No man wants bad breath. We’ve all made that ultimate lunch mistake from time to time; a foot long tuna and mayo before your big meeting isn’t exactly the wisest decision. Bad breath is not only embarrassing, but it’s a powerful way to make a bad first impression.

Bad breath or halitosis is caused by gasses produced by bacteria accumulating in the mouth, many of which contain sulfur which give it the stinky smell.

Of course, brushing your teeth goes a long way towards freshening your mouth, however, there are also some natural remedies for banishing bad breath. Here are the top 5:

Natural Bad Breath Remedies

1. Mint

Mint is probably the most commonly used herb for banishing bad breath and is used in toothpaste, mouthwash and breath fresheners.

Mint has strong antimicrobial properties, meaning it can get rid of bad breath by killing the microbes which lead to unpleasant mouth odour.

You can simply chew some fresh mint leaves, or you can use mint oil which can be mixed with warm water and used as a mouthwash.

2. Cardamon

Cardamon is incredibly effective at banishing bad breath. It is a source of cineole, an antibacterial phytochemical. It helps to eliminate bad breath by fighting the bacteria which can build up in the mouth.

Cardamon can simply be taken raw or can be used to make tea.

3. Fennel

Fennel has been used for hundreds of years as a means of beating bad breath. Simply chewing raw fennel after a meal can prevent buildup of bacteria in the mouth as well as aiding digestion.

4. Cinnamon

Everyone’s favorite spice for the festive season, chewing cinnamon can actually promote oral health.

Cinnamon promotes the production of saliva, which keeps bacteria from building up, thus keeping breath fresh.

Adding cinnamon powder to your toothpaste is an excellent way to keep bacteria at bay.

5. Basil

Much like mint, chewing fresh basil leaves is an effective way to rid yourself of bad breath.

Basil is packed with powerful antibacterial properties. Therefore, it not only kills the existing bacteria in the mouth, but can actually prevent further bacteria from growing. This helps to cure bad breath in the long term.

These 5 natural remedies for banishing bad breath are however, only effective in the short term. If your find yourself suffering with bad breath regularly, here are 4 further simple things you can do to try and eliminate the issue entirely.

4 Way Prevent Bad Breathe

1. Visit the Dentist

If you find yourself with lingering bad breath even after using natural remedies and good oral hygiene practices, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist.

Bacteria can build up and on some occasions it can lead to plaque which needs to be removed by a professional. Plaque can cause cavities and rotting teeth which can also produce bad breath.

2. Try Checking Your Nose

Believe it or not, many dental problems are actually linked to nasal issues. As your sinuses are in close proximity to your mouth, sinus infections can cause smelly secretions from your nasal passages. This is a leading cause of bad breath.

You can try saline nasal solutions to alleviate the issue, however, you may need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist if the problem persists.

3. Tonsil Stones

If you’re one of those men who never needed his tonsils removed as a kid, they could be the cause of your bad breath. Tonsils have numerous crevices where bacteria can accumulate and then develop what are known as tonsil stones.

Tonsil stones can give off an offensive odour and definitely cause bad breath. They can be removed with a kind of power washer for the throat. However, if they continue to develop regularly, you may need your tonsils removed.

4. See Your Doctor

If none of the above are an issue yet you are still a regular sufferer of bad breath, it may be a good idea to book a checkup with your doctor. Bad breath could be a symptom of an underlying health issue, usually connected with the stomach.

Acid reflux for example can cause seriously bad breath. Therefore, if there is no apparent reason why bad breath should be lingering and natural remedies aren’t fixing the issue, ask your physician. Remember: if in doubt, check it out.