong and may burn your mouth.
Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar
Have you recently eaten a large bowl of spaghetti with garlic and onions in the sauce? Some apple cider vinegar may be exactly what you need to fight that bad breath. Simply add a tablespoon to a glass of water, take a sip, and swig it around your mouth.
Eat Your Fruits and Veggies
If you’re looking for a natural way to freshen your breath, one of the best ways to do so is by eating a crunchy fruit or veggie. Essentially, these types of produce “brush” your teeth, removing the bacteria that cause odor. They also stimulate the production of saliva, which helps to fight bad breath as well. If you’re looking to freshen your breath, munch on a carrot, piece of celery, or apple.
Brush with Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has incredible antibacterial properties. Tea tree oil is easy to add to your oral hygiene routine. Simply add a couple of drops to your toothpaste, or even directly on your toothbrush to clean your teeth.
Make Your Own Mouthwash
Many over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol, which causes dry mouth, furthering aggravating the problem. This means that often, making your own mouthwash is the best course of action. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade mouthwash:
- 1 cup of warm water
- ½ tsp of cinnamon
- Juice of two lemons
- 1.5 tsp of honey
- 0.5 tsp of baking soda
Stir well and store in airtight container for up to two weeks.
Come Visit Our Dental Clinic in Manahawkin
If you’re experiencing bad breath, we would love to help you. Contact our dental office in Manahawkin for an appointment today!