You can usually trace halitosis, a technical term for bad breath, to sulfur-gas-producing bacteria in your mouth. Halitosis is mostly a source of embarrassment or annoyance, but it may lead to inflammation of the gums, or periodontal disease. As the disease progresses so may bad breath. A combination of good oral hygiene, avoidance of strong-smelling foods and natural breath fresheners can help keep your breath fresh.
Tea
Research suggests that the polyphenols contained in caffeinated tea – both green and black tea – slow the growth of bacteria in the mouth, and they may also suppress the bad-smelling compounds that the bacteria produce, according to the BBC. Drink your tea unsweetened for the full benefit because sugar encourages the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Spices
You can raid the spice rack in your kitchen for natural breath fresheners. Chew a few fennel or anise seeds after a meal to leave your mouth smelling fresh. A whole clove or a small piece off of a cinnamon stick will achieve the same result. It’s easy to carry a tiny plastic bag with one or more of these spices with you and then you’ll have a natural breath freshener on hand whenever bad breath strikes.
Herbs
Don’t ignore the parsley sprig that garnishes your meal or the mint leaves in your lemonade. Fresh herbs such as these offer another natural way to freshen your breath. Fresh sage also gets rid of foul breath. Chew any of these fresh herbs thoroughly after your meal.
Fruit
Fruits associated with fresh breath include kiwi, papaya, guava, pineapple and avocado. Simply enjoy slices of any of these fresh fruits at the end of a meal. They make a healthy dessert as well as a breath freshener. Lemon can also help freshen your breath. Just squeeze a lemon wedge into a glass of water to drink after your meal.
Mouthwash
You can make your own natural mouthwash from herbal extracts, which are available at health food stores. Mix equal parts of sage, calendula and myrrh gum extracts in a glass jar. Gargle with the mouthwash when you wake up and after each meal. You can store this homemade mouthwash at room temperature in a jar with a tight fitting lid.
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