Hey Yuck Mouth… Remedies for Bad Breath

Have you been noticing others keeping their distance when you come near? Or making excuses to quickly exit as you approach?

Sounds like you might be dealing with bad breath.

No, not from other people’s mouths. It’s YOU! Sorry, I had to be honest and tell you. LOL

We’ve all had it from time to time and as long as it’s not due to a serious health issue, there are ways to kick yuck mouth, well, right in the mouth.

For occasional bad breath moments, try these easy remedies:

Cause: Food ingredients

(onions, garlic, dairy) –

If you’re like us, you eat a lot of Italian food which is the true guilty party here. Those onions and garlic are mighty tasty but they sure can do a number on your breath. Even vampires don’t like garlic and will keep their distance. LOL

* Remedy 1:

Saliva alone may not wash away the food particles left in your mouth after a meal, so try flossing and brushing your teeth. This should help neutralize the odors in your mouth although more often the smell comes from the food once it starts breaking down in the stomach. Sulfur-containing molecules get absorbed into the bloodstream and lungs, which then escape through exhaled air and perspiration.

* Remedy 2:

Eating fresh parsley, or mint, as well as using mouthwash can help too. Fresh parsley, even caraway seeds can neutralize that garlic breath. Mouthwash that contains zinc chloride and chloride dioxide is a good neutralizer as well. If that is too harsh, try eating fresh mint leaves or chew mint-flavored gum for temporary relief.

Cause: Dry Mouth 

Dry as the desert sand!

This nuisance can be caused by a number of things including certain medications (pain meds, diuretics), alcohol, and tobacco. Even if you’re a frequent mouth breather (due to a stuffy nose or out of habit), dryness causes bacteria to grow on the tongue. These bacteria break down proteins into bad-smelling sulfur compounds. This is what makes saliva so important because it helps flush away bacteria. Without it the bacteria thrives and your friends and family stay clear of your breath.

* Remedy:

The obvious remedy for smokers and drinkers is to just quit. But, that’s not always easy so, try cutting back on the tobacco at least, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum to help increase saliva production, and use a humidifier to help with dryness in your room.

Cause: Halitosis

(chronic bad breath) due to Gum Disease, Diabetes, Lung or Kidney Disease or Gastrointestinal Issues

The Yuck Monster!

* Remedy:

Tongue scrapping, mouthwash, and toothpaste

If you’re prone to hosting more bacteria in your mouth due to medical reasons, the main cause is the tiny little tubes on the top of your tongue which creates and harbors the odor-causing bacteria. Scrapping your tongue and brushing the sides of your cheeks with a toothbrush can help cut down on the bacteria.

Also, use an antibacterial mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine (by prescription only). That’s the most potent mouthwash (warning: it can stain your teeth). If you’re looking for something over-the-counter, try a mouthwash made with cetylpyridinium. These neutralize the smell and don’t just temporarily mask it.

* Remedy 2:

A good toothpaste to use is one with an antimicrobial  (triclosan). Colgate Total is currently the only one on the market today. Triclosan is said to help prevent gingivitis.

* Remedy 3:

See your dentist for a deep cleaning! If you’ve got gum disease, it’s important that you maintain good oral health to help prevent further health problems.

And most certainly, if you are still suffering from bad breath, even after trying these tips, see your doctor. They may be able to find a better solution and/or check for for systemic medical issues.

© 2013, Dee @ Bella Savvy. All rights reserved.

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