Here’s a not-so-secret secret: No one likes bad breath! Everyone knows that – but how do you make sure you keep your teeth squeaky clean and your breath fresh? Mouthwash and gum are a common solution, but they use chemicals to artificially enhance your breath.
Did you know you can freshen your mouth with totally natural, organic methods? Here are some whole and simple tricks to keep your breath sweet-smelling all day long!
no: 1
This fragrant root has become a popular addition to juices, smoothies, salads, and more. It has a great, unique flavor – and it also has many medicinal properties beneficial to humans. Not least of these – it can neutralize bad breath! Ginger is typically too strong to eat on its own – although some people do like to chew a piece – but you can peel and slice a few pieces and add to hot water, with lemon. Or try ginger tea! Avoid ginger chews unless they are low or no sugar.
no: 2
Fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits all have acids in them that kill bacteria. That makes them great breath fresheners since bacteria is the cause of bad breath! Eat an orange as a snack in the afternoon and keep your breath fresh all day long! Alternatively, throw a few slices of lemon in your water for a refreshing beverage that keeps your mouth fresh and clean.
no: 3
This one shouldn’t come as a surprise: mint is considered the obvious flavor for everything that freshens breath! Unfortunately, many brands use artificial mint as a flavoring, which is derived chemically. Why turn to artificial flavoring when you can get the real, natural herb, right in your grocery store? If your breath is bothering you, rinse off a few mint leaves and chew on both sides of your mouth. You can swallow it or spit it out if you prefer. You can also steep mint in hot water with lemon (and ginger!) for a totally natural, breath-freshening tea. And mint is also very easy to grow, even indoors, if you’re feeling extra natural.
no: 4
An often-overlooked herb, parsley is a delicious and healthy herb that also has odor-neutralizing properties. This makes it an attractive choice for breath fresheners! Add it to your salad or sandwich as a zesty garnish. Parsley also pares well with savory but odorous foods like garlic, and it can cut the negative effects these spices have on your breath.
no: 5
Cinnamon, which can be purchased whole as cinnamon sticks, comes from the bark of trees in the Cinnamomum family. Its health benefits have been extolled since ancient times – the
Greeks offered it as a gift to their God Apollo! – and its flavor makes it an excellent addition to many dishes. But it can also do wonders for your breath! You can either mix powdered cinnamon into your tea or coffee, or steep a stick or two in hot water for a fresh, natural cinnamon tea that keeps your breath smelling great all day.
no: 6
There is historical evidence that people have long used apples as a natural form of breath freshener. Dentists recommend apples as a healthy snack that’s good for teeth – they won’t clear plaque as a toothbrush will, but the heavy chewing stimulates saliva that can kill bacteria. That helps with breath freshness – and the crisp, clean smell of an apple is a great way to clean up bad breath and breathe easily for the day!
There are lots of artificial ways to freshen your breath. But don’t reach right for the chemicals – any grocery store or farmer’s market will have all sorts of whole food options for you to freshen your breath – naturally!
Remember to still brush your teeth twice a day, and floss at least once a day. With a healthy diet and a careful oral hygiene regimen, you can be sure those pearly whites will last you a good long time.
