Bad breath or halitosis affects about 25% of the world’s population and it’s a problem that disturbs hundreds of people and causes a lack of confidence and lower self-esteem.

The mouth is an ideal place where the bacteria live and gather this is due to some foods that cause bad odour and the lack of oral hygiene as well.

There are effective foods that might contribute to reducing bad breath (Halitosis) and improving a good oral smell.

Foods to Fight Bad Breath (Halitosis)

1. Apples

Got halitosis? bite into an apple! Apples are the best fruit friend that helps you increase saliva production as they contain anti-microbial agents and active enzymes that reduce bad breathing.

2. Carrots

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Crunchy carrots! They aren’t just a tasty snack, but also natural teeth cleaners. The fibre helps scrub away food bits, and chewing them boosts saliva to keep your mouth fresh and healthy

3. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and antibacterial properties that prevent bacteria that cause bad breath and increase the level of saliva in the mouth.

4. Yoghurt

Consuming plain or sugar-free yogurt maintains a good digestive system and helps reduce bacteria in the mouth and controls bad breath.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties that prevent and kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

Take a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and sweeten it with honey.

Drink cinnamon tea every day you go to bed or when you wake up.

6. Green Tea

Polyphenols and antioxidants present in green tea act as antimicrobial agents and detergents that cleanse the mouth from bacteria and bad breath.

To prepare green tea you need:

• Fresh peppermint leaves
• 2 tablespoons of green tea
• 1 litre of water

1. In a pan pour water on the leaves of peppermint and leave until the water starts to boil.

2. Add green tea and simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.

3. After 10 minutes let the tea cool down.

4. Drink one cup morning and one cup afternoon.

5. Avoid adding sugar to your tea to prevent the gathering of bacteria.

7. Cloves

Cloves contain eugenol a compound that is rich in antioxidants, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that stops and kill bacteria and improve oral health as well.

Boil 5 cloves in a cup of water. Let cool down and use it as a mouthwash for 1 month.

Clove mouthwash will improve gum health, kills bacteria, and freshen the breath.

8. Ginger

Ginger contains Gingerol which increases enzymes that stimulate saliva in the mouth and kill bacteria that cause bad breath.

Cinnamon Ginger Tea Recipe

• In a pan put water. Add one stick of cinnamon and a small fresh ginger root.

• Let the tea simmer for 5 minutes.

• Pour the tea into a tea mug.

• Add honey and drink.

• You can use this tea as a mouthwash.