Remember the iconic kiss scene between Jack and Rose in the 1998 Academy Award-winning film Titanic? Imagine Jack having bad breath. Disgusting, isn’t it? Certainly, no one would want to be in such a situation.
However, according to research, between 35% and 45% of people in the world suffer from bad breath at some point in the day. Americans spend an estimated $10 billion on oral care products (eg mints, gum, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc.) to combat bad breath each year.
HereWere brings you 7 easy ways to fight bad breath like a ninja, using things you probably already have around the house.
1. Use natural mouthwashes and breath fresheners.
- Mint leaves help fight bad breath and freshen the mouth.
- Spices like cloves, cardamom, and fennel seeds are great for fighting mouth odor.
- Baking soda is another natural mouthwash that is readily available. Just dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and use it to rinse your mouth. Alternatively, you can also dip your wet toothbrush in baking soda and use it to clean your teeth.
- Tea made from fenugreek leaves is an excellent antibacterial mouth freshener. Start your day by drinking a cup of it.
2. Drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
Staying hydrated has many health benefits, and preventing bad breath is just one of them. Saliva prevents bacterial growth and water is needed to keep the salivary glands working efficiently.
Drinking water is key when it comes to preventing bacterial growth and bad breath caused by inadequate moisture and saliva in the mouth. Avoid sugary juices in the evening, as they can help build up bacteria overnight.
3. Brush twice a day and floss once.
Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day and floss at least once. One study showed that just over 55% of women brush their teeth twice a day, and the percentage of men who do is even lower at just 49%. Brushing and flossing help remove trapped food and odor-causing bacteria from your mouth.
4. Keep your gums healthy.
Bacteria collect in pockets at the base of teeth, creating an odor. Gum disease is known to cause bad breath. To keep your gums healthy, choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Also, stop smoking, as smoking weakens the immune system and is strongly associated with gum-related problems.
In addition, smoking makes it more difficult for gums to heal once they have been damaged.
5. Chew a fruit peel.
Rinse the rind of a citrus fruit, such as a lemon or orange, before putting it in your mouth to chew. Not only will it give your breath a burst of freshness, but the citric acid it contains will also stimulate your salivary glands to produce more saliva, which is your mouth’s natural defense against bad breath and plaque-causing acids.
