Halitosis, the medical name for bad breath, has affected as many as 87 percent of males at some point in their lives, according to a study performed by the Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. It is simply something that you may have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. While minty gums and candies can help to camouflage your less than sweet breath, you don't need to head to the candy shop for a cure. Use home remedies for halitosis to get fresh-smelling breath on the fly.
Parsley or Mint Leaves
The pretty garnish found on your plate at dinner may do more than dress up your food; it could be your saving grace on a date. Both parsley and mint effectively neutralize odor in the mouth, especially after a pungent dinner. Just slip the leaves into your mouth and chew, making sure to rub the pulp around your gums and teeth with your tongue. They're edible, so when you're finished, swallow them for instantly fresher breath.
Tongue Brushing
There's a good chance that when you brush your teeth in the morning, you forget to brush your tongue. But germs can live on your tongue and exacerbate your halitosis, notes Eric Shapira, D.D.S., assistant clinical professor and lecturer at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. Your tongue is covered with millions of tiny hairs that catch and hold onto odoriferous foods and plaque. Brush your tongue with a soft-bristled brush as you clean your teeth each morning and night.
Drink Water
In a pinch, water can be an ideal way to do away with bad breath. Water can help cleanse your mouth of germs and smelly foods quickly and easily. Discreetly, slip into a bathroom and take a sip of water. Swish the water around your mouth as if you were using a mouthwash, making sure to push the water in through your gums to remove food particles that may be lurking there. Spit the water out into the sink.
What's more, a dry mouth or the wrong type of beverage can make your halitosis worse. A dry tongue makes the germs, food and plaque on your tongue more pungent, and sodas, coffee and tea can give you worse breath. Sip water throughout the day to keep your breath smelling fresh.
Floss
Your dentist admonishes to floss at every visit. While it will ultimately keep your teeth and gums healthy, flossing also plays an important part in warding off halitosis. Excessive plaque buildup could be the offending factor when it comes to your bad breath, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, so flossing to remove plaque and other small particles of food can get rid of the smell and net you a cleaner mouth.
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