6 Easy At-Home Remedies for Fresh Breath

We’ve all experienced it: The uncomfortable feeling that our breath isn’t as fresh as it should be. Millions of dollars are spent by Americans each year on mouthwash, mints, etc. to protect against offending workmates, friends, and family with our less-than-sweet breath.

But keeping your breath fresh doesn’t always require a trip to the personal care aisle of your local store. The remedy may be closer at hand, right in your very own cupboards.

Here are six simple at-home bad breath remedies to try.

Try one of these bad breath remedies:

1. Saltwater rinse

A natural way to freshen your breath instantly is to use salt water to rinse your mouth. Simply add some salt to a glass of warm water, mix it well, swish the solution around your mouth and teeth for 30 seconds and repeat. Bad odor is gone!

2. Cloves

Cloves can also help freshen your breath instantly and make it kiss-ably sweet. Another advantage of cloves is that they help fight bad bacteria in your mouth that can cause cavities. So, simply suck on a few cloves a few times a day. (But, don’t use clove oil or powdered cloves – they are too strong and can cause burns.)

3. Apple cider vinegar

If you want to get rid of the offensive mouth odors caused by eating onions and garlic, it’s easily done by using some apple cider vinegar. Add some to a glass of water and swish lightly around your mouth. This natural mouthwash will neutralize odor and freshen your breath instantly.

4. Eat your fruits and veggies

Another natural and easy way to freshen your breath is to simply have a crunchy snack, such as an apple, celery, or carrot. These fruits and vegetables act as natural toothbrushes and help to remove the odor-causing bacteria stuck on your teeth. Also, they stimulate saliva production, which also helps fight bad breath.

5. Make your own alcohol-free mouthwash

Most over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol, which dries out your mouth, inviting bacteria to move in. Here is an easy recipe you can try for making your own mouthwash with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

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6. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil helps fight against odor-causing bacteria and microbes in your mouth. You can easily add it to your oral hygiene routine by adding a few drops of it to your toothpaste or simply brushing your teeth with the oil alone.

Your best bad breath defense is a good offense

Of course, one of the best ways to guard against the buildup of odor-causing bacteria is having a good dental routine. A bad-breath-blasting routine should include:

• Brushing after every meal and flossing twice a day
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings
• Replacing your toothbrush every three months
• Periodically brushing the tongue to remove bacteria
• Cleaning dentures or dental appliances thoroughly at least once a day

If an unpleasant breath persists after trying one of our homemade bad breath remedies, then it is very important to make an appointment to see your dentist. Our dental team can find out if periodontal disease is the culprit behind your offensive breath and provide the right solution to remove it permanently.