What are some natural cures for bad breath? What does the research say about using baking soda, vinegar, parsley, pineapple juice, and other remedies for halitosis? Find out the facts.

The Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, typically originates in the mouth where bacteria are ever-present. When we eat, bits of food can get caught in our teeth, allowing bacteria to grow and release foul-smelling sulfur compounds. The most common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene – if we don’t brush and floss regularly, the bacteria in our mouths continue to proliferate and build up plaque on our teeth, leading to a unpleasant odor.

However, bad breath can also be caused by factors beyond just poor oral hygiene. Certain foods like onions and garlic can lead to bad breath by releasing sulfur compounds into the bloodstream that are then expelled through the lungs. Acid reflux, infections, diabetes complications, and renal failure are other possible causes of halitosis that originate outside the mouth.

Natural Remedies for Bad Breath

Fortunately, there are several natural solutions that can help eliminate bad breath. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most effective home remedies:

Good Dental Hygiene

According to research, practicing good dental hygiene is the most important step in preventing and treating bad breath. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at least twice a day, and flossing once daily, can go a long way in reducing plaque buildup and the resulting foul odor. Additionally, using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue can also help.

Parsley

Parsley is a popular folk remedy for bad breath due to its fresh scent and high chlorophyll content, which may have a deodorizing effect. Studies have shown that parsley can effectively combat the sulfur compounds that cause bad breath, though the research has not yet been conducted on human breath specifically. To use parsley for bad breath, try chewing on fresh leaves after meals or taking a parsley dietary supplement.

Pineapple Juice

Many people believe that pineapple juice is an effective and fast-acting treatment for bad breath. While there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim, anecdotal reports suggest that drinking a glass of organic pineapple juice after meals or chewing on a pineapple slice for 1-2 minutes can help. Just be sure to rinse your mouth afterward to remove any sugary residue.

Water

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help reduce bad breath. Research shows that mouth dryness, which often occurs during sleep, can allow bacteria to thrive and create a foul odor. Keeping your body well-hydrated encourages saliva production, which plays a key role in maintaining a clean mouth.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains healthy bacteria called probiotics that can help balance the microbiome in your mouth and potentially reduce bad breath. While more research is needed, some studies have suggested that regularly consuming yogurt may have a deodorizing effect.

Other Natural Remedies to Try

In addition to the remedies mentioned above, there are a few other natural options you can try for bad breath:

• Baking Soda: Rinsing your mouth with a baking soda solution can help neutralize odor-causing acids and kill bacteria.
• Vinegar: Similar to baking soda, the acidity in vinegar can help kill bacteria and freshen breath.
• Essential Oils: Oils like peppermint, tea tree, and lemongrass have antimicrobial properties that may help reduce bad breath.
• Herbal Teas: Certain teas, like green tea and chamomile, contain compounds that may help fight odor-causing bacteria.

When to See a Professional

If home remedies don’t seem to be alleviating your bad breath, it’s a good idea to see a dentist or doctor. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires medical treatment. A professional can also provide personalized recommendations for addressing the root cause of your halitosis.

Conclusion

While bad breath is a common and often embarrassing problem, there are many natural solutions that can help. By practicing good oral hygiene, incorporating foods and supplements like parsley and pineapple juice, staying hydrated, and trying other home remedies, you can take steps to freshen your breath and feel more confident. However, if persistent bad breath continues to be an issue, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and More

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Dental hygiene, along with eating foods like parsley and pineapple, may help reduce bad breath that originates in the mouth. If you have bad breath due to a health condition, treating the condition may help.

Some people are convinced they have bad breath when their breath is completely neutral. Others have terrible breath and don’t know it. It can be hard to smell your own breath, let alone judge its odor.

Ask someone you trust to give you an honest opinion — sometime in the middle of the day, and not right after polishing off a tuna sandwich with extra onions.

If your suspicions are confirmed and your breath is problematic, don’t worry. There are many home remedies that can eliminate bad breath. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Bad breath typically originates in the mouth, where bacteria are ever present. When you eat, bits of food get caught in your teeth. Bacteria grow on these bits of food, releasing foul-smelling sulfur compounds.

The most common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss often, the bacteria in your mouth continue to grow, and a thin film of bacteria known as plaque builds up on your teeth. When plaque isn’t brushed away at least twice per day, it produces a foul odor and leads to another smelly process, tooth decay.

All foods get stuck in your teeth, but certain foods like onions and garlic more commonly lead to bad breath. Digestion of these foods releases sulfur compounds into your bloodstream. When the blood reaches your lungs, it affects your breath.

Although more than 90 percent of bad breath cases originate in the mouth, occasionally the source of the problem comes from elsewhere in the body. It may be a result of acid reflux, which leads to the partial regurgitation of foul-tasting liquid. Other possible causes include infections, diabetes complications, and renal failure. Starting a new diet, such as the keto diet, may also bring about a certain breath odor.

Good dental hygiene

According to research studies, poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. Preventing plaque buildup is the key to maintaining a healthy mouth. You should brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at least twice per day (morning and night).

Some people find that brushing after every meal is necessary to prevent decay and bad breath. To prevent bacteria from growing on bits of food stuck in your teeth, floss at least once per day.

Bacteria can also accumulate on the tongue, causing a foul smell. A practice known as tongue scraping can help you remove this thin layer of film. Using your toothbrush or a specialized tongue scraper, brush or scrape your tongue at least once per day. Learn more about why you should be brushing your tongue.

Parsley

Parsley is a popular folk remedy for bad breath. Its fresh scent and high chlorophyll content suggest that it can have a deodorizing effect. Studies (not done on human breath, however) have shown that parsley can effectively combat foul sulfur compounds.

To use parsley for bad breath, chew on fresh leaves after each meal or buy a parsley dietary supplement here.

Pineapple juice

Many people believe that pineapple juice is the quickest and most effective treatment for bad breath. While there is no scientific evidence to back up this theory, anecdotal reports suggest that it works.

Drink a glass of organic pineapple juice after every meal, or chew on a pineapple slice for one to two minutes. It’s also important to remember to rinse your mouth of the sugars in fruit and fruit juice afterward.

Water

Research shows that mouth dryness often causes bad breath. Saliva plays a very important role in keeping your mouth clean. Without it, bacteria thrive.

Your mouth naturally dries out while you sleep, which is why breath is typically worse in the morning.

Prevent dry mouth by keeping your body hydrated. Drinking water (not caffeinated or sugary drinks) throughout the day will help encourage saliva production. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains healthy bacteria called lactobacillus. These healthy bacteria can help combat bad bacteria in various parts of your body, like your gut.

Research shows that yogurt may also help reduce bad breath. A study found after six weeks of eating yogurt, 80 percent of participants had a reduction in bad breath. Probiotics in yogurt are effective in reducing the severity of bad breath.

To use yogurt to fight bad breath, eat at least one serving per day of plain, nonfat yogurt.

Milk

Milk is a well-known cure for bad breath. Research shows that drinking milk after eating garlic can significantly improve “garlicky” breath.

To use this method, drink a glass of low- or full-fat milk during or after a meal containing strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.

Fennel or anise seeds

Since ancient times, fennel and anise seeds have been used to freshen breath. In parts of India, roasted fennel seeds are still used as “mukhwas,” or mouth fresheners, to cleanse after-dinner breath. They taste sweet and contain aromatic essential oils that give the breath a fresh scent.

Fennel and anise seeds can be eaten plain, roasted, or coated with sugar.

Orange

Oranges not only make for a healthy dessert, but they also promote dental hygiene.

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 rich in this vitamin.

Zinc

Zinc salts, an ingredient in certain mouthwashes and chewing gum, can counteract bad breath. Zinc works to decrease the number of sulfurous compounds in your breath. Research has shown that regular rinsing with a solution containing zinc can be effective in reducing bad breath for at least 6 months.

Try a zinc chewing gum designed for people with dry mouth. You can also find zinc dietary supplements at your local drug store or purchase them online here.

Green tea

Green tea is an effective home remedy for bad breath. Research shows that green tea has disinfectant and deodorizing properties that can temporarily freshen the breath. Mint has similar effects, so a cup of green mint tea may be an ideal breath freshener.

Brew two cups of tea before going to bed and refrigerate it overnight. Pour your cool tea into a water bottle and bring it to work. Slowly sip on it throughout the day. Purchase green mint tea here.

Apples

One study found that raw apples have a powerful effect against garlic breath. Certain natural compounds in apples neutralize the foul-smelling compounds in garlic. This is particularly useful for people whose garlic breath lingers, because it neutralizes the compounds in the bloodstream, rather than just deodorizing the mouth.

Homemade mouthwash with baking soda

Studies have shown that baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can effectively kill bacteria in the mouth. Research indicates that toothpastes containing high concentrations of baking soda effectively reduce bad breath.

To make a baking soda mouthwash, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Homemade mouthwash with vinegar

Vinegar contains a natural acid called acetic acid. Bacteria don’t like to grow in acidic environments, so a vinegar mouthwash may reduce bacteria growth.

Add 2 tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water. Gargle for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Most bad breath originates in the mouth and can be treated with improved dental hygiene.

In some cases, however, bad breath is a sign of a more serious condition such as diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney failure, or an infection.

If your bad breath isn’t improving with home treatment, consult your doctor or dentist.

Breath Smells Like Poop: Causes and Treatment

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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

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Breath that smells like poop can have many causes. Some of the most common causes may be due to poor oral hygiene, a bowel obstruction, a sinus infection, vomiting, GERD, ketoacidosis, or liver failure.

Everyone experiences breath odor at some point in their lives. It can be concerning to have a strong odor on your breath that brushing and mouthwash don’t seem to help — especially if your breath smells like feces.

While there are some benign causes for breath that smells like poop, most of the issues that cause this phenomenon are more serious and require medical attention.

There are a number of different causes of breath that smells like poop, ranging from poor hygiene to liver failure. Let’s take a look at them.

Poor hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can cause your breath to smell like poop. Failing to brush and floss your teeth properly and regularly can make your breath smell because plaque and bacteria accumulate on and between your teeth. Food that’s not removed by flossing stays between your teeth, causing your breath to smell unpleasant.

Gum disease can also contribute to foul-smelling breath. It’s caused by neglecting oral hygiene. Neglecting your oral health also leads to an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the mouth, which can cause the odor on your breath. Dentures that aren’t properly cleaned on a daily basis can also cause severe halitosis.

Bowel obstruction

Intestinal obstructions are dangerous medical emergencies that occur when a blockage forms in either your large or small intestine.

A blockage in your intestinal tract can cause breath that smells like feces due not only to the feces that are trapped inside your intestines, but also due to food you’ve eaten that can’t move down your intestinal tract. Anything you eat while unable to pass a bowel movement remains inside the digestive tract and ferments, causing bad breath.

Besides unpleasant breath odor, someone with an intestinal obstruction may experience:

• decreased appetite
• severe bloating
• abdominal swelling
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• severe abdominal cramps
• inability to pass gas or stool

Vomiting

Prolonged vomiting — and the resulting dehydration — can cause bad breath due to dry mouth. Saliva cleans your mouth and reduces odor, but in cases of dehydration, you won’t produce enough saliva in extreme scenarios. Vomiting as a result of a bowel obstruction can cause your breath to smell like feces.

Sinus infections

Sinus and respiratory infections can cause your breath to smell like feces. These can be caused by bronchitis, viral colds, strep throat, and more. When bacteria move from your nose into your throat, it can cause your breath to have an incredibly unpleasant odor. Some other symptoms of sinus infections may include:

• nasal drainage that is thick and yellow-green in color
• a cold that lasts more than 10–14 days
• low-grade fever
• irritability and fatigue
• postnasal drip that manifests as nausea, vomiting, cough, or sore throat
• swollen eyes
• headache

Children are more likely to develop sinus infections after a viral cold than adults, but similar symptoms can present in both.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause bad breath, including breath that smells like poop. This is because your stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. This acidic backwash can irritate your esophageal lining, causing extreme discomfort. A person with GERD might experience:

• mild reflux that occurs one to two times per week
• moderate to severe reflux at least once a week
• heartburn in your chest after eating, which could be worse at night
• difficulty swallowing
• regurgitation of sour liquid or food
• the feeling of a lump in your throat
• laryngitis
• persistent cough
• asthma that is new or worse than before
• insomnia or inability to stay asleep

Ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis is a severe complication in people who have diabetes. It occurs most often in people with type 1 diabetes, when the body produces a high level of acids in the blood called ketones. It’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, along with hospitalization.

Ketoacidosis could cause breath that smells like feces due the dry mouth or prolonged vomiting associated with the condition.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

• extreme thirst
• frequent urination
• dry mouth and skin
• nausea or vomiting
• confusion
• abdominal pain
• high blood sugar levels
• high levels of ketones in the urine
• a flushed face
• fruity-smelling breath
• rapid breathing
• fatigue

Liver failure

Liver failure can be chronic or acute. Acute liver failure can happen suddenly and requires immediate medical attention. It can also cause the breath to smell like feces due to diarrhea and any resulting dehydration.

A person with liver failure might experience:

• weight loss
• jaundice
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• appetite loss
• nausea
• itching
• easy bruising or bleeding
• ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)
• edema (fluid buildup in the legs)

There are many ways to treat the conditions that cause breath with a fecal odor:

• Poor oral hygiene: If your bad breath is caused by plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene, visiting the dentist for a cleaning could help. If you have gum disease, it’s important to treat it and get the inflammation in your mouth under control.
• Bowel obstruction: If you suspect you may have a bowel obstruction, seek immediate, emergency medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe bowel rest with IV fluids to treat a partial obstruction. For severe obstructions, surgery may be required. You might also be prescribed antibiotics, pain medication, or medication to reduce nausea.
• Vomiting: Treatment of vomiting depends on the causes. In most cases of viral infection and food poisoning, the symptoms must be allowed to pass. Sometimes severe vomiting requires anti-nausea medication or IV fluids in the case of dehydration.
• Sinus infections: Most sinus infections are treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication may also be required to treat discomfort caused by the infection.
• GERD: GERD may be treated with OTC or prescription medications such as antacids (medications that lower acid production), proton pump inhibitors, or medications that help the lower esophageal sphincter stay closed. If you have GERD, you should avoid foods that aggravate your symptoms. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
• Ketoacidosis: A person experiencing ketoacidosis will receive a combination of treatments in the hospital to normalize blood sugar and insulin levels. This includes insulin therapy, fluid replacement, and electrolyte replacement. You may receive antibiotics if your ketoacidosis was triggered by an infection or other illness.
• Liver failure: Your doctor may treat acute liver failure with medications that reverse the effects of poisoning or a liver transplant, if your condition is irreversible. For conditions like cirrhosis, which can lead to chronic liver failure, you may be treated for your dependence on alcohol, administered medication for hepatitis, advised to lose weight, or treated with other medications that control the causes and symptoms of cirrhosis.

If your condition is not severe, you may treat it at home with simple remedies that may help reduce your breath odor. Some of these home treatments include:

• brushing your teeth after each meal
• flossing daily
• using balancing mouthwash daily
• using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and food particles
• chewing fresh parsley or mint leaves
• chewing sugar-free mint gum or sucking on a sugarless mint
• avoiding smoking and foods that cause your breath to smell unpleasant
• drinking plenty of water and using a mouthwash formulated for dry mouth
• oil pulling (swishing coconut oil or another oil in your mouth for 15–20 minutes and spitting it out once done)

For easily treatable or short-term conditions like poor oral hygiene, vomiting, sinus infection, or GERD, your long-term outlook is good. Treatment should cure or resolve bad breath within two weeks. If the underlying cause is treated properly, the odor on your breath should be reduced or eliminated.

In cases of severe conditions like intestinal obstruction, ketoacidosis, or liver failure, prompt emergency care is vital. These conditions are extremely serious and could be fatal. It’s important to note, however, that early treatment is critical. If you catch any of these conditions early, your long-term outlook can be positive and you may be able to make a full or near-full recovery.

How to get rid of halitosis at home: proven methods of treatment

Contents

• 1 Halitosis: simple and effective home remedies
  • 1.1 Understanding the causes and symptoms of halitosis
  • 1.2 Symptoms of halitosis
  • 1.3 Causes of halitosis
  • 1.4 Oral Care
  • 1.5 Using Propolis to Treat Halitosis
  • 1.6 Using Herbal Decoctions to Treat Halitosis
    • 1.6.1 Mint leaf tea
    • 1.6.2 Burdock root decoction
    • 1.6.3 Birch bud tincture
  • 1.7 Essential oils for the treatment of halitosis
    • 1. 7.1 Which oils are best to use?
    • 1.7.2 How to use essential oils?
    • 1.7.3 Special precautions
  • 1. 8 Using baking soda to treat halitosis
  • 1.9 Using coconut oil to treat halitosis
  • 1.10 Common treatments for halitosis
  • 1.11 Prevention of halitosis is the key to oral health
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What is halitosis?
      • 1.13.0.2 Which foods can contribute to halitosis?
      • 1.13.0.3 What are some easy ways to get rid of halitosis?
      • 1.13.0.4 What other cause of halitosis can there be?
      • 1.13.0.5 What are the folk remedies for halitosis?
      • 1.13.0.6 How long does it take to treat halitosis?

Find out how to get rid of halitosis at home without going to the doctor. Useful tips and effective recipes to combat bad breath.

Halitosis, better known as bad breath, is a problem that can have a negative impact on a person’s life. It can occur due to poor oral hygiene, poor diet, and other factors. Bad breath can lead to communication problems and distrust of others. Therefore, it is important to know how to get rid of halitosis at home.

There are many ways to deal with this problem. At home, you can use many proven methods, without the need for expensive treatment, to help improve the condition. However, for effective treatment, it is necessary to understand what are the causes of halitosis and what should be done to prevent its occurrence in the future.

In this article, we will look at the main causes of bad breath, and also take a closer look at effective ways to treat halitosis at home. The best recommendations and tips to help get rid of unwanted odor will be described below.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of halitosis

Halitosis is bad breath that is caused by the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled air. It can have different intensity and cause severe discomfort.

The main cause of halitosis is the presence of bacteria in the oral cavity. Biofilms can form on the surface of the teeth and tongue, which contain bacteria that are involved in the process of digesting food. They emit hydrogen sulfide, causing an unpleasant odor.

Symptoms of halitosis often appear after waking up, when a lot of bacteria accumulate in the mouth, causing bad breath. There may also be dry mouth, burning, an uncontrollable desire to drink.

• The main cause of halitosis is the presence of bacteria in the oral cavity.
• Halitosis can be caused by malnutrition and diseases.
• The symptoms of halitosis are halitosis, dry mouth and burning.

Symptoms of halitosis

Halitosis, or bad breath, is one of the most common symptoms of this problem. It can be permanent or temporary, occur in the morning or during the day, and have varying degrees of intensity.

In addition to bad breath, halitosis can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a coating on the tongue, dry mouth, constant thirst and discomfort when talking or eating.

If you have these symptoms, see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of halitosis

Halitosis is an unpleasant odor from the mouth, which occurs as a result of the presence in the oral cavity of formations consisting of organic and inorganic substances, such as protein, urea, sulfur, various acids and microorganisms. The main causes of halitosis are:

1. Inadequate oral hygiene, due to which plaque and bacteria form on the teeth and tongue.
2. Gum disease that results in tissue necrosis and deep pockets between the tooth and gum.
3. Stomach and digestive problems such as reflux, heartburn and gastritis.
4. Liver and kidney disorders that prevent the body from properly getting rid of waste products and toxins that can lead to halitosis.
5. Unhealthy diet, especially the frequent consumption of sweet and fatty foods, which promotes the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.

Knowledge of the causes of halitosis helps to correctly approach its treatment and prevention. If you have suspicions about the presence of this unpleasant phenomenon, you should definitely contact your dentist and tell about the symptoms.

Oral care

Teeth brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. You need to brush not only your teeth, but also your tongue, gums and cheeks. To achieve maximum efficiency and remove all bacteria, you need to choose the right toothbrush and use dental floss or tooth sticks.

Use of vinegar: Vinegar can be used to treat halitosis. Dilute one teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with this solution every day. This will help eliminate odor and fight bacteria.

Proper nutrition: To avoid halitosis, you need to watch your diet. Avoid overly sweet, fatty and spicy foods. Eat fruits, vegetables, and greens as they are high in vitamins and minerals that help keep your mouth healthy.

• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Drink more water and less sugary drinks.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as this can aggravate the problem of halitosis.

Keeping the mouth moist: Dry mouth can lead to bad breath because bacteria multiply faster in a dry environment. To avoid dryness, you need to drink enough water and use special mouthwashes.

Get regular checkups with your dentist: Regular checkups with your dentist can help you avoid many problems, including halitosis. A dentist can help identify and treat any oral problems before they get worse.

The use of propolis for the treatment of halitosis

Propolis is a resinous substance obtained by bees from tree buds. It is used to protect hives from diseases and pests. Propolis has a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic effect.

There are several ways to use propolis for the treatment of halitosis:

• Pure propolis: A small piece of propolis should be chewed within 20 minutes after eating.
• Propolis oil: To prepare the oil, you need to mix equal proportions of propolis and olive oil. After that, the resulting mixture must be insisted for a week. Ready oil is used for rinsing the mouth and throat after eating.
• Propolis infusion: To prepare the infusion, add 20 grams of propolis to 100 ml of alcohol. After that, the mixture must be insisted for 7 days. Ready infusion taken orally 1 teaspoon three times a day.

It is important to remember that propolis can cause allergic reactions, so you should consult your doctor before using it.

The use of herbal decoctions to get rid of halitosis

Mint leaf tea

When halitosis is present, bad breath often occurs. To combat it, you can make tea from mint leaves. To do this, pour a glass of boiling water on a spoonful of dry mint leaves, leave for 10-15 minutes, and then strain. Drinking this tea several times throughout the day will help eliminate bad breath.

Burdock root decoction

Burdock root is an excellent liver cleanser. A decoction based on it not only removes halitosis, but also helps strengthen the immune system. To prepare, you need to pour a liter of boiling water on 50 grams of burdock root, let it brew for 30 minutes and strain. Drink the resulting decoction during the day, 100 grams, regularly repeating the course of treatment.

Birch bud tincture

Birch buds contain a large amount of flavonoids, which have a beneficial effect on the liver and help get rid of halitosis. To prepare the tincture, pour 500 ml of vegetable oil per 100 grams of birch buds and keep in the sun for 2 weeks. Then the tincture should be filtered and taken 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day for a month.

Essential oils for the treatment of halitosis

Which oils are best to use?

Essential oils are a concentration of aromatic substances obtained from plants. They can help in the fight against halitosis, because. improve oral health and kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

Tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary oils are recommended for the treatment of halitosis. They have antimicrobial properties and help kill germs in the mouth.

How to use essential oils?

There are several ways to use essential oils to treat halitosis:

• Add a few drops of the oil to a glass of water and use as a mouthwash.
• Apply a small amount of oil to your toothbrush before brushing your teeth.
• Apply a small amount of oil on the tongue and spread it all over the mouth.

Special Precautions

Be aware that some essential oils may be too concentrated and irritate the skin and mucous membranes. An allergy test is recommended before using the oil.

Oil Specifics of use

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When using essential oils, every precaution must be taken to avoid possible side effects. If you experience any adverse reactions, you should stop using the oils and consult your doctor.

Using Baking Soda to Fight Halitosis

Halitosis, or bad breath, can be caused by a variety of causes, including digestive disorders, microbial infection, and deposits on the tongue. Using baking soda is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to deal with halitosis at home.

In addition, baking soda can be used to clean the tongue. Wet your toothbrush and dip it in baking soda. Clean the tongue with a brush, scraping all over its surface. This will help remove sediment and bacteria that may be causing halitosis.

However, do not overuse soda, as this can lead to an imbalance in the acidity in the mouth and cause even more problems. Use it only when necessary and no more than 2-3 times a week.

Use of coconut oil for the treatment of halitosis

Coconut oil can help treat halitosis due to its antimicrobial properties. It contains monolauric acid, which is a powerful antibacterial agent. Coconut oil also contains caprylic acid, which helps mask bad breath.

To use coconut oil as a remedy for halitosis, it can be eaten or used as a mouth rinse. To prepare a mouthwash solution, you need to stir one teaspoon of coconut oil in a glass of warm water. This dissolution will help kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce bad breath.

You can also eat coconut oil, including it in your daily diet. However, it is worth remembering that coconut oil has a high calorie content, so its use should be limited.

• Coconut oil is an effective remedy for halitosis;
• Monolauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial properties;
• To rinse your mouth, mix a teaspoon of coconut oil in a glass of warm water;
• Coconut oil can also be used for food, but its consumption should be limited due to its high calorie content.

Common Treatments for Halitosis

Treating the Cause of Halitosis is the primary treatment for bad breath. If its appearance is associated with a disease of the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to undergo a course of drug treatment and visit a doctor regularly. If the cause of halitosis is not a pathology, then it is necessary to take care of the health of the oral cavity – brush your teeth regularly, use dental floss, using means to eliminate bad breath.

The use of anise water is an effective folk remedy for the treatment of halitosis. Anise water contains essential oils that help not only eliminate bad breath, but also improve digestion. To use, just add 1-2 teaspoons of anise water to a glass of water.

The use of green tea is also an effective way to combat halitosis. Green tea not only eliminates bad breath, but also stimulates the production of salivary glands, which improves digestion and fights bacteria in the mouth.

Polynyxation is a procedure performed in dental clinics to eliminate bad breath. Its essence lies in the removal of plaque and other deposits in the oral cavity, as well as in the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity.

Proper nutrition is an important factor in the fight against halitosis. It is necessary to stop eating fatty, spicy and sweet foods, as well as avoid alcohol and smoking. Adding fruits and vegetables to your diet will also help eliminate bad breath.

Prevention of halitosis is the key to oral health

Inflammation of the gums, bleeding and bad breath can all be associated with halitosis. It spoils the life of not only those who suffer from it, but also those around them. The state of the oral cavity must be monitored daily and prevention is a necessary part of health care.

The simplest rule to prevent halitosis is to brush your teeth thoroughly every day. Use soft-bristle toothbrushes with a small head and replace them every three to four months. Regularly monitor the condition of the tongue, it is a source of bad breath.

In addition to brushing your teeth and tongue, don’t forget to clean between your teeth and floss. To further protect your teeth, regularly use natural antiseptics such as tea tree oil, natural fermented yogurt, or propolis.

Limit your consumption of sweets and carbonated drinks , they are prime sources for bacterial growth in your mouth, which can lead to halitosis. Remember to drink enough water, this improves the functioning of the oral mucosa and prevents the growth of bacteria that contribute to the formation of stones in saliva.

• The main means of prevention are daily brushing of teeth, tongue and interdental spaces;
• Use of natural antiseptics and fermented products;
• Limitation of consumption of sweets and carbonated drinks;
• Drink enough water;
• Visit your dentist regularly for complete control and prevention of possible oral diseases.

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Q&A:

What is halitosis?

Halitosis is bad breath that results from the accumulation of food debris and bacteria on the tongue, teeth and gums.

Which foods can contribute to halitosis?

Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs can cause halitosis. Also, a diet rich in sugary or sour foods can lead to adding bad breath.

What are some easy ways to get rid of halitosis?

If you have halitosis, you can try drinking more water, brushing and flossing your tongue, eating more slowly to reduce food residue in your mouth, and eating foods that not only don’t contribute to odor but can help eliminate it e.g. mints, green tea, apples.

What other cause of halitosis can there be?

Halitosis can be associated with various diseases such as dental disease, gum inflammation, throat and respiratory tract infections, as well as liver and kidney disease. If simple ways to get rid of halitosis do not work, you need to see a doctor to find out the cause.

What are the folk remedies for halitosis?

Folk remedies for halitosis include the use of baking soda, salt, and lemon juice solutions to wash the mouth, the use of tinctures of chamomile, mint, and eucalyptus to rinse the mouth, and the use of various herbs and spices in food, such as parsley, cinnamon, turmeric.

How long does it take to treat halitosis?

The treatment time for halitosis depends on the cause and the method of treatment. If halitosis is caused by poor diet or poor oral hygiene, then results can be obtained after the first days of proper oral care. If halitosis is caused by a disease, then treatment can last for many months and requires observation by a doctor.

How to get rid of bad breath at home

Halitosis is a delicate problem that affects a person’s social life and may indicate the presence of hidden dental and internal diseases. The difficulty in dealing with bad breath lies in the fact that many people do not even know that their breath is unpleasant, so it is important to talk not only about the causes of halitosis, but also about ways to check the freshness of breath.

Causes of halitosis

The following can contribute to bad breath:

1. Poor oral hygiene: Bad breath results from not following the rule of brushing your teeth twice a day and as a result of rotting food debris.

2. Dental problems: dental caries and its complications, diseases of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and gums, low-quality prostheses.

3. Diseases of internal organs: diseases of the stomach, kidney and liver failure, diabetes mellitus, systemic diseases.

4. Diseases of the oral cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx: the main substrate for the formation of volatile sulfur compounds in this area is the discharge of the nasal mucosa.

5. Hormonal changes: “menstrual breathing” can be observed in women, because during the monthly cycle, the concentration and ratio of sex hormones are reflected in the properties of saliva ^[1] . It becomes less abundant and more viscous, the oxygen content decreases, which leads to an increase in the production of volatile compounds.

6. The use of certain drugs causes dry mouth by changing the balance of the oral microflora.

7. Smoking: overdrying of the mucous membrane occurs and the natural defense systems of the oral cavity are disturbed, the amount of oxygen decreases, which contributes to the vital activity of anaerobes.

8. Alcohol Abuse: Alcohol consumed in beer, wine or spirits is extremely drying to the oral mucosa. Its protective capabilities decrease, the active reproduction of anaerobic microorganisms begins.

9. Features of nutrition: consumption of large amounts of sugar, spicy food, the prevalence of protein foods, etc. Usually, “hungry breath” persists until meals. Sparse and poor nutrition leads to insufficient salivation and thus to oral halitosis.

10. Stress: at the moment of enduring a stressful situation, salivation is significantly reduced. It passes after the disappearance of emotional experiences in a person ^[2] .

How to identify halitosis in yourself

It is worth starting the fight against an unpleasant odor by identifying the problem, what can be done:

1. On your own.

2. With the help of relatives.

3. At the dentist.

Asking others about the freshness of your breath is the best method. A trusted person should clearly state the time of day and the conditions for the occurrence of an unpleasant odor to a greater extent. It is good if the partner can note which events provoke the worsening of the condition, and dynamically observe the development of the situation during the course of treatment.

Tests will help you detect halitosis yourself:

1. Test with a spoon or napkin – to check, you need to stick out your tongue and hold it by the tip with a napkin. Wipe the very back of the back of the tongue twice with a clean napkin or plastic spoon and evaluate its smell after 40–45 seconds.

2. Dental floss test – clean the interdental spaces in the region of the upper and lower molars with white unflavored dental floss. Then, after 30-40 seconds, evaluate the smell of the thread and the staining of the used area (yellow or red indicates the presence of plaque and bleeding – risk factors for halitosis).

3. The hand test is a method that allows you to pre-evaluate the smell of oral fluid and plaque on the tongue. It is necessary to lick the wrist, wait 10 seconds and smell this area of ​​skin ^[1] .

To diagnose the presence and severity of bad breath in a clinical setting, the dentist uses an organoleptic and instrumental study, eliminates a possible cause, and, if necessary, refers to a general practitioner for consultation ^[1] .

Home remedies to get rid of bad breath

You can get rid of bad breath at home by paying attention to the following aspects and methods:

1. Folk remedies.

2. Balanced diet and optimal drinking regimen.

3. Proper and regular oral hygiene.

4. The right toothbrush and toothpaste.

5. Accessories for oral hygiene.

The advantage of using folk remedies is availability and safety. For example, licorice root, which was first found in northern mainland China, has two valuable components, lycoridine and licorisoflavan A ^[3] . They effectively suppress the growth of bacteria that cause caries, periodontitis, and inflammatory diseases. Other biologically active components of licorice have an antiviral effect.

Together with the main treatment, it is recommended to prescribe special rinses: decoctions of celery, mint, fennel, as well as lozenges containing menthol and essential oils to eliminate unpleasant odors.

Zabolotny A. I., Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Therapeutic and Pediatric Dentistry, KSMA ^[1]

The lack of folk remedies is not always a high degree of effectiveness, since the impact must be strong enough and aimed at eliminating a specific source of the problem, and not a local manifestation of an unpleasant odor. First of all, you need to find and eliminate the cause of halitosis.

Rational nutrition includes not two meals a day, but also not overeating. A person who correctly built a diet with an optimal ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, a sufficient amount of fiber, micro- and macroelements, will help the body normalize salivation – there will be no more unpleasant odor or it will become much less. In addition, it is important to limit the intake of sugary foods and monitor the amount of water per day.

Brush teeth, cheeks and tongue twice a day for at least two minutes. With normal tooth sensitivity, the toothbrush should be of medium hardness, with increased sensitivity – soft. When choosing a toothpaste, focus on options with fluoride in the composition – this substance has antibacterial activity and strengthens tooth enamel.

The spaces between teeth should be cleaned with dental floss. After each meal, it is recommended to use special rinses.

The irrigator allows even better removal of plaque from all areas of the mouth. The device is portable, suitable for home use.

Tongue brush (scraper) is a must for oral care, especially if there is a problem with bad breath. On the working surface there are small bristles, on the reverse side there are convex silicone strips.

Additional oral care advice

Other things you can do to manage halitosis:

• chew sugar-free gum;

• visit the dentist at least twice a year;

• promptly seek medical attention in the event of an acute or exacerbation of a chronic disease.

List of sources:

1. Halitosis is a medical and social problem, Khitrov V. Yu., Zabolotny A. I., Kazan State Medical Academy, 2009 // URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/galitoz-meditsinskaya-i -sotsialnaya-problema (date of access: 09/15/2020).

2. Disease prevention. Halitosis (bad breath). FBUZ “Center for Hygienic Education of the Population” of Rospotrebnadzor // URL: http://cgon.