Methods to Revitalize Your Mouth's Freshness Post Overpowering Lunch
Feeling that garlic-heavy lunch got you down? Fret not! We've got some smart, dentist-approved tricks to help you tackle that pesky bad breath in no time. Let's dive in!
Here's a friendly heads-up: This advice was initially shared in the May 2011 issue of REAL SIMPLE as part of their 25th birthday celebration. You'll find it's just as valuable today as it was then.
We've gathered insights from dental professionals like Harold Katz, a dentist in Los Angeles and founder of TheraBreath.com, Gregg Lituchy, a cosmetic dentist in New York City, Margo Marrone, a pharmacist and homeopath in London, and Robin Lucas, a dentist in Hoboken, N.J.
Water, Water Everywhere
The Secret Sauce: There's a battle between bacteria on your tongue and the oxygen in your mouth, with bad breath emerging when the bacteria break down proteins from food (especially sugar and dairy) and release sulfur compounds. However, bacteria have a fierce enemy: oxygen, which is abundant in your own saliva. And drinking water helps produce more saliva, effectively neutralizing bad breath, says Katz.
Handy Tip: Some medications, like antidepressants, blood pressure pills, and antihistamines, can cause a dry mouth, so be mindful of boosting your water intake beyond the recommended eight glasses a day.
You asked for more: Aim for good old H2O over sugary flavored waters for best results.
Nosh on Veggies
The Magic: Fibrous veggies, like celery and cucumbers, not only boost your mouth's saliva production but also help scrub away odor-causing bacteria. Chewing on a piece of cucumber for about 90 seconds can limit odor, while crunchy vegetables can help remove plaque on teeth and gums. Parsley has similar effects — so feel free to nibble on your garnish in a discreet manner at dinner.
Pro Tip: Parsley shares the same odor-neutralizing magic as vegetables. Plus, many herbs and spices, such as mint, basil, and coriander, are known for their breath-freshening properties.
Embrace the Green Tea
The Science: A study from the University of British Columbia showed that the polyphenols in green tea briefly decrease sulfur compounds in the mouth, reducing bad breath. Be warned: adding sugar or milk can undo the good work, as these feed the bacteria you're trying to avoid.
Insider Advice: Mint tea is another breath-freshening superstar, and research suggests it's particularly effective at neutralizing garlic odors.
Tea-Tree Oil, Your Powerful Ally
The Power: This plant-based oil, with its antibacterial properties, can help kill off odor-generating bacteria lurking in hard-to-reach spots of the mouth, like the back of your tongue and gumline. Add a few drops to your toothbrush and voila! That's all it takes.
Remember: For safety's sake, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid tea-tree oil, as experts haven't fully evaluated its effects during these times.
Sugar-Free Gum (or Mints) – The Fast Hero
The Action: Chewing sugar-free gum boosts saliva production, which fights bad breath directly, while stimulating the gums indirectly. But not all gum is created equal: gum containing sugar acts as a food source for the very bacteria causing your stinky breath. Opt for products with natural sweeteners like xylitol or sorbitol, and be gentle initially if you're not used to sugar-free chewing gum.
Fun Fact: Chewing a piece of gum increases your mouth's saliva production by up to ten times!
Mouthwash to the Rescue
The Weapon: According to the American Dental Association, some mouthwashes do more than just leave you smelling minty: they contain antiseptic agents to reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis, which can lead to bad breath. If mouthwash seems too strong, try a gentler, alcohol-free version or dilute it with water. For best results, swish for at least 30 seconds.
Nifty Tip: Rinsing with mouthwash at bedtime can help combat morning breath by targeting bacteria in your throat and on the back of your tongue.
Health-and-wellness tip: Drinking water increases saliva production, helping to neutralize bad breath as it wards off bacteria (Katz).For better oral hygiene, include fiber-rich vegetables like celery, cucumbers, and parsley in your diet as they boost saliva production and remove odor-causing bacteria (text).A study showed that green tea capable of decreasing sulfur compounds in the mouth, reducing bad breath, making it a useful addition to your nutritional diet (text).
