Fresh breath and white teeth: a natural approach

Bad breath is more than just unpleasant – it can be a sign of major gum disease. However, by combining a healthy diet with preventive dentistry and natural remedies, you can boost your dental health for a winning smile.

Bad breath can be a side effect of more than 100 drugs – from cold tablets to penicillin – that decrease the amount of saliva in the mouth, causing what's known as "dry mouth." Here are some natural ways to keep your breath fresher.

• Avoid highly spiced foods such as garlic, onions, chillies, salami, strong cheeses or smoked foods. Their aroma recirculates through essential oils left in your mouth.
• Drink plenty of water. Coffee, beer, wine and whisky leave residues that infiltrate the digestive system, so for some time afterward, each breath expels traces of them back into the air.
• Try natural breath fresheners. Chew a few sprigs of parsley or garnish your sandwich with parsley – it's a great breath-saver.
• Cloves, fennel seeds and anise seeds are also effective breath fresheners. Mix together a small amount of each and carry a small bag of them so you can chew a few after meals – that is, if you don't mind the rather strong taste.
• Gently brush the top of your tongue with your toothbrush when brushing your teeth to get rid of the food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
• Lavender is an effective mouth-freshening herb. Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil into warm water and gargle.
• Try a cleansing mouthwash to ward off offensive breath. Stir 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of powdered cloves into 250 millilitres (1 cup) of white vinegar. Shake before gargling the mixture.

There's no need to spend a fortune on clinical whitening treatments. Instead, combine 15 grams (1 tablespoon) of baking soda with 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of fine sea salt. Dip a moistened toothbrush directly into the mixture and use to brush your teeth, but take care not to scrub them too vigorously. Use no more than once a month and be sure to rinse your mouth out thoroughly afterward.

Good oral hygiene practices are important for discouraging tooth decay and gum disease. And with fresh breath and white teeth, you'll have plenty to smile about!