Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by internal factors such as stomach troubles or tonsil infections and external factors such as odorous meals (for example, onions and garlic) or regular smoking. Bad breath can be unpleasant and might prevent you from speaking confidently in public. A bad case of breath isn’t only a cause of social embarrassment, but it can also be a sign of some underlying digestive condition. So, you might wonder what the best way to deal with bad breath is. Brushing twice a day, staying hydrated, and taking antibiotics for various illnesses are all long-term remedies. But there is a quick remedy for this issue that is also slightly long-lasting, and it utilizes baking soda, a pantry staple! Continue reading to learn how to use baking soda to say goodbye to the foul odor in your mouth and any issues associated with it. Keep scrolling!
Can Baking Soda Prevent Bad Breath?
The one efficient answer to bad breath is baking soda. Baking soda is a unique composition indeed. Here is how it works for bad breath –
It is alkaline in nature and neutralizes the high acidic levels in your mouth that are the cause for bad breath (1). It kills the bacteria in the mouth that thrive in an environment rich in acidity and sucrose, by utilizing its antimicrobial properties (2). Since it is not acidic, it causes no harm to the teeth, gums or bones.
Given below are the various combinations in which baking soda can be used to lessen bad breath.
How To Use Baking Soda For Bad Breath?
1. Baking Soda With Water (Gargle)
1 teaspoon baking soda A cup of water
Repeat this every day for a few days only. Gargling with the baking soda water will ensure all the bacteria hiding in the nook and corner are killed eliminating the foul smell from your mouth.
2. Baking Soda And Toothpaste
1/2 teaspoon baking soda Toothpaste Toothbrush
Use this every alternate day for a week. As your toothpaste cleanses your teeth and oral cavity, the baking soda will work its magic to solve your problem of bad breath quickly and efficiently.
3. Baking Soda And Salt
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda A glass of tepid water
Mix the salt and baking soda with the water and gargle with this for about a minute each time, until you use up all the water. Use this mouth rinse every alternate day until the bad breath goes away. Like baking soda, salt is also a pH neutralizing compound that also possesses antimicrobial properties (3, 4). By using both baking soda and salt in the gargle solution, the results can be achieved faster.
4. Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 cup water
Do this twice or thrice a week. Apple cider vinegar is also a pH neutralizing agent (5). It is mildly acidic and will not damage your teeth or gums when used diluted.
5. Baking Soda And Honey
1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon honey A glass of warm water
Repeat this once a day for a few days, until the bad breath vanishes. Baking soda will bring back the pH balance in the stomach which may be causing the bad breath. This imbalance is usually due to an infection. The honey is soothing for the digestive lining that may be inflamed due to the infection. It is also antimicrobial in nature and contains anti-inflammatory compounds (6).
6. Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda For Bad Breath
1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup water
Mix everything together and use this to rinse your mouth. Repeat this every alternate day for 7-8 days. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective antimicrobial agent that is often used to get rid of bacteria from the oral cavity (7). The foul odor causing bacteria can be easily eliminated with this remedy.
7. Baking Soda And Lime For Bad Breath
1 teaspoon baking soda Juice of one lime or lemon 1 cup water
Do this once or twice a day, and the stink from your mouth will be gone in just a few uses. The acid present in lemon juice exert a bactericidal effect on the odor-causing bacteria in the mouth (8). The citrus content of the lemon juice will leave your breath fresh. Apart from using these remedies, also remember to keep your diet healthy with the consumption of fresh, green vegetables, pulses, and whole grains. Avoid fatty meat, bread and any kinds of dairy products until the problem of bad breath has receded. Do keep the following points in mind too.
Few Points To Remember
Baking soda will not harm your body in any way if consumed in small doses. However, anything in excess is bad. Other ways to cure bad breath include brushing your teeth twice a day, regular flossing, and tongue scraping You can also chew on some cinnamon or cloves and then spit it out for instantly refreshing your breath.
Baking soda is one ingredient that is always stocked in every household. It helps not just in removing stains, but also in boosting your confidence by getting rid of your bad breath. Try the many combinations of baking soda for bad breath given in this article, for that million dollar smile! Why does my breath stink no matter what I do? If you don’t have baking soda at hand or prefer not to use it, check out this infographic for alternative ways to keep bad breath at bay. Bad breath can be caused due to numerous reasons, the most common being poor oral hygiene and digestive problems. If you are maintaining your oral hygiene thoroughly, you may want to look into your digestion. It is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider to check for underlying health complications or infections. Can probiotics help bad breath? Yes, probiotics contain good bacteria that can help fight off oral pathogens responsible for bad breath (9). Probiotics can also improve digestive function and gut health, thus reducing the occurrence of bad breath further.
