Bad breath is medically known as halitosis. It is an embarrassing health condition in which a foul odor comes out of your mouth as you exhale. This is a humiliating and socially unacceptable condition, which can be a complete turn-off for the person standing in front of you or talking to you.

Bad breath can affect your confidence badly, as it gives you a low feeling about yourself. Almost 30% of the world’s population suffers from the problem of bad breath.

The good news is there is a solution to the bad breath problem. Over-the-counter mouth fresheners are always there. Apart from that, there are several excellent, natural home remedies for bad breath. But before we discuss bad breath remedies, let us take a look at what causes bad breath. Knowing the causes can always help you get the right treatment from your family physician without any delays.

What causes bad breath?

In most cases, the bad odor originates in your mouth (tongue and gum), throat, and tonsils. Bad odor can also come from the stomach, nose, and esophagus. Thousands of bacteria live in your mouth, throat, and tonsil area. These bacteria are naturally present in your mouth as they help to break down proteins into amino acids. These anaerobic sulfur-producing bacteria are present beneath your tongue surface, throat, and tonsil area. Sulfur compounds are produced by the bacteria, at the back of your throat and tongue, giving rise to a foul smell.

Other causes of bad breath include:

1. A dry mouth is a perfect anaerobic environment for bacterial growth
2. Smoking
3. Speaking for a long time
4. Drinking alcohol or coffee
5. Poor dental hygiene, including gum diseases, dental cavities, etc.
6. Irregularly cleaned denture
7. Oral ulcer
8. Oral infection
9. Fasting
10. Stress, anxiety, or depression
11. Menstrual cycle (middle of the cycle)
12. Indigestion which causes belching
13. Nose and throat infection
14. Certain medications like antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, etc., as they reduce saliva production and leave the mouth dry
15. Certain disease conditions like diabetes, lactose intolerance, lung diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, respiratory tract infections, and intestinal disorders like heartburn, ulcer, etc.
16. Eating certain foods like garlic and onions cause bad breath temporarily

Consulting a family physician can help in figuring out the cause of your bad breath problem.

What are the associated symptoms of bad breath?

Other people who realize that you have bad breath, might not always be comfortable telling you that you smell bad. Sometimes it might be difficult to sense your smell. Following are the symptoms that one can feel if the person is suffering from bad breath –

1. Dry mouth
2. Red swollen gums, which are vulnerable to bleed
3. Plaques on teeth
4. Unpleasant smell from mouth
5. Swollen lymph nodes
6. Stuffy nose
7. Sore throat
8. Smell during belching
9. Teeth staining
10. White coating on the tongue
11. Dry tongue
12. Bitter, metallic taste in the mouth
13. Thick saliva
14. Swallowing difficulty
15. Burning sensation in the mouth
16. Dry eyes
17. Persistent cough

If you experience bad breath, you can visit a clinic that offers family medicine services. However, make sure to try the below-listed home remedies for bad breath.

Home remedies for bad breath

Here is the list of natural home remedies for bad breath. Try these remedies at your home, and see the difference.

1. Clean teeth and gums with regular brushing and flossing
2. Drink an adequate amount of water at regular intervals
3. Green tea consumption
4. Mix apple cider vinegar with water and gargle
5. Brushing gently using baking soda
6. Mix tea tree oil with a glass of water to wash your mouth
7. Probiotic consumption
8. Consume fiber-rich raw foods like apples, carrots, etc.
9. Chewing fennel, fenugreek, and cloves
10. Consume cinnamon tea
11. Consume parsley juice or lemon juice

Takeaway

Try the above-mentioned natural home remedies for bad breath. If they don’t work out for you, it’s time to visit a clinic that offers family medicine services for effective treatment. In addition to this, you must avoid lifestyle habits that promote bad breath. Breathe fresh, live fresh!