Ways on how to get rid of garlic breath that you can try

Having garlic breath can be embarrassing, especially for people who often interact with others in professional or social settings. If you want to permanently get rid of your unpleasant garlic breath, then it’s important to make some smart changes in your lifestyle, such as dietary adjustments and improved oral hygiene practices. In this blog post, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide about how to get rid of garlic breath and kiss goodbye to those uncomfortable moments due to embarrassing garlic breath.

What Is Garlic Breath?

Garlic breath refers to the occurrence of unpleasant breath odors following the consumption of garlic. This study conducted by investigators suggests that these odors primarily originate from the mouth but also involve the expulsion of allyl methyl sulfide. It is worth noting that this compound is absorbed without undergoing any metabolism from the gut.

Why Do Garlic And Onions Cause Bad Breath?

Garlic and onions belong to the allium family, sharing similar composition and containing numerous sulfur compounds. These compounds are responsible for the unique flavor of these foods. Furthermore, when garlic and onions are sliced or crushed, they release distinct gases that interact with gas-emitting bacteria, resulting in malodorous breath.

How To Get Rid Of Garlic Breath?

Now that we know the cause, how to get rid of garlic breath? Here are 13 simple and effective ways to reduce or eliminate garlic breath:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water increases saliva production, which helps eliminate mouth bacteria that may cause bad breath.

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth after meals to minimize oral bacteria and remove bad breath causes such as food debris and plaque.

Use a Tongue Scraper

Regularly clean your tongue using a tongue scraper to remove microbes, dead skin cells, and food residues. Ensure no debris is left behind.

Rinse With Mouthwash

Using a mouthwash with a strong smell, preferably with peppermint flavor or other strong agents, helps eliminate garlic breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains chlorine dioxide to effectively remove bacteria, plaque, and food debris.

Incorporate Essential Oils

Add essential oils to mouthwashes with alcohol to freshen breath and benefit from their antibacterial properties. Mix some essential oils with a carrier oil to create a homemade mouthwash. Rosemary, eucalyptol, peppermint, and myrrh are recommended essential oils.

Consume Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Eating fresh fruits and veggies after meals can minimize the smell of garlic and onion. Raw apple or lettuce has been found to significantly reduce garlic breath.

Try Herb Leaves

Chew a few leaves of parsley after meals to eliminate garlic breath. Mint can also help reduce unpleasant breath.

Drink Lemon Water

Squeeze lemon juice into a glass of water (room temperature or cold) and drink it after a meal rich in onion or garlic to help eliminate the smell.

Milk

Drinking a glass of milk after consuming a garlic-rich meal can neutralize sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath. Full-fat milk works better than fat-free milk for this remedy.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water and consume it before or after meals to combat bad breath. Remember to consult your doctor or dentist before trying this remedy as there is limited medical evidence.

Chew Gum

Opt for sugar-free, mint-flavored chewing gum to mask unpleasant odors. Chewing gum also stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and food particles. According to the American Dental Association, chewing gum for 20 minutes after eating can reduce the risk of cavities.

Green Tea

Enjoy a cup of green tea after meals to freshen your breath. Green tea is more effective than chewing gum, mints, or parsley leaves. It also offers additional health benefits. In a study, mouth rinse containing catechins found in green tea effectively reduced plaque, similar to antiseptic mouthwash.

Remove The Garlic’s Core

Minimize garlic breath by modifying the way you use garlic in your meals. When adding garlic, cut each clove in half and remove the stem from the center before incorporating it into your dish.

When To See A Doctor About Garlic Breath?

If you are unable to eliminate garlic breath by yourself, it is advisable to consult with your primary care physician. This will help determine if there is an underlying issue causing the persistent odor. Garlic breath can potentially be an indication of certain health conditions such as sinus infections, chronic lung infections, liver or kidney diseases, and diabetes.