“Would you like a mint?”
Harmless as it may sound, this is the question that sends people running to the bathroom to perform the classic breathe-into-the-hand maneuver.
Bad breath, or halitosis, as medical professionals call it, is a very common condition and no one is immune to it.
While there are many causes of bad breath such as food, poor dental hygiene, or even underlying health issues, there are also lots of ways to prevent it.
Follow these tips to keep your mouth clean and healthy the natural way:
1. Drink Water
Ever wonder why your breath is typically worse in the morning? That’s because your mouth dries out while you sleep, and mouth dryness often causes bad breath.
Drink water (coffee and milk tea don’t count!) throughout the day to increase saliva production and minimize mouth dryness.
2. Have Some Yogurt
Another cause of awful breath is overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your small intestine. Yogurt contains lactobacilli, beneficial bacteria that combat bad bacteria in your gut.
To fight bad breath, eat at least one serving of plain, non-fat yogurt per day.
3. Eat More Oranges
Many people have bad breath because they don’t produce enough saliva to wash away foul-smelling bacteria. Research shows that Vitamin C helps increase saliva production, which can help eliminate bad breath. Oranges are a well-known source of this vitamin.
More than just masking bad breath, oranges are good immune system boosters, that’s why you should consider adding them to your diet.
4. Brew Yourself Some Green Tea
Packed with antioxidants and deodorizing properties, green tea fights bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay, also making it an ideal breath freshener.
Drink around 3 cups of green tea per day to reap the most health benefits.
5. Brush After Eating
Some food and drinks, especially those that are high in sugar, stimulate the growth of bacteria that attack your tooth enamel. To remove food particles, bacteria and plaque from the surface of your teeth and gums, brush your teeth after eating.
Research suggests that brushing your teeth immediately after eating can be harmful in some cases so it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after eating.
Did You Know?
Because our oral membranes are some of the thinnest, most permeable surfaces of our bodies and can easily absorb substances we put in our mouths, it’s important to have a genuinely natural oral care routine.
For gentle but effective cleansing, use Human Nature’s Natural Toothpaste.
Powered by GREENMINERAL PLUS which helps fight plaque, tartar and cavities, Human Nature’s Natural Toothpaste gives you cleaner teeth, fresher breath and healthier gums the natural way.
For people who love coffee and tea but hate the stains they leave, Human Nature’s Natural Gel Toothpaste is your best bet.
This gel toothpaste contains STAINCLEAR ACTIVES which gently remove surface stains to bring out fresher and brighter grins.
For your kids who deserve gentle and natural cavity protection, Human Nature’s Kids Natural Toothpaste is the perfect option.
Also powered by GREENMINERAL PLUS which helps prevent plaque, tartar and tooth decay, this raspberry mint flavored toothpaste’s sting-free formula will keep your kids smiling.
6. Start Using MouthwashSometimes, brushing is not enough to get into hard-to-reach oral nooks and crannies. Make the most out of your dental hygiene routine by finishing off with a mouthwash that’s effective yet gentle like Human Nature’s Natural Mouthwash.
Free from alcohol, synthetic dyes, PEGs, SLS/SLES and other toxic chemicals, a few swishes of this genuinely natural formula will bring you instant, long-lasting fresh breath.
All Human Nature Oral Care Products are free from harmful SLS/SLES, triclosan and peroxide, are made from biodegradable ingredients and don’t contain microbeads which can harm marine life.
7. Replace Your Toothbrush After 2-3 MonthsDon’t let germs find a home in your toothbrush. Bacteria can develop and hide in the bristles of your toothbrush, so make sure to change it regularly.
To ensure maximum effectiveness, many dental professionals recommend changing your toothbrush every 2-3 months.
Keep in mind that when it comes to taking care of your teeth, prevention is still better than cure. So remember to visit your dentist at least once a year to make sure your dental and oral health needs are covered.
While it’s tempting to take shortcuts and use harmful products that seem to work fast, the natural way is still the best way. So don’t forget to brush your pearly whites with natural goodness you can smile about!
Sources:
Osborn, Corinne. Things You Can Try at Home to Eliminate Bad Breath. Retrieved from www.healthline.com Seeber, Barbara. 11 Ways to Fight Bad Breath Naturally. Retrieved from www.everydayhealth.com How long should I wait to brush my teeth after eating? Retrieved from www.deervalleydentalcare.com