Bad breath is a social obstacle, especially after meals, which is why the world and Indians alike choose to indulge in some. However, often, people opt for mouth fresheners available in the market, even though these can be packed with artificial sugar and chemicals.
Little do they know that there is an array of natural mouth fresheners available in Indian kitchens. These natural mouth fresheners have been in existence for ages and can even be found in regular Indian kitchens today.
The natural mouth freshener tends to leave the breath feeling fresh and clean. From herbs to spices, these fresheners were used by Indian ancestors to combat bad breath and promote oral hygiene. Chewing natural mouth fresheners stimulates saliva production, which aids in flushing out bacteria and food particles.
It is a common practice to offer mouth freshener after a meal. You can incorporate the inclusion of these into your daily routine. Most of the fresheners might already be in your kitchen. Take a look at some of them:
- Mint
For ages, mint has been considered a primary freshener. Mint includes menthol, a substance that interacts with the receptors in the mouth to produce a sensation of cold. Mint can mask the foul-smelling breath for a few hours. An article named ‘A review of the current literature on management of halitosis’ by Oral Diseases states that mint not only covers up bad breath but also reduces the bacteria or other compounds causing bad breath.
- Coriander
This herb contains chlorophyll, which acts as a natural deodorant for the mouth. Chewing a sprig of fresh coriander can help combat bad smells. According to MDPI Foods’ article, ‘Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antibiofilm Activity of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Essential Oil for Its Application in Foods,’ coriander has antibacterial properties that help fight the oral bacteria responsible for bad smelling. Chewing coriander leaves releases oil, which not only freshens the breath but also aids digestion.
- Lemon
The tangy freshness of lemon is incomparable to that of another mouth freshener. Squeeze some lemon juice into a glass of water and swish it around in your mouth, which helps cleanse and freshen your breath. Be careful not to overdo it, as the acid in lemon may erode tooth enamel over time.
- Oranges
Apart from being delicious, oranges help freshen your breath. As per the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, the article named ‘Antimicrobial effects of Citrus sinensis peel extracts against dental caries bacteria: An in vitro study’ states that orange peels contain a natural oil that possesses antibacterial properties. These properties help combat odour-causing bacteria in the mouth.
- Cloves
Cloves are not only used for spicing chai and food. This tiny spice contains eugenol, a compound known for its antiseptic properties. Chewing a clove can freshen your breath and soothe toothaches.
- Fennel Seeds
Often served in restaurants after indulging in a delicious meal, fennel seeds, or saunf, are a popular mouth-freshener in India. Besides, they also aid in digestion and freshen your breath. Simply chew on a few fennel seeds after a meal for a refreshing burst of flavour.
- Cardamom
Owing to its distinct aroma, cardamom is considered another natural mouth freshener. The cardamom oil is anti-bacterial in effect, according to ‘Effects of Essential Oils of Elettaria cardamomum Grown in India and Guatemala on Gram-Negative Bacteria and Gastrointestinal Disorders’ by MDPI Molecules. This property helps in combating bad breath and leaves the mouth feeling fresh. Chew on a few cardamom pods after a meal.
