It creeps into our daily lives without warning. We're talking to someone and they jump back as if they've been hit by a bus, irritated and disgusted... yes, it's our bad breath! It may seem like the only solution is to avoid contact with others.
While brushing your teeth twice a day is extremely important, it's not enough. To complete the cleaning process, you must use mouthwash every time. This is because it reaches all parts of the mouth, eliminating bacteria and leaving your breath feeling fresh. But what can you do if you don't have mouthwash handy throughout the day? The solution is food! Here are some foods that will help you eliminate bad breath during the day.
Green leafy vegetables
Chewing green leafy vegetables, such as parsley, mint, and coriander, is one of the most effective ways to eliminate bad breath. This is because these vegetables contain a large amount of chlorophyll. This substance has properties that fight germs, purify the blood and intestines, and help clean the digestive system. It is very effective in cases where the source of the odor is internal. In addition, these plants are able to neutralize odors, so chewing them may help even when the problem is in the mouth.
Drink plenty of water
Dry mouth is one of the most common causes of bad breath. When the mouth is dry, dead cells accumulate on the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. These cells rot, causing bad breath. Drinking plenty of water prevents dry mouth and thus helps relieve and eliminate bad breath. It also helps keep bacteria in the mouth low.
Chewing gum
Dry mouth leads to the proliferation of bacteria, which causes and exacerbates bad breath. Chewing gum can help in cases of dry mouth by increasing saliva production or when a person is unable to brush their teeth after meals. It removes oral bacteria, thus reducing bad breath. It also has antibacterial properties and enhances mechanical activity, which helps clean the mouth.
However, there is a problem: sugar-containing gum is harmful to teeth, so it's best to stick to sugar-free gum to avoid this problem.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice with antibacterial properties that reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth, thus helping to reduce bad breath. It can be used in a variety of ways to eliminate bad breath, such as by chewing it or adding it to a cup of tea. You can also boil a few sticks with some water, let it cool, and then use it as a mouthwash. Sugar-free cinnamon-flavored gum has also been proven effective in eliminating bad breath.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and others, can help stimulate the salivary glands and encourage the production of saliva, which neutralizes the acids produced by plaque and also helps remove dead cells and food particles that accumulate in the mouth.
Apple and apple cider vinegar
Eating apples helps moisturize the mouth, thus reducing dryness that worsens bad breath. Apple cider vinegar contains active ingredients that fight bacteria and maintain oral health due to its acidic nature. It is one of the easiest and fastest ways to eliminate bad breath.
Yogurt
Yogurt prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which causes bad breath, and helps maintain fresh breath. It helps replenish the good bacteria in the gut and contains beneficial bacteria called probiotics, which maintain a healthy digestive system and facilitate digestion, thus reducing bad breath caused by digestive problems.