Ways to battle mouth odour
“In some cases, it’s just a case of bacteria getting lodged in existing cavities, in the gums and on the top of your mouth,” Dr. Laura Torrado, a New York City dentist who is a member of the America Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, told AOL Health. “These degrade amino acids and thus produce foul-smelling volatile […]
“In some cases, it’s just a case of bacteria getting lodged in existing cavities, in the gums and on the top of your mouth,” Dr. Laura Torrado, a New York City dentist who is a member of the America Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, told AOL Health.
“These degrade amino acids and thus produce foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds,” she said. “And the remedy for this problem is as simple as removing the bacteria, which is why proper dental care is so effective.”
She further explained that bad breath, or halitosis, can originate not only in the mouth but in the throat, sinuses and stomach. So when a mint and your toothpaste don’t eliminate the odor, these at-home remedies may be the solution for you.
While brushing your teeth with a mint-favored toothpaste can sometimes do the trick, adding a bit of aloe vera to the mix may be stronger, stated Torrado. “Aloe vera actually has the ability to kill bacteria, fungus and viruses in the mouth and in the entire body, as well as providing anti-inflammatory properties,” she said.
“Research at the University of Texas Health Science Center has determined that aloe vera promotes growth and healing in human cells.” Torrado further added that if you use a commercial product, make sure it contains the stabilized gel that is located in the center of the aloe vera plant.
New York City dentist Dr. Irwin Smigel, who is founder and president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics and is called “father of aesthetic dentistry” by his peers, told AOL Health that both of these herbs are nature’s answer to fresh breath. “Both peppermint and tea tree oils act as a natural antibacterial, so they are able to eliminate the bacteria in the mouth which causes the odor in bad breath,” he said.
“Tea tree oil, specifically, contains antiseptic compounds that make it a powerful disinfectant.” Smigel suggested adding one drop of either oil to a small cup of water, sipping the mixture and swirling it around for one minute before spitting. And since it’s a natural product, it’s safe to use as often as you need to — although he added that it’s always best to consult with your physician before using any herbal remedies.
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