Natural Health

Bad Breath

Bad breath can result from gum disease, tooth decay, blocked sinuses, a throat infection, illness, digestive disorders, or fasting.

Often, however, it is caused by food debris stuck between teeth, by the build-up of plaque or by particularly smelly foods, alcohol or tobacco.

Good dental hygiene and minor changes to your eating and drinking habits are often enough to correct the problem.

Dietary Advice To Avoid Bad Breath

Avoid drinking coffee and alcohol, or smoking, all of which contribute to bad breath. Sugar contributes to plaque buildup so you should also try to reduce your intake.

Chewing parsley, rosemary, clove, cardamom or dill seeds after a spicy or garlicky meal can neutralize the smell. Peppermint tea also freshens the breath after eating.

Avoid onions, garlic and spicy or strongly flavored foods if you are concerned about your breath.

Complimentary Natural Remedies For Bad Breath

Add 10 drops myrrh oil, or 3 drops tea tree plus 1 drop peppermint, to 10 ml vodka or brandy. Put 4 drops of this mixture in a small glass of warm water and swish around mouth.

For breath that smells sour in the morning, after a stomach upset or after eating and drinking too much, try the homeo­pathic remedy Nux vomica 6c up to 4 times a day for 7 days. If the cause is tooth decay, tonsillitis or sinusitis, and the tongue is yellow and coated try Merc sol 6c instead.

Pulsatilla 6c can help with bad breath after eating fatty foods, when your mouth feels dry even though you are not thirsty. Take up to 4 times a day for 7 days.

Don’t forget to brush your teeth (and tongue) regularly and thoroughly. Floss between your teeth every day and use plaque disclosing tablets once a week to reveal areas of plaque buildup. See a dentist and dental hygienist regularly.

Recommended Ready Made Natural Remedies For Bad Breath

• Triple Complex Halitonic (Herbal/Biochemic Tissue Salts)
  Natural breath freshener to support daily oral health care and keep breath smelling sweet