Natural Home Remedy For Freshening Up Your Bad Breath

If your breath always seems to have an odor even after you brush your teeth, you may have chronic bad breath, or halitosis.  If so, use the following natural home remedy to freshen your breath and kill the germs that may be causing your foul breath.

What You Will Need

Gather the items below before you begin.

• Small glass or cup
• Half of a cup of warm tap water
• Your toothbrush and toothpaste
• Two tablespoons of salt
• Five drops of peppermint oil

The salt in this solution helps kill bacteria. It also works to break down any remaining food particles stuck in between or on your teeth.

The peppermint oil in this homemade mouthwash serves two purposes. First, the minty flavor gives your breath a sweet smell. Second, it also acts as an antiseptic that kills the germs in your mouth that could be giving off the odors as a byproduct. You can find peppermint oil in pharmacies, department stores and natural health centers.

Directions

After you have everything you need, follow the directions below to make and use your natural breath freshener.

1. In the small glass, mix together the water and salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, or until the salt has fully dissolved.
2. Add the drops of peppermint oil, stirring well after each drop to distribute it throughout the solution.
3. Using half of the mouthwash, rinse your mouth for at least a minute, then spit it out.
4. Brush your teeth using your toothpaste. The first rinsing of the mouthwash should have loosened any residual food particles. While brushing, don't forget your tongue, as bacteria can often be found on the surface.
5. Rinse your mouth with clean, cool water.
6. Use the remaining mouthwash, rinsing your mouth for an additional minute. Spit it out.
7. Do not rinse your mouth. The residue from the salt and peppermint oil water will continue to work for a little while longer. Also, try to avoid eating or drinking anything for about a half an hour to keep the inside of your mouth coated for as long as possible.

Using the above natural remedy a few times a day can help keep your breath fresh. However, if you are concerned that your chronic bad breath may be caused by something else, such as gum disease or tooth decay, you may want to visit your dentist so they can examine you and discuss your treatment options. To learn more, speak with someone like Maria E Marzo, D.D.S., PC.