Bad breath is quite an embarrassing situation and can militate on your confidence levels. Halitosis, as it is medically called can make a person reserved and feel very insecure. It is generally a myth that bad breath begins in the mouth and ends there. It can also be caused due to several conditions in the tongue, nose, gums, tonsils, digestive tract, and even some diseases.

The main cause of bad breath is the bacteria that sticks up on the back of your tongue or between the teeth. Keeping up good oral health is vital to control bad breath, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping. Adequate hydration throughout the day is also important for keeping your breath fresh.

Here are some simple effective home remedies to help you get rid of bad breath.

1. Fennel/Saunf

Fennel functions as an outstanding mouth freshener that helps in controlling bad breath. The anti-microbial properties in fennel fight the bacteria in the mouth.

Munch on a teaspoon of fennel to refresh your breath and enhance the production of saliva. You can also pick up fennel tea, made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of fennel seeds in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has been used profusely for years together in curing bad breath. The presence of citric acids in lemons thwarts the growth of bacteria in your mouth. Furthermore, the strong pleasant smell eases to mask the bad odour.

Stir in one tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water and floss your mouth with it. This quick fix will help you to treat the problem of dry mouth which is one of the main causes that results in bad breath. 

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek tea is a wonderful and effective therapy to treat bad breath which is caused due to catarrhal infections.

Boil in a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water, strain and drink this wonderful tea once daily to combat the problem. 

4. Cloves

Cloves possess strong antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that are beneficial in getting rid of bad breath.

Simply pop in a few pieces of cloves into your mouth and chew them completely, this will help you ward off bad breath in a few minutes

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamaldehyde, an essential ingredient present in cinnamon oil not only treats bad breath but also lowers the bacteria in your mouth.

Steep in one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water. You may also add a few bay leaves, and cardamom too. Filter the solution and use it as a mouth freshener to refresh your breath.

Additional Kitchen Remedies

Baking Soda

Due to its mildly abrasive nature, baking soda helps lift stains without causing significant enamel damage. Create a paste with a small amount of baking soda and water, forming a consistency suitable for tooth brushing. Gently brush your teeth with this paste, paying attention to surface stains.

 Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar's acidic nature may contribute to removing stains and bacteria. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water, creating a solution suitable for use as a mouthwash. However,  it is crucial to dilute it properly and use it sparingly to prevent potential enamel erosion.

 Ginger

Chewing on fresh ginger into your routine can offer potential benefits for oral health. Ginger contains bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties, contributing to maintaining a healthy oral environment. Though it is a permanent substitute for regular oral care, including ginger in your diet may complement overall oral hygiene.

 Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil, known for its refreshing properties, can be applied by adding a drop to your tongue or incorporating it into water. The antimicrobial characteristics of peppermint oil aids in freshening breath and promoting oral hygiene.

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