For fresh breath, the only dependable method is brushing, flossing and using a tongue scraper in a committed routine of oral hygiene at home. However, I occasionally hear of holistic remedies that are at times surprising and at other times just downright unbelievable! I though I’d share a few with you:
• Chew a whole clove or several anise seeds for fresher breath.
• To have fresher breath in the morning, dissolve a small piece of myrrh in your mouth at bedtime. Myrrh acts as an oral antiseptic, helping to fend off bacteria during the night.
• To rid your breath of onion or garlic smells, sprinkle kosher salt on half of a lemon and suck the juice for several minutes. (I don’t recommend this one AT ALL since a lemon’s citric acid can erode tooth enamel!)
• Eating an apple will eliminate “coffee breath.”
While these are fun to read, I only advise the tried-&-true methods for fresh breath: Brush at least twice daily, floss daily, use a tongue scraper, drink plenty of water, minimize sugar and alcohol, and have dental check-ups and cleanings every six months.
Of course, this works for mouths that are healthy. If your breath has an odor regardless of these efforts, you may have gum disease, which can only be resolved through soft tissue therapy. Early signs also include bleeding when you brush or gum tenderness. Call us soon — gum disease will only worsen without treatment!
