33 Natural Home Remedies For Bad Breath In Adults

Updated: 11/27/2019

Bad breath, also called halitosis, oral halitosis, or oral malodor, is embarrassing and may make you unconfident. Bad breath may be caused by many reasons,such as smoking, dry mouth, eating odorous foods, medical disorders, sinus disorders, and gum disease. However, the main cause of this problem is the buildup of bacteria on the back of the tongue or between the teeth^[1]. In fact, maintaining good oral health is one of the most important things to control your bad breath. This will include regular tooth brushing, tongue scraping, and flossing, and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Besides, drinking enough water during the day is also very necessary for maintaining your breath fres^[2].

In addition, after eating each meal, you should swish water around the mouth for several seconds. This process will clean your mouth and loosen food particles that are stuck between your teeth. To more detail, we will introduce to you top 33 home remedies for bad breath in adults without any side effect. This article listed the best natural remedies to treat this problem from reliable sources. However, it is not intended to give medical ,and it is solely for informational purposes. Continue reading this writing to understand more!

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Top 33 Natural Home Remedies For Bad Breath In Adults

1. Baking Soda, Water, And Apple Cider Vinegar

Among effective remedies to get rid of bad breath at home, baking soda is one of the best choices for you. It can aid in balancing the pH level in the mouth and removing stains on the teeth^[3]. Research also indicates that some types of toothpaste with a high concentration of baking soda can effectively relieve bad breat^[4]. Research also indicates that some types of toothpaste with a high concentration of baking soda can effectively relieve bad breath^[5]. Nevertheless, you should know that if you overuse it, it can be corrosive on the teeth and worsen your situation. Hence, you have to wash your mouth thoroughly and carefully after using baking soda.

Remedy 1: Baking soda and toothbrush

Ingredients:

• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• A toothbrush

Directions:

• At first, you take baking soda and then sprinkle them into the palm.
• Next, you dip the toothbrush into your palm.
• Finally, you use this toothbrush to brush your teeth.
• You can follow this remedy regularly or daily.

Remedy 2: Baking soda and warm water

You will need:

• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Room-temperature water – 1 glass

Directions:

• At first, you mix baking soda in a glass of warm water until this powder is dissolved completely.
• Then, you use this water to gargle your mouth.
• You may repeat the same process for a few times per day.

Remedy 3: Baking soda powder with apple cider vinegar 

Ingredients:

• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Apple cider vinegar – 1 teaspoon
• Cool water – 1 glass

Directions:

• At first, you take baking soda.
• Next, you brush the teeth with this powder properly.
• Then, you wash your mouth with plain water.
• After that, you rinse your mouth with raw apple cider vinegar.
• Finally, you rinse your mouth carefully and thoroughly with cool water.
• You may continue doing this remedy regularly.

Remedy 4: Baking soda paste with apple cider vinegar

Ingredients:

• Baking soda – 2 teaspoons
• Apple cider vinegar – 1 teaspoon
• A small bowl

Directions:

• At first, you add apple cider vinegar along with baking soda into the small bowl.
• Next, you mix them well to create a thick paste.
• Then, you use this paste as toothpaste to brush your teeth.
• Another option, you can mix this paste with a little water and use it as a mouthwash.
• You may repeat this remedy regularly.

Remedy 5: Baking soda powder with apple cider vinegar

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar – 1 or 2 teaspoons
• Baking soda – ¼ – ½ teaspoon
• Warm water – 1 glass

Directions:

• At first, you take baking soda and raw apple cider vinegar.
• Then, you pour them into a glass of warm water.
• Next, you stir them well to create a mixture.
• Finally, you drink this mixture.
• You may drink this solution frequently.

2. Fennel Seeds, Water, And Honey

Fennel seeds contain natural antimicrobial and many other properties^[6]

that help deal with any infections, causing bad breath. Fennel seeds may help you to resolve the digestive issue that is the main cause of this bad breath problem. In addition, it may also provide you with a fresh aromatic scent.

Remedy 1: Fennel seeds

Ingredient:

• Fennel seeds – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• At first, you take fennel seeds and chew these seeds immediately and thoroughly after eating food with strong odors.
• To get better results, you have to mix fennel seeds with some other aromatic spices like cloves, cardamom, etc.
• You may chew some fennel seeds frequently after having meals.

Remedy 2: Fennel seeds, boiling water, and honey

Ingredients:

• Fennel seeds – 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Boiling water – 1 cup
• Honey – ½ or 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• At first, you crush these fennel seeds finely to create a powder.
• Then, you add this powder into the cup of boiling water.
• Next, you let it steep for about 10 to 15 mins.
• After that, you strain this tea and add honey into it to sweeten.
• Finally, you can sip it slowly.
• You may drink this tea frequently or daily.

3. White Vinegar With Toothbrush

White vinegar has many health benefits, so that it is used in many home remedies for various diseases. It may aid in your digestion^[7], boosting your immune system and bones^[8], treating your strep throat, and getting rid of bad breath. Moreover, Vinegar contains acetic acid – a natural acid^[9],

which makes bacteria hard to grow. So, it may reduce bacteria growth.

Ingredients:

• White vinegar – 1 cup
• A toothbrush

Directions:

• At first, you soak your toothbrush into distilled white vinegar.
• Then, you use this toothbrush to brush the teeth for about 3 to 5 mins.
• Finally, you wash your mouth thoroughly with distilled or spring water.
• You can repeat this remedy for about one or two times a week.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains malic and acetic acid. This acidic environment is unfriendly to the growth of bacteria, which helps to kill bacteria causing bad breath on your teeth and tongue. Apple cider vinegar is also rich in minerals, such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, copper, etc., all of which are important to enhance the overall health of your mouth and teeth. Because apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, it helps reduce halitosis and restore the pH balance in the mouth^[10].

The antiseptic and acidic properties of apple cider vinegar may aid in breaking down the plaque and fighting bacteria causing bad breath.

Remedy 1: Apple cider vinegar

Ingredients:

• Diluted apple cider vinegar – 2 teaspoons
• Water – 1 cup

Directions:

• At first, you add apple cider vinegar into the cup of water.
• Then, you stir them well.
• Finally, you consume this water after having your meals.
• You had better repeat this simple remedy regularly.

Remedy 2: Apple cider vinegar with warm water

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar – ½ tablespoon
• Warm water – 1 glass

Directions:

• At first, you add this vinegar into a cup of warm water.
• Then, you stir them well.
• Now, you gargle and swish your mouth with the vinegar water for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Finally, you spit it out of your mouth.
• You may follow this remedy daily.

Remedy 3: Apple cider vinegar, honey, and warm water

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar – ½ tablespoon
• Honey – 1 teaspoon
• Warm water – 1 glass

Directions:

• At first, you add apple cider vinegar and honey into a glass of warm water.
• Then, you stir them thoroughly for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Finally, you drink this solution immediately.
• You may have it for at least 2 times per day to get instant relief.

Precaution: Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should consult the doctor before having this cocktail.

Remedy 4: Apple cider vinegar, honey, and water

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar – ½ tablespoon
• Honey – 1 teaspoon
• Water – 1 teaspoon
• A small bowl

Directions:

• At first, you add apple cider vinegar, water, and honey into the small bowl.
• Next, you mix them thoroughly to create a mixture.
• Then, you consume the mixture (1 teaspoon).
• You may repeat this remedy for about 3 or 4 times per day.

5. Tea Tree Oil, Lemon Oil, And Peppermint Oil

Tea tree oil contains strong and natural antiseptic properties^[11] that can aid in fighting fungi and bacteria in the mouth. According to a study in the Journal of Archives of Oral Biology, tea tree oil may decrease the bacterial colonies causing halitosis, which makes it beneficial for your oral health^[12]. A Brazilian study analyzing the effect of garlic, tea tree oil, and a chemical antiseptic solution on oral microorganisms found that tea tree oil reported more activity against harmful microorganisms in the mouth than garlic or the chemical antiseptic solution, and it also ranked the best for flavor^[13].

Hence, tea tree oil is also one of the effective and natural home remedies for bad breath.

Remedy 1: Tea tree oil, lemon oil, peppermint oil, and water

Ingredients:

• Tea tree oil – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon oil – 1 tablespoon
• Peppermint oil – 1 tablespoon
• Water – 1 glass

Directions:

• At first, you take tea tree oil, lemon oil, and peppermint oil in equal amounts.
• Then, you mix them well into a glass of water.
• Finally, you use this solution to rinse your mouth as a mouthwash.
• You may follow this remedy regularly.

Remedy 2: Tea tree oil

Ingredients:

• Tea tree oil – 5 to 7 drops

Directions:

• At first, you rinse your mouth and teeth with tea tree oil after brushing your teeth.
• Another option, you may use a kind of toothpaste having tea tree oil.
• You have to use this remedy regularly to get the desired results.

6. Cloves, Hot Water, And Honey

Cloves contain oils that have antimicrobial and antiseptic properties^[14] [15]that can help to kill bacteria causing bad breath.

According to the preliminary results of a study, clove is one of the plants used by Moroccans. This result could be useful for further clinical and experimental studies to encourage the use of natural plants in the treatment of halitosis^[16].

Remedy 1: Clove pieces

Ingredients:

• Clove pieces – 5 or 7

Directions:

• Simply, you put these clove pieces into the mouth and chew them slowly and completely.
• You had better chew these clove pieces frequently after having your meals.

Remedy 2: Cloves, hot water, and honey

Ingredients:

• Whole cloves – 4 or 5
• Hot water – 2 cups
• Honey – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• At first, you add these whole cloves into the hot water.
• Then, you let it steep for 20 to 25 minutes while you still stir it occasionally.
• Next, you strain this tea and pour honey into it to sweeten.
• Finally, you enjoy this tea slowly.
• Another option, you can also wash the mouth with this solution as a mouthwash for two to three times a day.

7. Lemon Juice, Water, And Salt

Lemon is a type of citrus fruit that has an acidic property, which may prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria on the gums and tongue. Salt, water helps to neutralize the mouth’s pH and cleanse it as well. Also, its antimicrobial in nature^[17]

is beneficial in getting rid of bad breath by killing bacteria, causing this condition.

Ingredients:

• Fresh lemon juice – ½ tablespoon
• Water – 1 cup
• Salt – 1 tablespoon

Directions:

• At first, you add fresh lemon juice and salt into the cup of water.
• Then, you stir them well.
• Next, you use this water to rinse your mouth thoroughly.
• You may rinse the mouth with this water regularly before going to bed.

8. Water

Dehydration may cause bad breath because bacteria in your mouth tend to multiply when your mouth dries out^[18] [19].

Most of the bacteria are harmless; however, some may cause stubborn halitosis. Dehydration, in fact, may reduce the production of saliva that fights these bacteria. Therefore, water is another remedy in the list of top 33 natural and easy home remedies for bad breath that you should not pass. It may assist you in removing bacteria and trapped food particles to cleanse your mouth.

Ingredients:

• Water – 1 cup

Directions:

• At first, you take the cup of water.
• Then, you swish your mouth with clean water for about 20 to 30 seconds.
• You can also use plain water as a mouthwash.
• You should repeat the same process every day.

9. Cinnamon, Honey, And Apple Cider Vinegar

Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehyde that is one of the kinds of essential oil^[20]. Cinnamon possesses antimicrobial properties that help to disinfect and cleanse the mouth^[21]. Cinnamon helps get rid of the odor in your mouth by killing odor-causing bacteria. According to the International Association for Dental Research, people who chew cinnamon gum have a 50% reduction in oral bacteria in contrast with people who chew mint^[22].

This is another effective remedy in the list of top 33 home remedies for bad breath that you should not pass!

Remedy 1: Cinnamon powder, bay leaves, water, and cardamom

Ingredients:

• Cinnamon powder – 1 or 2 teaspoons
• Water – 1 glass
• Bay leaves – 5 to 7
• Cardamom – 5 to 7

Directions:

• At first, you add cinnamon powder into a glass of water.
• Then, you bring to a boil for about 10 to 12 mins.
• After that, you add bay leaves and cardamom into this water.
• Next, you strain this solution.
• Finally, you use this water as a mouthwash.
• You may follow this remedy for at least 2 times per day.

Remedy 2: Cinnamon, lemon juice, honey, and warm water

Ingredients:

• Cinnamon – ½ tablespoon
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• Honey – 1 or 2 teaspoons
• Warm water – 1 glass
• A clean jar with a tight lid

Directions:

• At first, you add the powder into the clean jar.
• Then, you add lemon juice and honey into it.
• Next, you pour the warm water into the jar and mix them thoroughly.
• Now, you hold it aside for several hours.
• Finally, you use this solution to gargle your mouth for 1 or 2 mins after shaking the solution well.
• You may repeat this remedy frequently.

Remedy 3: Cinnamon, water, and apple cider vinegar

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar – 3 teaspoons
• Cinnamon powder – ¼ tablespoon
• Water – 1 glass

Directions:

• At first, you take apple cider vinegar and cinnamon powder.
• Next, you add them into a glass of water.
• Then, you stir them thoroughly.
• Finally, you drink this solution slowly.
• You may use this remedy whenever needed.

10. Tea

“Black or green tea may help in removing the bad breath issue.”

Black tea will aid in controlling bacteria in the mouth and plaque and preventing your bad breath. Besides, green tea contains antibacterial properties that may fight the germ in the mouth. This will help to keep your breath fresh. In addition, the polyphenol content in both black and green tea may prevent the growth of the bacteria, causing the foul odour. Research shows that the disinfectant and deodorizing properties of green tea may temporarily freshen your breath^[23]. You should have green tea early in the morning instead of tea or coffee with milk may take you a long way in your war against halitosis^[24].

Remedy 1: Tea bag

Ingredients:

• Green or black tea bag – 1
• hot water – 1 glass

Directions:

• At first, you add the green or black tea bag into the glass of hot water.
• Then, you let it steep for 5 to 10 mins.
• Next, you stir this tea and take out the tea bag.
• Finally, you drink this tea frequently.
• You can have it when needed.

Remedy 2: Dried alfalfa leaves and boiling water

Ingredients:

• Boiling water – 1 glass
• Dried alfalfa leaves – 2 or 3 teaspoons

Directions:

• At first, you add the dried alfalfa leaves into the glass of boiling water.
• Next, you let it steep for 15 to 20 mins.
• Finally, you strain and drink this herbal tea.
• You may drink this tea for 2 or 3 times per day.

11. Eat Yogurt

As you know, people in Asian countries are used to eating yogurt after taking meals to prevent this bad breath issue. Because yogurt contains good bacteria which will restore the balance in the natural flora of your oral cavity^[25].

According to research, if you have 170 grams of yogurt, your bad breath problem will not attack you.

Research shows that eating yogurt may help to get relief from bad breath. According to a study, 80 percent of participants who ate yogurt within six weeks had a reduction in this mouth issue. Probiotics in yogurt help to reduce the severity of your bad breath condition^[26].

In addition, consuming yogurt not only eliminates this problem but also stops the plaque along with gingivitis. Both of them are popular gum disease that may affect everyone.

12. Thyme Leaves And Water

Looking for the natural and easy home remedies for bad breath, you should not skip thyme leaves. They may fight bacteria and infection, causing your bad breath problem thanks to its antimicrobial properties^[14].

Ingredients:

• Dried thyme leaves – ½ tablespoon
• Water – 1 glass

Directions:

• At first, you add the dried leaves of thyme plant into the water.
• Then, you let it boil for about 7 mins.
• After that, you strain this solution.
• Now, you let it cool down.
• Finally, you use it to gargle the mouth.
• You may repeat this remedy frequently.

13. Orange, Kiwi, Strawberry, And Water

In fact, water may moisten the mouth. Nevertheless, this drink will help you kill bacteria, causing your bad breath problem. Oranges, kiwis, strawberries are very rich in vitamin C, which will create a good environment of acid and then make bacteria hard to thrive. Research shows that this vitamin helps to increase the production of saliva, which helps to eliminate bad breath^[27].

In addition, vitamin C is soluble in water easily, so you can take this fruit water into the body.

Ingredients:

• Kiwis – 3
• Strawberries – 4
• Large oranges – 1 or 2
• Lemon juice (optional) – 1 squirt
• Freshwater – 2 liters
• A glass jar

Directions:

• First, you cut your fruit into small and thin pieces so that you can add them in the container.
• Then, you add them into your glass jar and pour the fresh water into the jar.
• Next, you put the container into your refrigerator and let it chill for overnight.
• Finally, you can drink this solution in the next morning after having breakfast or when needed throughout the day.
• You may keep this liquid up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

14. Parsley Leaves

Another remedy in the list of top 33 home remedies for bad breath is to use parsley leaves. The chlorophyll found in parsley exhibits antibacterial properties that help to remove bacteria causing bad breath from your mouth and your throat^[28]. In addition, it may also aid in stimulating the salivary flow. Studies have found that parsley may effectively fight foul sulfur compounds^[29].

Remedy 1: Parsley leaves and vinegar

Ingredients:

• Vinegar – 1 cup
• Parsley leaves – a handful

Directions:

• At first, you soak the fresh parsley leaves into the cup of vinegar.
• Then, you chew them slowly for one to two.
• Consume this parsley frequently

Remedy 2: Parsley juice

Ingredients:

• Parsley – a few leaves
• A juicer

Directions:

• At first, you add these fresh parsley leaves into the juicer.
• Then, you make parsley juice by using this juicer.
• Next, you have parsley juice at any time during the day.
• Sip it frequently.

Remedy 3: Parsley, cloves, and water

Ingredients:

• Chopped parsley – 5 to 7 sprigs
• Water – 2 cups
• Whole cloves – 5 to 7

Directions:

• At first, you add these chopped parsley sprigs and water into a bowl.
• Then, you add the whole cloves into it and let it boil for 5 to 10 mins.
• Next, you put off the flame and stir this mixture continuously to make it cool.
• Finally, you strain this water and use it as a mouthwash.
• Use the water to gargle the mouth frequently after consuming each meal.

15. Fenugreek And Cold Water

Fenugreek tea works effectively for bad breath that is caused by catarrhal infections, such as common cold, influenza, sinus, etc. In addition, it may also raise the saliva production in the mouth^[30]

and prevent this bad breath problem. Fenugreek has properties that heal some conditions caused by bad breath and several respiratory tract problems.

Ingredients:

• Cold water – ½ liter
• Fenugreek seeds – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Firstly, you add these fenugreek seeds into the cold water.
• Then, you bring it to a boil.
• After that, you simmer it for about 10 to 20 mins on low heat.
• Next, you strain the tea and have it.
• Consume it frequently.

16. Myrrh Oil

Myrrh helps to treat bad breath because it is toxic to harmful organisms causing bad breath in your mouth. The research found that this action is related to its compounds called terpenoids^[31]. Myrrh has widely been used to deal with many oral infections and inflammation thanks to its antimicrobial properties^[32]. Test-tube studies show that myrrh oil-based mouthwash may also help to treat gingivitis, a gum inflammation around the teeth due to an accumulation of plaque^[33].

Ingredient:

• Myrrh oil – 7 to 10 drops

Directions:

• Simply, you use myrrh oil to rinse the mouth as a mouthwash.

For cleaning your throat, you may add myrrh oil into your favorite herbal tea and use this tea to gargle the mouth for 1 or 2 minutes.

17. Make Lemon Juice Candies

In fact, your salivary glands may produce 3 pints of saliva per day. The saliva has phosphorus and calcium so that your teeth may absorb them to combat bacteria, causing cavities and bad breath. Moreover, it may also aid the flow of water and food in passing through the mouth and throat. The bacteria will make the mouth drier and then cause bad breath. Water may certainly moisten the mouth while lemon juice has a natural sourness that will begin the flow of saliva. Lemon juice is also antimicrobial in nature^[34], and it will help to kill  bacteria, causing an odour in the mouth. Besides, the ground cinnamon has a component called cinnamic aldehyde that may kill bacteria, causing bad breath^[35].

Ingredients:

• An ice cube tray
• ½ glass of lemon juice
• 2 cups of water
• A pinch of cinnamon powder (optional)
• A plastic bag

Directions:

• At first, you add the ground cinnamon in the bottom of the ice cube tray.
• Next, you add lemon juice into each compartment of this tray and cover them with water.
• Then, you stir them well and let it freeze completely.
• After that, you put them into the plastic bag and then crush them to take some pieces with the proper size.
• Now, you keep this bag into your refrigerator for further use.
• Finally, you put a piece into the mouth or suck on this ice when needed.
• You may add these ice cubes into your drinking water to prolong the stimulating flavor.

Diet Tips For Fresh Breath:

Your daily diet may also assist you in having a fresh breath. Hence, you should plan the daily diet with some food items and have them frequently to get complete relief from this bad breath problem.

• You have to avoid the foods that have strong odors, such as onions, sugary foods, poultry, garlic, meat, eggs, fish, etc. They will make your breath worse when you have them.
• Moreover, you had better consume fresh fruits and vegetables that aid you in cleansing your digestive system and providing you with a fresh breath.
• Besides, you should often chew fresh peppermint, parsley, basil, and spearmint instead of gum to have a fresh, long-lasting breath.
• In addition, you should eat the gooseberry, guava, and many other rough foods, such as whole grain, which will help you cleanse your mouth and throat. Remember that you have to drink water after consuming these foods.

If you want to know more about home remedies for other diseases and conditions, go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of the top 33 natural home remedies for bad breath in adults, hope that it can help you find out the best solution to get rid of this problem simply and easily. However, the article is only for informational purposes. Thus, you should meet your doctor to get advice before applying any natural home remedy. If you have any questions, or you know other natural home remedies for bad breath, please leave them below.

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