Herbal Remedies for Bad Breath

No one likes to have bad breath and no one likes to talk to someone with bad breath but the fact is most people will come in contact with someone with bad breath more frequently than they would prefer. While bad breath may not be considered a disease, it can be indicative of the presence of disease.

Bacteria in the mouth is the typical case of bad breath, whether living or dying, however food particles left behind providing food for the bacteria also plays a major role. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash only go so far in eliminating bad breath. Scraping the back of the tongue with an inverted spoon is most recommended means of getting rid of bacteria that causes bad breath. Unfortunately, it does not gat all the bacteria that may be living just above or below the gum line.

In addition, not all bad breath is coming from the mouth. Gastrointestinal problems can cause bad breath as well as kidney or liver diseases and, with that in mind, there are some herbal remedies for bad breath. Kalium phosphate, a tissue salt, through its antiseptic action can help stop, or at least reduce, the decay of body tissue. It is known to be a useful in reducing bad breath.

Those utilizing homeopathic treatment have found silicon dioxide useful in the treatment of bad breath for its ability to clean toxins from cells to eliminate odors. Fennel seeds are also known to be used as a digestive tonic, which can assist digestion and an aid against bad breath and Milk Thistle is known to help remove toxins from the body as it aids liver functions and bile production, helping to reduce bad breath caused by liver illnesses.

When considering herbal remedies for bad breath, you should also consider the numerous causes of bad breath such as poor oral hygiene and possibly gum disease. The growth of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth and in the digestive tract, probably the most common cause of bad breath, as well as sinus infections. Since the sinus cavities connect to the roof of the mouth near the back of the throat, an odor commonly referred to as sinus breath can cause bad breath.

Dry mouth is also considered a cause of bad breath and certain medications, such as antihistamines and some used for high blood pressure and diuretics can cause this condition. Smoking is also a source of bad breath, as well as certain foods such as onions and garlic and those consumed in a high protein diet. Poor digestion, sluggish liver as well as constipation can contribute to bad breath.

While treating the obvious symptoms of bad breath, such as foods that have been eaten or smoking, may be fairly easy, to find the other, deeper causes of bad breath may require the consultation of a medical professional. However, probably the best way to combat bad breath is by good oral hygiene, brushing after every meal to remove any good particles left behind that serves as food for bacteria, scraping the back of the tongue to remove as build up of bacteria and using a bacteria-killing mouthwash.