Breath As Sweet As Honey

There is nothing worse than someone with bad breath, unless that someone is you. Why have bad breath when it’s not necessary?

Most people think that bad breath, or halitosis, is caused only by poor dental hygiene. Improper diet, indigestion, medication, constipation, stress, respiratory infections and excessive smoking are also factor that lead to increased odor-causing bacteria in your mouth.

Bacteria in your mouth is kept at bay by saliva. However, stress or medication can lead to increased stomach acid, dry mouth and bad breath. An easy way to increase your saliva is to avoid refined carbohydrates and eat a protein-rich snack instead. Make sure you drink lots of water and eat fruit or veggies that have a high water content.

When comparing mouth washes, look for vitamin C or tea tree oil as astringents, witch hazel or aloe as soothing agents, and spearmint, peppermint or glycerin for flavor.

Neutralize The Odors

Some vegetables like onions or garlic and some fatty foods like butter and cheese only release odors after they have metabolized. The bad breath exhaled from your lungs might not occur for a day or two, so brushing your teeth after a meal won’t make a difference in these cases. There is a solution. By eating parsley or mint or drinking tea at the same time, the herbs will follow the same digestive route as the offending foods and will neutralize the aromas.

Parsley and peppermint oils are the main ingredients in breath fresheners on the market. Similarly, chewing a handful of fennel, anise and celery seeds will release oils that aid in your digestion. Chlorophyll products (dehydrated green juice powder) also assist in cleaning the colon and bloodstream, where bad breath begins. Vitamin C lozenges, which include extracts from oranges, lemons, and grapefruits and vitamin C supplements, strengthen gum tissue so it is less vulnerable to bacteria. Vitamin E repairs tissue and promotes healing.

For Your Pearly Whites

While not the whole picture, oral hygiene can’t be neglected. It’s important to look for natural ingredients.

Baking soda, sea salt and natural calcium (chalk) are included because they’re effective against plaque. Tea tree oil is derived from leaves of a tropical plant found in Australia. Its non-irritating, gentle antiseptic action prevents gum disease. Myrrh and cloves are fragrant, antiseptic and disinfectant herbs. Cinnamon is not just for flavor, but it is also an anti-bacterial spice. In the Middle East and Asia, peelu branches were chewed as a tooth whitener. Peelu has tannin that can kill disease-causing microbes and resins to strengthen enamel and sulphur to reduce bacteria.

Neem, which is used in Ayurvedic medicine, is from India’s neem tree. It can reduce bleeding gums and fight germs. For those individuals who prefer dry powder toothpaste, it is also available with the same healing ingredients.

Ever heard of a tongue scraper? No, it’s not a kitchen utensil, but one of the best methods to remove mouth bacteria. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your tongue and the walls of your mouth will also do the trick. Moreover, brushing your teeth after every meal will reduce the bacteria build up.