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Can herbal tea help freshen your breath?Planning to end your meal with a close hug or perhaps even a kiss? Then you’ll need a superhero to tackle the villain in your mouth: bacteria. After eating, bacteria feeds on leftover food particles, releasing sulfur compounds that make your breath smell like garbage. Can natural remedies like parsley and mint fight this? Let’s find out.
Parsley might seem like a mere garnish you push aside before enjoying your spaghetti. But after a meal full of garlic and onions, that sprig of parsley may just come in handy. While there’s no concrete evidence that chewing parsley completely eliminates bad breath, it may have some immediate effects [source: O'Connor]. What is certain is that parsley contains chlorophyll, known for its antibacterial properties [source: Ursell]. Essentially, it acts as a natural deodorizer, and without your toothbrush, chewing parsley could be worth a try. Some even believe it can deodorize your stomach, helping to prevent bad breath from within [source: Bowden].
Another natural defender against bad breath is fresh mint. Whether on a dessert plate or in your drink, keep those mint leaves for the end of your meal. In addition to aiding digestion and soothing heartburn, mint may help battle the bacteria that cause bad breath. Like parsley, mint also contains chlorophyll, and chewing the leaves can help remove odor-causing bacteria from your teeth. Plus, mint will leave a refreshing, minty taste behind. A cup of hot mint tea is a perfect way to wrap up a meal and refresh your breath.
Some oral health professionals suggest using natural remedies for bad breath instead of artificial products. This is because artificial solutions, like gum or candies, can actually worsen the issue. For instance, the sugar in certain breath mints can encourage bacteria to multiply in the mouth. Additionally, some breath fresheners, such as mouthwash, contain alcohol, which dries out the mouth, and a dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath.
