Joy Onuorah

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 simple at-home bad breath remedies to try:

Salt water 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 gone!

Cloves

Cloves can also help freshen your breath instantly and make it kiss-ably sweet. Another advantage with 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.)

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.

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.

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.

Other tips are:

• 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