Quick and easy hacks for curing bad breath
One of the problems with having bad breath is that people generally don't tell you about it to your face. But that doesn't mean they don't smell it just the same.
According to the Bad Breath Institute, "Between 35 and 45 percent of the people in the world have some level of halitosis or bad breath. However, everyone suffers from bad breath at some point in their life and at sometime of the day."
So how do you know if you have bad breath? Luckily, there are three easy tests that will give you the answer right away.
And just as there are easy hacks for getting rid of dandruff, there are super-simple ways that you can get rid of bad breath without breaking the bank on expensive oral hygiene products.
Scroll through below for an exclusive look at how to test yourself for bad breath and how you can eliminate it for good. These are so simple — I can't believe I haven't been trying them all along!
Did you pass the three bad-breath tests? Will you be trying out these helpful health hacks? Let us know in the comments.
Three Tests For Bad Breath
Test #1: The Color Test
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
One of the fastest and easiest ways to test for bad breath is by simply sticking out your tongue. What color is it?
If your tongue is pink, it is probably in good shape, meaning that your breath is likely fine.
If your tongue is yellow or white, however, it is likely that bacteria has been lingering on your tongue, making it much more likely that your breath is a bit smelly.
Test #2: The Lick Test
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
To test the front part of your tongue for bad breath, simply lick the back of your hand. Wait a few seconds for it to dry, and then smell the area where you licked.
How does your hand smell? The whiff you get is precisely the whiff that others around you are getting.
Test #3: The Spoon Test
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
The spoon test is extremely effective in testing the back of the tongue. Simply use a spoon to scrape the back of your tongue. Then, smell the spoon.
How does it smell to you? If it doesn't smell good, then you are likely experiencing bad breath at the moment.
But what can you do about it? Besides brushing and flossing, there are plenty of ways to keep bad breath away. Scroll through below for 10 easy hacks to prevent and get rid of bad breath altogether!
10 Hacks To Get Rid Of Bad Breath
Hack #1: Chew Lemon Or Orange Rind, Or Mint
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
There's no need to pop gum or swish mouthwash when you can do things the natural way! Simply chew on a piece of mint, a lemon rind, or an orange rind.
According to Just-Health.net, "Orange peels are a great cure for bad breath. By chewing small pieces, you can get rid of any foul odor in your mouth. It also fights against cavities and keeps your breath fresher for longer."
Hack #2: Gargle And Hydrate
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Gargling and staying hydrated are two very simple ways to keep bad breath away.
Gargling with a little bit of saltwater will easily eliminate the bacteria in your mouth that is known to cause bad breath.
And WebMD suggests that you "stay hydrated so your mouth's built-in cleaning system works." The more water over the course of a day, the better!
Hack #3: Pop Antacids
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
It might sound strange, but an antacid can actually cut down on a main cause of bad breath: your stomach.
According to WebMD, "Over-the-counter antacids or acid blockers may ease a sour or acidic stomach." This can quickly lead to an improvement in the way your breath smells!
Hack #4: Scrape The Tongue
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Tongue scrapers can be picked up in any local drugstore, and can be very effective in fighting bad breath.
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should simply scrape the back of your tongue, removing any bacteria that may exist.
They write, "If you have a coated tongue — a buildup of debris, bacteria, and dead cells on your tongue — tongue scraping may be helpful."
Hack #5: Eat An Apple
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
An apple is just one of several foods that can help you to have better breath.
According to Reader's Digest, "Apples, carrots, and celery all scrub your teeth as you eat."
On the other hand, foods that are "soft and sticky" are much more likely to cause "bacteria buildup and bad odors."
Hack #6: Turn On The Humidifier
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Dry air can cause a dry mouth, and a dry mouth can lead to bad breath. A humidifier is a great way to maintain proper moisture levels in your home, and in your mouth.
According to Livestrong.com, you should "humidify the air in your home using a humidifier. This adds moisture to the air, preventing you from having postnasal drip and bad breath."
Hack #7: Swap Out The Coffee
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
While coffee can be a significant cause of bad breath, green tea can actually help to cure it.
A recent study showed that tea is great at improving your breath. The Daily Mail writes, "The study found that antioxidants in the tea destroy a number of compounds in the mouth that can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and even mouth cancer."
Hack #8: Put Away The Mouthwash
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Even though we have all been told that mouthwash is good for our breath, it actually may be harmful.
Because every mouth contains good and bad bacteria, mouthwash could be eliminating the bacteria that are important to keeping the mouth healthy.
Newsmax.com writes, "Most mouthwashes offer only a temporary respite, and health experts warn they can actually make the problem worse and even harm your overall health."
Hack #9: Clean Those Dentures
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
For those who wear dentures, they may actually be the cause of your occasional (or not-so-occasional) bad breath.
According to the American Dental Association, "If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning."
A clean set of dentures could make all the difference when it comes to your breath!
Hack #10: Swish With Coconut Oil
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Coconut oil is known to have a great deal of health benefits, one of which is improving your breath.
Professor Ellen Kamhi says, "Pull the oil back and forth through your teeth for three to five minutes. This helps restore gum health and destroys odor-causing bacteria, while preserving good bacteria."
These easy bad-breath tests and breath-freshening hacks can go a long way toward improving the quality of your breath.
What other breath-improving ideas have you tried? Let us know in the comments.
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