Natural Mouthwash: Dealing with bad breath which weakens first impressions both professionally and personally

By: Allan Elutin Ecleo

Naturally,  when we hear bad news because of a friend/loved ones who turn to be the center of news-mongering in any circle especially if it concerns hygiene, we're disappointed because of awareness that this affects one’s self-esteem as she/he discovers it sooner or later.  

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.

Proverbs 15:30 A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart; good news invigorates the bones.

I lost my full time employment and I’ve been surviving through a freelance job so it’s a must to think of austerity measures.  While on this thought, I came up with contemplating on how to minimize the use of toothpaste by using natural method without compromising my oral hygiene.  Before researching, I tried this method already which indeed effective but I needed to check it through a research to make it more credible.  

With these foregoing perceptions, I took this initiative of coming up with this topic on bad breath.  

Bad breath or halitosis is the unpleasant odor of the breath is a common problem found among people around the world.  In the United States, millions of Americans suffer from bad breath.[1] This is not a disease and can be prevented easily once its cause is established. Accumulation of bacteria in the mouth due to the presence of food particles, gum diseases or due to the formation of plaque cause bad breath. Garlic and onions which has a strong smell can increase the bad breath.

Bad breath can put in very awkward situations and can unenthusiastically influence one’s social life, career and intimate relationship. It can ruin relationships.”

If not all, perhaps almost all love to look good, concentrating on dressing to the nines and wearing branded perfumes but sometimes oral health is ignored, which customarily leads to bad breath and spoils one’s entire impression.

So how do we know that we have a bad breath? Open the mouth, place hand near and breathe out.  Another method to check breath is by licking the backside of the hand using tongue then smell it after 3 seconds or simply smell the floss used. If yes is the answer after inhaling a foul smell, then it’s time to do something  about it before others become turned off and vanish one by one because of course it’s not delightful talking to someone while  gasping a rancid air somehwere.[2]

Home remedies provided below help to keep breath fresher for a longer period of time than the artificial gargle and sprays available in the market which claims to fight bad breath. Try these different to fix bad breath and find out which one best suited in your case:

1). Salt or Lemon Rinse

Salt rinse is the oldest and one of the most effective remedies for curing bad breath, which is beneficial not only killing the bacteria in the mouth but for curing gum infections. This has been my practice actually for a week now particularly warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt, “Lo and behold” it was successful just on the first attempt, which is the most practical and accessible at all times.

Method: Use this as a gargle by preparing half cup of warm water and ½ teaspoon of salt, mix them well until it becomes a clear solution then rinse your mouth with it before going to bed. Gums turn more pink (which is a sign of good oral health) in a few days when using this method.

Lemon can also substitute salt to make a mouthwash. Bacteria formation in the gums is hampered by using lemon.

2). Baking Soda 

It helps not only as effective teeth whitener but also good in curing bad breath. 

Baking Soda maintains the pH balance of the mouth and prevents accumulation of bacteria inside the mouth and removes the plaque and stains on the teeth. However, overuse of baking soda corrodes teeth and it is important to rinse the mouth thoroughly after using baking soda to cleanse teeth and mouth. Baking soda can be applied using these different options as a method provided below to avoid bad breath:

Method 1: Use either toothpaste which contains baking soda or dissolve some baking soda in warm water and gargle with this solution. Baking soda stops odour causing bacteria formation in the mouth.

Method 2:  Take a teaspoon of baking soda and dip toothbrush in the baking soda. Brush using this method regularly to achieve cleanness of teeth and freshness of breath and to get rid of bad breath.

Method 3: Brush teeth with regular toothpaste and rinse mouth properly. Take a small amount of baking soda and brush teeth to cleanse them and to maintain the pH balance.   Wash mouth thoroughly and feel the freshness.

Method 3:  Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water then use this solution to gargle the mouth. To get better results, repeat the process several times a day.

3). Sun Flower Seeds and Mint leaves

Sun flower seeds and mint leaves cleanse and spread fresh scent in the mouth. Chew on fresh mint leaves or eat some sunflower seeds with a glass of water; both gets rid of the bad breath.

4). Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics like acidophilus, which are very helpful in getting rid of bad breath. Rich in good bacteria, daily intake of yogurt cures bad breath in a few seconds and also stops the growth of odor causing bacteria.

5). Refrain from Sugar

Avoid foods that contain refined sugar as they cause cavities and bad breath. Stay away from candies, cookies and other sweet treats containing sugar. Use brown sugar instead.

6). Drink water or Pineapple Juice

God’s natural provision is the simplest. Water helps in keeping the mouth and stomach hydrated, which prevents bacteria formation causing bad breath.

Pineapple juice is likewise very effective brought by its high acidic content which keeps the bacteria away from gums and tongue. Unsweetened tea when consumed hot can also be dependable.

7). Fenugreek Tea

This type of herb is also a good treatment for bad breath. It has the ability to heal respiratory tract problems and bad breath, improves the production of saliva and reduces the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.

Method:  Simmer a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes on low flame then strain it before consumption to prevent bad breath.

8). Cloves and Cardamom

The aromatic seeds of cardamom are very helpful in preventing bad breath. Cloves has anti-microbial and anti-septic properties that are equally good for bad breath removal and also protect against toothaches, sore gums, oral ulcers and other mouth infections. Different options below can be an application:

Method 1:   Chew 2-3 whole cloves after meals for removal of bad breath in a few minutes. This provides fresh breath for longer period.

Method 2: Keep 3-4 whole cloves in 2 cups of hot water for 10-20 minutes and allow the oils to seep into hot water. Strain and drink it by adding natural sweeteners to prevent bad breath

9). Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds have anti-microbial properties which help in killing the bacteria causing bad odor of the mouth. It is also very effective in resolving digestive problems which are a major factor for bad breath to certain people.

Method:  After eating foods with strong smells that may cause bad odor, chew a teaspoon of fennel seeds right away. The aroma of the fennel seeds conquers the smell of the food.

Chewing fennel seeds improves saliva production and lessens bad odor due to dry mouth. Use fennel seeds mixed with spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon etc. for better results. Frequent use of this remedy after meals provides better results.

b) Make fennel tea from one teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds and one cup of water. Strain the tea to remove the fennel and mix it with  honey or milk.  Drinking fennel tea gives long lasting fresh breath.

10). Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains an essential oil called Cinnamic aldehyde which facilitates in reducing bad breath by lessening the bacterial growth present in the saliva.  Use the following options that best suits you:

Method 1: Boil 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder with water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the solution and use as a mouthwash for few times a day for fresher breath. Adding bay leaves and cardamom to the boiling water also improves the aroma of the solution.

Method 2: Mix a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder, freshly squeezed juice of one lemon and one and half teaspoon of honey with a cup of warm water. Shake them well in a bottle with tight lid.  Use this as a regular mouthwash to fight bad breath.

11).  Apple Cider Vinegar

It is well known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which reduces the growth of bacteria in the mouth and also helps to remove the plaque which causes bad breath.  The following options as a method can be choices:

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