No one ever wants to face a person with bad breath. And even worse, be the person with the foul smell. While extremely embarrassing, bad breath (also known as halitosis) can be quite a serious problem. There may be a number of reasons that lead to the occurrence of bad breath which include gum disease, dry mouth, smoking, sinus problems and so on. It may sometimes even be an indicator to a more serious problem occurring elsewhere in the body.

Bad breath is primarily caused due to a build up of bacteria in the back of the mouth or on the tongue. Regular brushing, flossing, gargling and overall maintenance of good oral hygiene is necessary to combat the build up of such bacteria. Now you cannot be popping breath mints and mouth fresheners all the time. So we are here to suggest some home remedies instead.

1. Cinnamon

This spice is full of cinnamic aldehyde that not only helps to cover up the bad breath but also fights and eliminates the bacteria that has developed in the mouth. Cinnamic aldehyde is extracted in the form of an essential oil and can be consumed in a number of ways. You can boil cinnamon sticks or powder in water and then cool down this solution and use it for gargling to combat the problem of bad breath. You can also drink cinnamon enriched tea, or steep it in warm water and use it to rinse your mouth. You can find more information about cinnamon infusions here.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemons are one of the most versatile options for home remedies and can help treat a number of problems. The acidic content of lemon juice helps to kill the bacteria and also prevents further growth in the mouth. It also has a very strong smell that can effectively mask bad oral odour.  Lemon juice also helps to treat the problem of dry mouth which can cause a foul smell. To use lemon, squeeze a bit of juice into a glass of warm water and add a pinch of salt to it. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and also deep gargle till the back of the throat to remove bacteria build up.

3. Fenugreek

Catarrhal infections caused by the inflammation of the mucus membranes can lead to a serious case of bad breath. Fenugreek is an effective remedy to reduce the inflammation and treat the sinuses to help reduce mouth odour. To try out this remedy, add a table spoon full of fenugreek seeds or powder to a cup of water. Boil this together till the seeds have released all their juices or the powder has completely dissolved and steeped in the water. Strain the mixture to remove the seeds or any residue and drink it. Follow this treatment daily till the problem of bad breath is resolved. Click here to know more about the effects of fenugreek.

4. Cloves

Cloves have a refreshing quality and have been used for years as a mouth freshener or a treatment for sore throats. But it can be an effective cure for persistent bad breath as well. Cloves have antibacterial properties which remove bacteria and freshen breath. You can just pop a few cloves in your mouth and chew them as a remedy for bad breath. Alternatively you can also use clove essential oil which offers a more concentrated solution. Add a few drops of clove oil to warm water and deeply gargle and rinse out your mouth. The anti bacterial properties of the oil along with the effect of the warm water can kill the bacteria, refresh the mouth and even help treat other dental problems such as plaque or gum disease. Find out more information about clove essential oil here.

These simple tips will keep bad breath at bay and save you from horrendous moments of embarrassment. Knowing your breath smells good will give you the extra bit of confidence that will ultimately make your life happier!