Bad breath. Halitosis. Stink mouth. No matter what moniker it goes by, the dental problem of a foul odor coming from one’s oral cavity can cause even the boldest of personalities to turn into shrinking violets. While some cases of bad breath are caused by dental issues running deep below the tooth enamel surface, most cases are triggered off by behaviors including eating certain foods, cigarette smoking, dry mouth, medications, and health issues including gum disease and sinus conditions.

Individuals cursed with the olfactory-offending condition should first get a dental check up to pinpoint the cause. Only after a dentist has ruled out conditions that require dental treatments to cure (such as tooth decay, pus filled abscesses or periodontal disease) can an individual embark on a journey to kill their bad breath once and for all. The process involves practicing exceptional oral hygiene including brushing and flossing daily to lower levels of oral bacteria and dental plaque. Additionally, individuals can find a number of cupboard staples known for coaxing fresh breath.

Parsley

Parsley has long been a favorite garnish in restaurants ranging from New York City diners to high-end steak houses in the heart of Texas. That little sprig adds more than a hint of green to a meal, as the herb is also a powerful breath freshener when eaten or consumed as a juice. It is the herbs chlorophyll level that makes it appropriate for the task of fighting bad breath.

Chlorophyll is the green pigment that provides plants, shrubs and trees with their hue. The compound is essential to photosynthesis, the process that plants use to convert light into food. According to Prevention Magazine, the substance is also a known fighter of bad breath and can reduce odor levels with a simple chew (http://www.prevention.com/naturalcures/list/5.shtml).

Plain Yogurt

Within the dental industry, plain yogurt is thought to be a super food for a multitude of reasons. Yogurt is a dairy food rich in calcium and Vitamin D both of which are associated with improving bone strength and dental health. Studies have also found that the food can reduce the odds of children getting dental cavities and can even lower inflammation levels in those suffering from gingivitis. The food can also kill bad breath.

Research has showed that eating a 6 ounce serving of plain yogurt daily can kill the oral compounds that cause halitosis (83rd General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, Baltimore, March 9-12, 2005. News release, International and American Association for Dental Research). Study leaders believe that the primary active bacterium in yogurt (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) can lower levels of hydrogen sulfide, an odor-causing compound (http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20050318/yogurt-antidote-bad-breath).

Spices

Throughout history, spices have always been important. The culinary flavorings are derived from a number of sources including dried seeds, fruits, roots, bark or vegetative growth and without them, the trade routes that helped civilizations connect would never have been formed. Aside from adding a culinary kick, some of the spunkiest spices also are known as natural breath enhancers that can conquer halitosis.

Some options that reduce odor include cloves, fennel, cinnamon bark or anise seeds. Other spices and herbs such as myrrh, goldenseed, sage, and calendulaas can be made into an effective anti-halitosis mouth rinse. All the additives are believed to kill harmful bacteria or prevent their growth and the subsequent production of foul breath.

Individuals who are sick of being embarrassed by their stinky condition must seek the advice of a professional dentist prior to making any decisions in regards to how to treat bad breath. 0900-DENTIST can make scheduling an appointment fast, so why wait any longer?