How To Get Rid Of Garlic Breath? Helpful Tips For You

If you have ever enjoyed a delicious garlic-packed dish but been embarrassed afterwards due to your unpleasantly strong garlic breath, then we hear you. We know that finding out how to get rid of garlic breath can be quite a challenge. And yet, it doesn’t need to be; with some simple steps and lifestyle changes presented in this blog post, you’ll soon discover the secret on how to finally say goodbye to your bad garlic breath once and for all. So let’s dive right into it and see what options work best for putting an end (for good) to those pungent aromas coming from our mouth.

What Is Garlic Breath?

Garlic breath refers to the occurrence of unpleasant odors emanating from the mouth after consuming garlic. Investigations have shown that these odors are initially generated in the mouth and later involve the expulsion of allyl methyl sulfide, a compound absorbed without undergoing metabolism from the gut.

How To Get Rid Of Garlic Breath?

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help neutralize the volatile sulfur compounds that cause garlic breath. This is because water helps to dilute the compounds and wash them away from your mouth and throat.

Eat Parsley

Parsley is often recommended as a natural remedy for garlic breath. This herb contains high levels of chlorophyll, which has been shown to have deodorizing effects on the body. Simply chew on some fresh parsley leaves after consuming garlic to help reduce the intensity of your garlic breath.

Chew Gum

Chewing gum is another quick and easy way to mask garlic breath. The act of chewing increases saliva production, which helps to wash away the odor-causing compounds. Choose a sugar-free gum with strong mint flavors for best results.

Eat Raw Apples

Raw apples contain a compound called polyphenols, which can help neutralize the sulfur compounds in garlic. Eating an apple after consuming garlic can help reduce the intensity of your garlic breath.

Drink Green Tea

Green tea has long been hailed for its health benefits, and it can also be effective in reducing garlic breath. The polyphenols in green tea have been shown to help neutralize the sulfur compounds and reduce bad breath.

Add Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is known for its acidic properties, which can help neutralize the strong odor of garlic. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a glass of water or simply chew on a lemon wedge to help reduce the intensity of your garlic breath.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, have natural antibacterial properties that can help combat bad breath. You can add a few drops of these essential oils to water and use it as a mouthwash or simply inhale the aroma directly from the bottle for instant freshening effects.

Try Tongue Cleaners

Using a tongue cleaner can help remove the odor-causing bacteria that can accumulate on your tongue after consuming garlic. Simply scrape your tongue from back to front with a tongue scraper or use the back of your toothbrush to gently brush your tongue.

Serve It With Spearmint

If you’re planning to cook with garlic, consider pairing it with spearmint. Studies have shown that consuming spearmint along with garlic can help reduce the intensity of garlic breath. So next time you make a garlicky dish, add some fresh spearmint leaves on top to help minimize the effects of garlic breath.

Swish With Mouthwash

Using a mouthwash after consuming garlic can help mask the strong odor. Look for a mouthwash that contains antibacterial agents and alcohol to effectively combat bad breath caused by garlic.

Brush And Floss After Eating

The most effective way to combat garlic breath is to brush and floss your teeth after eating. This helps remove any lingering pieces of food that can trap the odor-causing compounds, as well as bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. Make sure to also brush your tongue, as this is a common place for bacteria to accumulate.

Use A Chlorine Dioxide Mouthwash

Chlorine dioxide mouthwashes are specifically designed to target and eliminate sulfur compounds, making them an effective choice for combatting garlic breath. These mouthwashes work by oxidizing the odor-causing compounds, effectively neutralizing them and leaving your breath smelling fresh.

Notes When Getting Rid Of Garlic Breath

• Consume apples, spinach, or mint after a garlic-heavy meal.
• Raw or heated apples, lettuce, and mint can help deodorize garlic breath.
• Hot green tea and lemon juice may also be beneficial.

FAQ: Garlic Breath

Does apple cider vinegar help with garlic breath?

Apple cider vinegar contains a compound called pectin that helps counteract garlic breath by flushing it out of the system. Before consuming a meal containing garlic or onion, mix one or two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it.

Does cinnamon get rid of garlic breath?

Yes, cinnamon can help eliminate garlic breath because it contains an essential oil that has antibacterial properties, which can help kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.

Why do I still taste garlic after brushing my teeth?

The lingering taste of garlic on your breath even after brushing your teeth is due to the oils from garlic entering your bloodstream and affecting your breathing. These oils can persist for a day or even longer, causing the persistent garlic breath.