Bad breath: 19 natural and effective remedies

Updated: November 2, 2022
What remedies to fight bad breath?

Having bad breath…How to cure it naturally?

What is this evil that revolts our entourage, how to fight it, what to do against it, what are the causes, what treatments, what solutions… are questions that are worth asking.

How to Have Good Breath Naturally ?

The most common way to remedy oral malodor is with a good mouthwash or mint. Let's consider for a moment the most common cause of oral bacteria imbalances.

The good news is that with the evolution of natural remedies and lifestyle changes, you can apply natural remedies to cure your oral malodors. All the natural remedies are listed on the home page of this site. We have also listed the best mouthwashes to bring you fresh breath.

Because of this, I recommend that you use all of the methods here to get there.

If your breath odor continues to act up, visit your dentist for a diagnosis of the causes.

Thus, the oral route can allow us to identify the root causes. This may be the result of something that is happening elsewhere in the body, such as an illness . In this case, go to your general practitioner.

Let's look at the causes and natural remedies that can serve as a treatment for bad oral fragrance.

Natural Remedy #1: Salt Water Rinse

A salt water rinse can prevent infectious bacteria from forming in the mouth or throat. The effect is certainly due to the slight acidity of the salt water. This stops the alkalizing ecosystem that causes the growth of microbes, a phenomenon that causes bad breath.

Thus, salt water is a simple and effective method to cure your oral odor. It is a kind of grandmother's recipe, one of those old solutions that do not cost much.

#2: Skip meals as little as possible

If you skip meals, you will produce less saliva.

This will result in a dry mouth.

A dry mouth will create the right conditions for the growth of all kinds of bacteria, which will eventually create unpleasant odors.

Saliva acts as a natural mouthwash and naturally helps to digest the food we eat.

#3: Zinc

Zinc is an important part of your body. It is estimated that more than 300 cellular functions, including DNA, use zinc. This includes the microbiome, including the oral and intestinal flora.

However, although more studies are needed, zinc may be responsible for stopping the progression of blown volatile compounds (BVCs), which can cause those notorious unwelcome odors.

You can try a zinc mouthwash or chewing gum for treatment. Zinc gluconate or zinc citrate have also been shown to be effective in controlling plaque formation.

Zinc supplements are also known to help improve the immune system and may help rebalance the microbiome.

#4 : Digestive enzymes

Your bad breath may be caused by your digestive system. If you suffer from digestive problems, digestive enzymes can help your digestion.

Digestive enzymes come from different sources.

The most common are :

  • From animal sources – this includes beef or pork pancreatin
  • Betaine HCL and pepsin
  • Plant-based – probiotic, and yeast

#5: Scrape your tongue

Brush your tongue. The bacteria that causes the repulsive smell is often found on the top of your tongue. If you see a white coating on your tongue, you should remove this residue with a tongue cleaner.

#6: Cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon is known for its antimicrobial action. Cinnamon is also effective in fighting bacteria, which cause oral infections. Cinnamon also offers digestive and respiratory benefits, although more research is still needed.

For example, cinnamon sticks contain fiber that supports microbial diversity in the mouth.

fight against bad breath
Sprays are popular for fighting bad breath

#7: Green tea

Research has concluded that green tea can temporarily reduce unpleasant odors due to its antibacterial and odorant actions.

And, we can certainly put this in connection with the action of polyphenols, antioxidants that it contains.

#8: Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a natural plant extracted antifungal and antibacterial. Research has shown that it is as effective as Chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque.

It also boosts collagen creation, which improves the mouth's ability to heal.

And, you can create your own Aloe Vera mouthwash to fight bad breath. Bring water to a boil and add Aloe Vera gel once the water has cooled. You can also add mint essential oil for flavor.

#9: Apple Cider Vinegar

Rinse your mouth with this natural remedy to improve digestion and eliminate the bacteria that cause the bad smell.

#10: prevent oxygen deprivation

There are two important links between bad breath and lack of oxygen: mouth breathing and lack of oxygen.

Your body is not designed to breathe through the mouth, but rather through the nose.

Your nasal passages are specially designed to release nitric oxide. This increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to the cells.

In contrast, breathing through the mouth carries dry, cold air to the lungs. Less oxygen is delivered to the body. Mouth breathing can also reduce saliva flow and allow unwanted microbiota to enter your mouth and throat.

It is not abnormal to breathe through the mouth while sleeping. However, many people, especially children, also breathe through their mouths during the day.

Morning Breath

If you have what is called ” morning breath” or bad breath that only occurs in the morning, you probably sleep with your mouth open.

One way to get relief is to train your body to breathe through your nose. You can also use a strip to keep your mouth closed at night to ensure you breathe through your nose.

If breathing through your nose is too difficult, you should see a sleep specialist, dentist or general practitioner. They will be able to make a complete diagnosis on the study of your sleep cycles and your breathing.

Nasal breathing exercise: hold your tongue against your palate, just behind your front teeth. Breathe through your nose, expanding your belly. Breathe in 3 seconds and out 4 seconds. Repeat 2-3 minutes per day.

  • Anaerobic bacteria and oxygen deprivation

Therefore, bad breath is certainly due to anaerobic bacteria present in the mouth. These elements thrive in the absence of oxygen, producing chemical entities that cause bad breath.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can increase your oxygen intake. In a room made for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the air pressure is increased to a level three times higher and pure oxygen is administered. Under these conditions, your lungs take in much more oxygen than they would at normal pressure.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is known to help fight gangrene, skin and bone infections and ulcers. Currently, research is limited and restricted to sports injuries. However, it is known that the bacteria that causes bad breath thrives in crevices where oxygen is not available.

#11: Hydrate yourself

Drink more water to defeat your bad breath. Hydration will help maintain your saliva flow and keep your mouth moist, which will discourage bacterial growth.

Reduce diuretics. Diuretics such as coffee, black tea, and alcohol increase fluid loss and can cause dry mouth.

#12: Maintain good oral hygiene

Prevent harmful bacteria from growing on your gums and teeth.

If you maintain regular oral hygiene, which also includes cleaning between the teeth via dental floss, you will stop bad breath.

#13: Eat an orange

The citric acid in oranges stimulates saliva formation, which helps renew your saliva and breath.

#14: Exercise

Daily exercise helps increase your ventilation and circulation. This increases the cellular turnover of your body.

Regular exercise has also been shown to help maintain a healthy microbiome.

It also helps to manage harmful elements that cause bad breath.

exercises; bad breath
Daily exercise is recommended; even to fight bad breath

#15: Reduce your stress

Stress can impact your body odor, and even change it.

A natural remedy to reduce your bad breath is to control your stress. The presence of a bad mouth breath is an indication of a poorly functioning immune system and microbiome.

As a result, chronic stress can damage your immune system and reduce your ability to respond to your environment, at the center of which is your microbiome.

Thus, stress as a cause of bad breath may stem from its ability to create odors. It is known that stress increases the activity of the sweat gland. These secretions interact with bacteria in your body to generate body odor.

However, stress can cause a change in body bacteria. Research has shown that the microbiome can lose diversity once exposed to chronic stress.

#16: Sleep better and rest

Lack of sleep can negatively impact your immune system, your microbiome, and your stress level. It is also known that sleep helps the immune system remember its environment. Researchers have also determined that your gut flora plays a key role in your daytime rhythm.

If you suffer from poor breathing, it would be worthwhile to have your sleep studied to ensure that you get good quality rest.

#17 : Essential oils

You may have noticed that many toothpaste and mouthwash labels state that you can use them to kill bacteria that cause bad breath.

However, very little is known about the effects of these products on the microbiome.

The essential oil of peppermint

Try peppermint essential oil, known as a powerful antimicrobial, which kills harmful bacteria and leaves fresh breath.

Mix two drops in water and keep in mouth for about 30 seconds.

The essential oil of Eucalyptus

The essential oil of Eucalyptus:

  • is known for its ability to reduce mucus production
  • also boosts the immune system
  • reduces inflammation
  • acts as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and painkiller.

The essential oil of citronella

Lemongrass has antimicrobial greens that annihilate certain bacteria.

Moreover, lemongrass is also known to act on bacterial infections on the colon.

Chewing on lemon peel may be appropriate to fight against oral odors.

The essential oil of clove

Clove oil contains antifungal and antimicrobial compounds that potentially fight bacteria that cause bad breath and digestive problems.

This is why it is used as a natural painkiller, especially for dental emergencies.

You can add a few drops clove oil in a glass of water to serve as a natural remedy for bad breath.

Orange essential oil

Cleaning products are often scented with orange for its anti-odour properties. Orange oil is rich in the antioxidant limonene, which can fight bad breath that causes germs.

You can add a few drops of concentrated orange oil to a glass of water to make a drink, or peel orange peel directly from the orange and chew it.

Consult your dentist before trying these oils as a bad breath treatment, and do not use them for more than 2-3 weeks. You can try combining them to suit your taste.

#18: Yogurt

Studies have shown that the active cultures present in yogurt can contribute to the reduction of bad breath.

If the yogurt in question contains probiotics (good bacteria for our microbiota), then it can fight odor-causing bacteria.

#19: Skin massage

Your skin microbiome communicates with your oral microbiome.

Thus, rubbing certain good-smelling essential oils on your skin can have a beneficial effect on the bad smell in your breath. You can also add them to your bath or apply them diluted on the skin.

Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties, especially for fighting bacteria living on the skin.

Lavender essential oil is another natural antimicrobial oil, which gives a nice fresh smell to your skin. Add a few drops to a damp cloth and apply to your skin.

Cure Your Bad Breath Naturally

Nature is full of compounds that can help heal your oral and digestive system. By making them part of your daily routine, it is possible to find a natural remedy for bad breath.

In summary, these items are not only enjoyable to use, they can also support the long-term health of your oral and gut microbiota.

If your bad breath persists, contact your dentist or general practitioner


Medical Sources

National Library of Medicine: The oral anti-volatile sulphur compound effects of zinc salts and their stability constants <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11878757/>

ScienceDirect:
Antibacterial activity and mechanism of cinnamon essential oil against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956713515300219
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