While garlic and onions are rich in nutrients that boost immunity, fight inflammation, and enhance the flavor of many dishes, they also contain sulfur compounds like allicin and allyl methyl sulfide. These compounds can linger in the mouth and even be released through sweat, causing noticeable bad breath. Fortunately, several simple methods can help freshen your breath after consuming these potent ingredients.

Floss and scrape your tongue.

Brush your teeth, floss, and gently scrape your tongue after meals. The back of the tongue often harbors bacteria and food debris, which can accumulate sulfur compounds.

Chew basil or mint.

Herbs such as parsley, mint, basil, and cilantro contain natural essential oils that help neutralize sulfur compounds. These act as natural deodorizers and breath fresheners. The polyphenols in these herbs break down odor-causing chemicals before they can make your breath unpleasant.

Sip green or black tea.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which combat bacteria and bad odors. Black tea contains polyphenols that break down sulfur compounds and help eliminate odor-causing bacteria. It is recommended to drink these teas warm and without added sugar.

Suck on a lemon slice.

Citrus fruits like lemons and kumquats stimulate saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth. The acid in these fruits also inhibits odor-causing bacteria. You can squeeze some lemon juice into water for a mouth rinse or suck on a small lemon slice after a meal to achieve fresher breath.

Use mouthwash with zinc or chlorine dioxide.

Not all mouthwashes are the same. Products containing zinc gluconate, chlorine dioxide, or cetylpyridinium chloride can effectively neutralize odor-causing compounds.

Chewing sugar-free gum is another way to freshen breath. Opt for gum containing xylitol, a natural sweetener that reduces bacteria in the mouth. Xylitol can inhibit bacterial growth and promote natural saliva production.

A dry mouth creates a favorable environment for odor-causing bacteria. Drink a full glass of water immediately after a meal to rinse away food debris and bacteria. Continue to sip small amounts of water over the next few hours to help your body process odor-causing compounds.

Persistent bad breath, even with thorough oral hygiene, accompanied by symptoms such as swollen, red, or bleeding gums, toothache, pus, or an unusual odor like ammonia, indicates an abnormal condition. These symptoms may signal underlying health issues such as kidney failure, diabetes, liver disease, nasopharyngeal cancer, tonsillitis, sinusitis, or chronic digestive problems.

Le Nguyen (According to Times of India)