Home Remedies and Herbs for Bad Breath (Halitosis)
What is Bad Breath (Halitosis)?
Halitosis is another name for bad breath. The simplest way to define it is to say that it is an unpleasant odor of the breath. Halitosis is experienced by almost everyone at some point in their lives. It can be brought on by a variety of factors. Halitosis can have many undesired effects on the affected person both personally and professionally.1
What Causes Halitosis?
The causes of halitosis are not one size fits all. Each person with halitosis may experience it for a variety of reasons. There are some common causes of halitosis that are seen in people with the affliction. They are:
- A buildup of bacteria in the mouth
- Poor flossing or dental habits
- Eating certain foods
- Having a dry mouth
- Having cavities
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
- Acid reflux disease
- Chronic bronchitis2
There are not a wide range of symptoms with halitosis. It is characterized by the foul odor coming from the patient’s mouth. It is often difficult for the person to know if they have halitosis because they sometimes cannot smell their own breath. 3
How is Halitosis Diagnosed?
The easiest way to diagnose halitosis is to go see a dentist. They will smell the breath coming from both the patient’s mouth and nose. The reason for this is because a mouth only check may not yield the proper results. From there the dentist will try and ascertain if the patient does, indeed have halitosis. From there the dentist may decide to do a scrape of the patient’s tongue and have the bacteria collected tested for halitosis. This is usually non-invasive but it will help the dentist to make a proper diagnosis.4
How is Halitosis Treated?
Treating halitosis is usually an easy thing to do. Your dentist will most likely prescribe some life changes and offer additional oral hygiene suggestions to combat halitosis. Some of the easiest ways to treat halitosis are things we do or should do everyday including,
- Flossing your teeth at least once a day
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Cleaning your tongue with a dental scraper
- Gum chewing
- Using mints to freshen the breath between meals when you cannot brush
- The use of mouthwash may be helpful in treating halitosis because it can help kill the bacteria that cause halitosis.5
Natural Medicinal Options for Halitosis
In addition to the most common treatments for halitosis, there are a wide variety of natural options outside of mouthwash and certain toothpaste options. The most natural options are:
- Peppermint - Chewing fresh peppermint can relieve the smell associated with halitosis. The oil contained in the leaves may help to kill some of the bacteria that cause halitosis.
- Clove - Chewing a small clove bud can help to stop the odor of halitosis. Taking the clove bud and grinding it up with some hot water can have the same effect. There are compounds in the clove that will give the patient relief from the underlying halitosis, at least for a short time.pplement daily following a nosebleed to help prevent further symptoms.
- Yogurt - Sugar free regular yogurt is another great remedy for halitosis. The good bacteria contained in yogurt can kill the bad bacteria associated with halitosis. It also adds extra calcium for strong teeth. Take a cup of the yogurt at least once a day and eat it for breakfast or a snack.
- Acidophilus - This natural pro-biotic can also cultivate the good bacteria in the gut while helping to control the growth of halitosis causing bacteria. Taken in pill for at least twice a day can give the patient an extra boost of help while battling halitosis.6
Conclusion
Halitosis is a common medical condition. It affects almost everyone at some point in their life. Halitosis is not only manageable but also treatable once diagnosed. The key to effective treatment is early detection. Once the prescribed treatment for halitosis is started it’s best to keep at it. Many patients observe drastic changes quickly once treatment begins and can manage the condition on their own very well.
References
- http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/bad+breath
- http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/change-your-breath-from-bad-to-good
- http://www.medicinenet.com/bad_breath/symptoms.htm
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/diagnosis-treatment/diagnosis/dxc-20192395
- http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bad-breath/Pages/Treatment.aspx
- http://www.curesdecoded.com/conditions/Bad%20Breath%20_%20Halitosis/106
Home remedies, herbs, and food supplements for Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Honey and Cinnamon is the most effective natural product for Bad Breath (Halitosis) CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends
Honey and Cinnamon Product 1 of 44
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Oral
Taking honey and cinnamon a couple times a day by mouth may lower the incidences of bad breath. Simply take a teaspoon of honey and a dash of cinnamon. You can take this remedy twice a day at least or more if you wish.
Clove Product 2 of 44
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Chew
Clove is a great herb for breath problems. Chewing one small kernel of clove one or two times a day can help banish bad breath. The enzymes in the clove may also stave off future breath issues.
Peppermint Product 3 of 44
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Chew, Oral
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Baking Soda Product 4 of 44
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Rinses, Wash
This can be used as a gargle or rinse. Add the baking soda to a glass of warm water. Rinse the mouth at least twice a day (once in morning, once at night). This remedy can be helpful to neutralize the enzymes that cause bad breath.
Salt Water Product 5 of 44
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Method of use: Rinses
Ginger Product 6 of 44
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Chew
Chew a piece of ginger for two minutes before bed time.
Lemon Product 7 of 44
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Method of use: Eat, Rinses
Eating the juice and flesh of one lemon may be helpful in reducing bad breath. The acids in the lemon break down the bacteria that cause the issue. Taking this remedy once every couple of days is probably best due to the acidity of the lemon.
Green Cardamom Seeds Product 8 of 44
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Oral
Acidophilus Product 9 of 44
Effectiveness Score
Method of use: Oral
This can be taken in regular pill form. Taking acidophilus by mouth with a glass of water is best. Once consumed keep the rest of the pills in the fridge. To keep good bacteria alive, only take once a day.
