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  At one point in time or the other, we’ve had the bad breath experience. Most of us wake up with less than fresh breath. We have people we avoid because their breath stink. Moreover, at one point in time or the other, we’ve had dry mouth, consumed alcohol or foods with strong flavour like garlic, any of these can cause mouth odour.
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Bad breath is a source of embarrassment to anyone who has it. This is why kitchen remedies for bad breath are our topic for today. However, before we go into the topic proper, a brief overview of the term is fitting. Bad breath is simply an unpleasant odour in exhaled breath. It is medically known as Halitosis. Bad breath can be a product of our consumption, lifestyle and health. It can be intermittent or constant. Most cases of bad breath begin is the mouth. Digestion begins there so if you consume any strong, unpleasantly flavoured food, the mouth retains some of the smell. Also, habits like poor dental hygiene, smoking or chewing tobacco as well as diseases like Gum disease, cavities are dental issues that cause bad breath. The following  are kitchen remedies that cause bad breath: Water: Seeing this life-giving gift of nature on this list shouldn’t surprise you. Water purifies; this property can help you eliminate odour resulting from the consumption of strongly flavoured foods. Now, you must also be mindful of the fact that dry mouth causes bad breath. This is because saliva production is reduced. Saliva, as you already know, is a mouth cleanser and water stimulates its production. So, keeping your mouth hydrated can stop bad breath. Cloves: This spice is not just used in making Zobo and Kunu Zaki. It can also be used as a breath freshener. Cloves can help to fight the bad bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities. Thus, if you want to have fresh breath, suck a few cloves a couple of times a day. Please avoid using powdered cloves or clove oil as breath fresheners. They are strong and can cause burns.
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Baking Soda: This is the wonder worker of all times. The alkaline nature of baking soda helps it to neutralize the high acidic levels in your mouth which is the major cause of bad breath.  There are two methods of eliminating mouth odour using baking soda. The first method involves making a mouth wash by dissolving a tablespoon of baking soda powder in lukewarm water. It is said that gargling with this solution for at least thirty seconds for a few days will kill bacteria producing bad breath. The second method involves brushing your teeth with half a teaspoon of baking soda and your toothpaste. It is alleged that using this mixture to brush on alternate days for a week will help magically cleanse your tooth and oral cavity. Eat Fruits and Vegetables: Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, pears are not just sources of the vitamin, they are natural breath fresheners too. They serve as natural toothbrushes and help to clean odour causing bacteria out of the mouth. They also stimulate saliva production which helps to combat bad breath. What’s more, the juices from these fruits and vegetables drive away bacteria and dirt from between the teeth and gumline. Apple Cider Vinegar: It is said that if you make a mouthwash with good old apple cider vinegar, it will help you get rid of that mouth odour. Just add some of it to a glass of water; swish it lightly around your mouth and this natural cleanser will purify your breath. Green Tea: This tea contains polyphenol which is believed to work as an antimicrobial agent and a cleaning agent. As such, it is believed to have the ability to control bad breath. However, if you want to drink this tea for its oral benefits, it is best to do so at the end of the meal and with no added sugar; doing otherwise may counteract its oral health benefits. Finally, bad breath may or may not be the result of an underlying health condition. Thus, if you have it, you can try any of the above-mentioned remedies or see a doctor. Sources: Carifree Indian The Peridontal Blog of Nicky Hakimi Times of India Featured image Source: Save Teeth
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This article was first published on 31st May 2021

udevi-obiamaka-angela

Udevi, Obiamaka Angela holds a Master of Arts degree in History & International Studies. She's a freelance writer with a passion for food and healthy living. She can be contacted through her email address, obiudevi@yahoo.com


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