Bad breath is a typical issue that can be brought on by a number of circumstances. Treatments include water, green tea, and herbal rinses. Bacteria in the mouth create bad breath, often known as halitosis. The gases produced by these bacteria have a particular odor. Bacteria emit an odor when they break down sugars and carbohydrates in the meals we eat.

Halitosis can sometimes be a symptom of something more serious, such as gum disease or tooth decay. People should get frequent dental checkups so that a dentist can cure these problems early. Halitosis can potentially indicate a health problem elsewhere in the body.

Eight natural home cures for foul breath are discussed in this article. We also offer advice on when to visit a doctor.

Eight Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Water

Dry mouth is a disease that can result in halitosis and other oral health issues. Because the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to flush food debris from the mouth, a dry mouth results. This aids in bacterial management in the mouth.

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of circumstances. Dehydration is the most common cause. Medications and food might also have an impact on mouth moisture.

There are no set guidelines for daily water consumption. The US Food and Nutrition Board, on the other hand, recommends 2.7 liters (l) per day for ladies and 3.7 l per day for males. Water from foods and beverages is included in these figures.

Green Tea

Green tea is made from the sheaths of the Camellia sinensis plant and is high in antioxidants.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is the most prevalent antioxidant in green tea (EGCG). According to research, EGCG may offer a variety of health benefits.

The effect of EGCG on human gum tissues was studied in a 2013 laboratory investigation. According to the findings, EGCG causes cells in the gums to emit an antibacterial substance. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis), a kind of bacteria that causes gum disease and halitosis, is the target of this drug.

Solobacterium moorei is another type of bacteria that causes halitosis (S. moorei). The effect of green tea extract and EGCG on S. moorei cultures was studied in a 2015 laboratory investigation.

Green tea extract and EGCG both inhibited the growth of S. moorei cultures, but green tea extract had the most impact. Other compounds in green tea may potentially have antibacterial capabilities based on this.

Both treatments also inhibited S. moorei’s ability to create halitosis-causing compounds. More research is necessitated to see if the findings of these lab-based investigations can be applied to the human oral environment.

Herbal Rinses

Halitosis is commonly caused by dental plaque and gum irritation, also known as gingivitis. The benefits of a herbal mouth rinse on plaque, gingivitis and oral bacteria levels were explored in a 2014 study. Tea tree oil, cloves, and basil were included in the rinse, all of which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.

The 40 individuals were separated into two groups by the researchers. One group used a commercial mouth rinse for 21 days, whereas the other utilized a herbal mouth rinse. Plaque and gingivitis were significantly reduced in participants who took either rinse. On the other hand, the herbal rinse considerably reduced bacteria levels in the mouth, whereas the commercial rinse did not.

These data imply that a mouth rinse including tea tree oil, clove, and basil may aid in improving oral health and halitosis reduction.

Rinse with Tea Tree Oil

Volatile sulfur compounds are produced by certain bacteria in the mouth (VSCs). These compounds swiftly decompose into the gases that cause bad breath.

As reported by a 2016 study, tea tree oil may be useful in lowering the number of bacteria that create VSCs. The researchers cultivated bacterial cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontics in the lab for this study.

They then used either tea tree oil or chlorhexidine to treat the cultures. Chlorhexidine is a commonly used antibacterial in mouthwash.

Tea tree oil had effects that were similar to chlorhexidine. Both bacterial strains grew slower and produced less VCS as a result of these treatments. This laboratory study’s findings are encouraging. Future research will need to look at the effects of tea tree oil in the human mouth.

On the other hand, tea tree oil has fewer adverse effects than chlorhexidine. As a natural alternative, some people may prefer to use tea tree oil. To produce a tea tree oil rinse, combine a drop of tea tree oil with a few drops of vegetable oil in a warm cup of water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out until the cup of water is gone. Tea tree oil should not be devoured because it is harmful if ingested.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon oil’s effects on S. moorei bacteria were studied in a 2017 laboratory investigation. Cinnamon oil was found to have potent antibacterial properties against S. moorei. It also lowered hydrogen sulfide levels in the VCS.

Cinnamon oil did not cause any harm to human gum cells, according to the study.

They came to the conclusion that including cinnamon oil in oral hygiene products could help manage halitosis. However, more research involving human volunteers is required to back up this assertion.

People should dilute the cinnamon essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it to their skin. Cinnamon essential oil and food-grade oil are also available. No essential oil should be swallowed.

Herbs and Spices with a Strong Aroma

Aromatic essential oils are found in some spices. These may assist in hiding the stench of garlic and other pungent meals on the breath.

People can make a palate-cleansing tea to freshen their breath after meals. To create the tea, combine one or more of the spices listed below with hot water and steep for a few minutes:

• fennel seeds
• star anise
• cloves
• cardamom
• cinnamon
• grated ginger

One of the following strong-smelling herbs can also be added:

• spearmint
• peppermint
• parsley
• cilantro
• rosemary
• thyme

Antimicrobial compounds are found in many of these herbs and spices, which target bacterial causes of bad breath.

Probiotic Yogurt

Probiotics are active microorganisms that are beneficial for one’s health. Consuming probiotic-rich meals may aid in the reduction of harmful germs in the mouth. This may assist in the improvement of breathing.

Probiotics are found in all yogurt because they are required for the fermentation of milk into yogurt. Probiotic yogurt, on the other hand, has a more significant concentration of these helpful microorganisms.

The effects of probiotic yogurt and xylitol chewing gum on the number of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) bacteria in saliva were compared in a 2017 study. S. mutans plays a crucial role in tooth decay and halitosis. The study included 50 people who had high levels of S. mutans in their saliva.

The individuals were sequestered into two groups by the researchers. The probiotic yogurt group ate 200 grams per day, while the xylitol chewing gum group chewed two xylitol chewing gums three times after meals.

From the first day of the experiment, participants in both groups showed a decrease in S. mutans. During the second week of treatment, the reductions were the greatest. Between the two groups, there was no discernible difference.

As a result, consuming probiotic yogurt may be as helpful as chewing xylitol gum to avoid tooth decay and treat halitosis.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented sap beverage that is similar to probiotic yogurt but contains even more bacteria.

The effects of several types of probiotic medication on the number of bacteria in the mouth were studied in a 2018 study. 45 people took part in the 6-week trial. The individuals were sorted into three groups by the researchers:

Participants in the kefir group consumed 100 milliliters of kefir twice a day. Participants in the probiotic toothpaste (PT) group used a probiotic toothpaste twice a day. Participants in the restraint group did not receive any treatment.

When the researchers compared the kefir and PT groups to the control group, they significantly reduced S. mutans bacteria and Lactobacillus bacteria. These findings imply that consuming kefir may aid in the reduction of dangerous germs in the mouth.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Tooth decay, gum disease, a drug side effect, or an issue elsewhere in the body can all cause halitosis.

Some conditions that may cause halitosis are:

• sinus infections
• chronic lung infections
• digestive issues
• kidney diseases
• liver diseases
• diabetes

If people’s breath does not improve after attempting some of the suggested solutions in this article, they should see a doctor. Some people get halitosis as a result of an oral health problem. If they have halitosis and the following symptoms, they should contact a dentist:

• Gums that be painful, swollen, or bleeding
• toothache
• Problems with dentures due to loose teeth

Gum disease can cause the symptoms listed above. If this condition is caught early enough, it can be reversed. Gum infection, if left untreated, can drive tooth loss.