Are there alternative treatments for bad breath (halitosis)?
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American Dental Association answered:There are many ways to mask bad breath, but many of these methods do not treat the problem altogether. Using mouthwash can help to cover bad breath. Artificial saliva or chewing gum can help to increase saliva flow and cleanse away food particles that can lead to bad breath.
If you are experiencing bad breath, see your dentist. She or he can help to diagnose the cause and then offer treatment options.
There are many ways to mask bad breath, but many of these methods do not treat the problem altogether. Using mouthwash can help to cover bad breath. Artificial saliva or chewing gum can help to increase saliva flow and cleanse away food particles... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Supplements such as folic acid, coenzyme Q10, and zinc chloride are alternative treatments for bad breath (halitosis). Clove oil, and eucalyptus, peppermint, sage, tea tree oil, thyme oil, and caraway help to inhibit bacteria growth. Some of these ingredients are in commercial bad breath preparations. Vitamin C and E are also suggested by complementary and alternative health practitioners.
Supplements such as folic acid, coenzyme Q10, and zinc chloride are alternative treatments for bad breath (halitosis). Clove oil, and eucalyptus, peppermint, sage, tea tree oil, thyme oil, and caraway help to inhibit bacteria growth. Some of these... More -
Dr. Gerry Curatola answered:Natural treatments for halitosis (bad breath) have been in existence for over two millennia ranging from chewing on parsley which is famous for removing "garlic breath" as well as chewing fennel or caraway seeds, to the use of clove and peppermint oils and sage tea used as a rinse. While some of these folk medicines have temporary effects of masking odors, the symptoms of halitosis, others have been shown to help treat the main cause which is, primarily, an imbalance of the bacteria (oral biofilm) in the mouth, and the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria which make foul-smelling sulfur compounds. On the Greek island of Chios, a natural tree resin called mastic gum, has been shown to help rebalance a healthy mouth environment by reducing acidity and promoting microbial homeostasis (balance of the mouth's natural bacteria). Vitamin supplements are also important to helping restore this balance especially vitamins B, C, E, Coenzyme Q-10, Folic Acid and Zinc.Natural treatments for halitosis (bad breath) have been in existence for over two millennia ranging from chewing on parsley which is famous for removing "garlic breath" as well as chewing fennel or caraway seeds, to the use of clove and peppermint... More
