8 Weird Home Remedies for Bad Breath That Actually Work

Holy halitosis!

Bad breath… it can kill a first impression and ruin relationships with family, friends, and lovers.

As many as 50% of people get plagued by bad breath. It’s caused by the garlic bread you ate for dinner last night or an unknown problem with dental hygiene.

To breathe easy, you might want to consider a natural and safe method for fresh breath. It’s time to stop masking the smell with mints and solve the root of the problem.

Read on for 8 home remedies for bad breath.

Bad Breath Culprits

There are many culprits for foul breath, ranging from gum disease to poor dental hygiene. Pungent and smelly foods are also to blame. As well as our breathing patterns and allergies.

Drinking too much coffee or alcohol can also leave your breath far less than fresh. Or your halitosis could be the result of a medication you’re taking.

Mouth bacteria and dental health problems are the main cause of bad breath. Yet, there are many home remedies for bad breath that you can try before taking a trip to visit this dentist.

Here are a few weird and interesting ways for how to get rid of bad breath.

1. Gargle with Saltwater

Salt isn’t only for seasoning your meals. It’s also one of the easiest bad breath remedies. Make your mouth rinse with table salt or Epsom salt.

Saltwater rinses help increase PH levels in your mouth. The acidic mixture also limits bacteria growth, which is the main cause of bad breath.

Be sure you don’t swallow the mixture. Ingesting too much salt can be harmful to your health and cause dehydration.

Other household ingredients such as baking soda and lemon juice can also get used. Make a paste to apply to your teeth.

It will enhance the alkalizing effect and fight bacteria. Yet, you’ll want to be careful when using this method as it can wear down enamel. Apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or eucalyptus oil are other natural alternatives.

2. Try Oil-Pulling

Oil-pulling is an ancient technique for dental health. Coconut oil is an anti-inflammatory and can reduce the bacteria living in your mouth.

Take a spoonful of extra virgin coconut oil and put it into your mouth. Then swish it around for 10 minutes. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Do this every day for best results. It’s a simple way for how to cure bad breath and can get done before going to bed or while watching TV.

3. Chew on Citrus Rinds

Stock up on lemons, limes, and oranges. The citric acid in the rinds will activate your salivary glands and get rid of bad breath.

It’s also smart to eat the whole orange. It contains a lot of vitamin C and is also a natural teeth whitener.

While you’re at it you can also munch on fennel seeds, cloves, or anise seeds. They have antiseptic properties that battle bacteria. Roasted fennel seeds are still used in India to freshen the breath and cleanse the palate.

Fresh herbs will also do the trick, such as cilantro, parsley, and basil. Or mint which will be the most pleasant. They contain chlorophyll to help deodorize foul breath.

4. Buy a Tongue Scraper

This tool will help remove dead cells from your tongue’s surface. It will also help remove that icky white coating on your tongue. You may even experience a better sense of taste afterward.

Pull your tongue out to reach the back of the tongue, which holds most of the bacteria. In a pinch, you can use a spoon or your own teeth to scrape your tongue. Be sure to rinse your mouth out afterward.

You can also use an oral irrigator which shoots water into your mouth. It will flush out bacteria that gets missed by your toothbrush or flossing.

5. Eat Yogurt Everyday

Yogurt contains active cultures and probiotics, such as lactobacillus. This is a “good” bacteria. It’s great for gut health and regulating bacteria in the body.

If you’re not a fan of yogurt, try adding it to a blender recipe to mask the flavor.

You can also turn to other dairy products, such as milk and cheese. These have also shown to combat bad breath. Be sure to avoid the strong and pungent Roquefort, which can lead to stinky cheese breath.

Raw foods with a crunch will help keep your teeth clean. Chew on apples, nuts, and carrots to maintain good mouth health.

6. Keep Moisture in Your Mouth

A dehydrated mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. To combat this, drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help as it produces extra saliva.

You’ll also want to limit alcohol and tobacco products. Skipping meals can also contribute to an overdry mouth.

For nighttime dryness, try sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom. It will help the quality and moisture of air that you breathe in all night long.

7. Brush with Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is showing up in products from facemasks to shampoo. It works to absorb toxins in your body, and kill bacteria.

You only need about half a teaspoon. Place it on a toothbrush and brush your teeth for 3 minutes.

Note that things will get messy. A thorough rinse is a must to ensure all the charcoal leaves your mouth afterward.

Try this 3 times per week, and it will also help whiten your smile. Activated charcoal is a powerful bad breath remedy, so use with caution.

8. Drink Ginger Tea

Green tea is full of health benefits, from antioxidants to polyphenols. It also has catechins which help to kill bacteria in your mouth.

Brew a pot of green tea with fresh slices of ginger. Ginger has antimicrobial properties and increases saliva. It also stimulates the production of an enzyme that fights foul breath.

Aim for at least one cup per day. You can also add a bit of honey to sweeten the tea.

The Solution: Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Nobody wants to be stuck with bad breath. It can make us self-conscious when speaking to others. Try these remedies so you can bring back a fresh and healthy mouth.

If you’ve tried all these home remedies for bad breath with no luck, you may want to consider a trip to the dentist. They will be able to ensure there are no hidden issues with your dental health.

If all else fails, you can always make your home smell good instead.

Weirdomatic is the place where all weird things come to life through the amazing world of photographs – a corner of our wild imagination or the whimsical face of the reality?