Some studies suggest that having enough zinc in your body helps to prevent a buildup of sulfur compounds in your mouth. In one study, patients who took lozenges containing zinc had less sulfuric gasses in their breath. (21)
Sulfuric odors are one of the reasons why your breath may smell of rotten eggs.
You could try taking zinc lozenges to help get rid of bad breath quickly. There is also some evidence that zinc may also help reduce the length of time you have a cold infection. (22)
Having bitter taste in the mouth could be just one of the signs that you suffer from a zinc deficiency.
Essential Oils as a Natural Breath Freshener
There are many essential oils that have antibacterial properties along with a refreshing scent that can help to quickly get rid of bad breath.
Here are 4 examples of essential oils that are good for bad breath.
Peppermint essential oil. One study involving high school students found that regularly rinsing with a peppermint mouth rinse helped to resolve halitosis in a 1-week period. (24)
Cinnamon essential oil. As already mentioned, cinnamon essential oil is antimicrobial and has a proven effect in killing off bacteria that cause bad breath. (19)
Lemongrass essential oil. A 2015 study on the benefits of lemongrass essential oil found that rinsing the mouth with lemongrass oil helped to reduce oral malodor. Also, the number of plaque-forming bacteria were lower after the lemongrass mouthwash. (25)
Tea tree oil. Many studies point to the antibacterial effect of tea tree oil in treating many oral diseases. One such study found that rinsing the mouth with a tea tree oil solution can help to cure bad breath by destroying oral bacteria. (26) You should not ingest tea tree oil because it is known to be poisonous if swallowed.
How to use essential oils to get rid of bad breath
To make the best mouthwash for bad breath, add 4-5 drops of your favorite essential oil to a glass of warm water. Mix well and swish around your mouth as you would a regular mouth rinse. Spit out after using.
It is important to remember not to swallow any of the mouthwash containing essential oils.
Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Bad Breath
You can also use the antibacterial effect of hydrogen peroxide to eliminate bad odors originating from your mouth.
Research published in 2016 found that rinsing the mouth with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide helped to reduce bacteria that can lead to gingivitis and gum inflammation. Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash was just as effective at maintaining dental health as chlorhexidine mouthwash. (27)
Some studies have shown that mouthwashes containing antibacterial agents such as hydrogen peroxide help to remedy bad breath. (28)
How to use hydrogen peroxide as a remedy for bad breath
Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water. Use as a mouth rinse for 30 seconds 3 times a week before brushing your teeth.
Baking Soda Mouthwash for Bad Breath
You can also make a mouthwash to eliminate bad breath using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
A review of 5 clinical studies revealed that baking soda is an effective natural ingredient to remove plaque from teeth. The plaque removal effectiveness of baking soda was significantly greater than the non-baking soda products. (35)
According to another study, baking soda has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce infections. (36)
Since baking soda is alkaline, it neutralizes the acids in the mouth, thus reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
How to make your own baking soda mouthwash
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water. Swish the baking soda mouth rinse around your mouth for 30 seconds and spit out.
Drink Plenty of Water to Help Avoid Halitosis
If you feel that you constantly have bad breath, then it is important to make sure that you drink enough water.
Researchers have found that a lack of fluids in the body can cause the saliva in your mouth to become thicker. This fluid deficiency can cause odors from your mouth to be more concentrated and smell bad.
You can find out about the dangers of dehydration and why you should aim to drink around 2 liters of water daily.
Avoid Foods that Cause Bad Breath
Because most of the causes of bad breath originate in your mouth, you should avoid consuming foods that are known to make your breath stink.
Researchers say that consuming sulfur-containing foods such as garlic and onions can make your breath smell for many hours. Highly-spiced foods can also give your breath a distinct unpleasant whiff. (2)
How can you eliminate bad breath from foods you have eaten?
The Journal of Food Science reports that drinking milk is effective in eliminating bad breath caused by eating garlic. To prevent garlic causing bad breath, the study found that you should drink milk before eating garlic. (30)
Other studies have suggested that eating parsley, spinach, mint, or raw apple can help to neutralize the smell of garlic breath. (31)
When to See a Doctor
In some cases, the only way to get rid of bad breath permanently is to see your doctor or dentist.
If you have tried many of the home remedies for bad breath in this article and your breath still smells, visit your dentist for a checkup. Your dentist will check over your dental health to look for signs of gum disease or tooth decay. (32)
If bad breath is accompanied by sores in your mouth, pain when chewing, white spots on your tonsils, or a fever, then you should see your doctor. (4)
If you have started taking medication and notice that your breath smells, then check if halitosis is a side effect of your medication.
