7 Remedies That Easily Get Rid of Bad Breath

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Knowing the tricks to getting rid of bad breath is essential, especially when you’re a fan of flavorful and potent foods (we’re looking at you, garlic lovers). When even the biggest dollop of toothpaste and your best brush can’t seem to get rid of the embarrassing stench, turn to these common pantry items for a quick cure that will leave you feeling fresh and confident.

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Milk

Take a couple large gulps of whole milk to make your bad breath go away. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, milk can help lessen the concentrations of odorous compounds produced by certain foods, specifically garlic. And feel free to skip the skim and grab whole milk in all its full-fat wonder: It will be much more effective.

Find out how long it takes for your milk to truly expire.

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Parsley

Turns out, parsley doesn’t just freshen up plates. It might not taste like much, but the popular garnish can do a whole lot when it comes to bad breath. According to Colgate, it has a natural cleansing affect on the mouth. Plus, the fresh scent aids in masking any remaining not-so pleasant ones.

Here’s a slew of ways to use up that bunch of parsley.

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Chewing Gum

More so than brushing your teeth, chewing gum can help squash foul breath, according to Colgate, because it activates salivary flow, which, in turn, washes away any persistent food particles. And leave the bubblegum behind; a minty variety will help mask the odor better.

Had a mishap? Here’s how to get gum off of anything.

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Green Tea

Tea’s on top when it comes to freshening up bad breath. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology suggests that the traditional Chinese beverage could be even more effective than chewing gum, fresh mint or products that contain parsley oil. This can be accredited to its ability to cover up strong odors. Give this Lemon Thyme Green Tea recipe a try.

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Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Just finished a hearty meal chock-full of garlic and onions? Well, keep on snacking because, based on evidence found in a recent study, fresh fruits and vegetables—especially apples and lettuce—minimize bad breath. The produce has the ability to decrease the number of chemical compounds present in strong-smelling foods such as garlic.

If the garlic smell seems to be sticking to your hands, too, here’s how to remove the garlic smell from your fingers.

Find the best apple recipe in your state!

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Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar seems to be the quick fix for anything these days, and now, that includes foul breath. Although this remedy hasn’t been scientifically proven to work, it seems likely that because the vinegar supports the growth of pectin, a good bacteria, it would be able to help with pesky breath. Drink the apple cider vinegar (only 1 or 2 Tbsp.) before you indulge in a bad breath-inducing dish.

Find out other productive ways to put that apple cider vinegar to use.

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Lemon Juice

Prepare to pucker! Lemon juice is thought to help reduce smelly breath because of its strong antibacterial properties that help neutralize odors. Either suck on a lemon wedge or mix a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into a glass of water for a quick fix after an odorous meal. Pro tip: Wash your hands with lemon juice after cooking with garlic to rid your hands of the scent.

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