Doctor-approved Treatments for Bad Breath

Water

How it works: Bacteria's sworn enemy is oxygen, which is found in your own saliva. And drinking water makes you produce more saliva, which in turn neutralizes bad breath.



Vegetables

How they work: Fibrous vegetables, such as celery and cucumbers, boost your mouth's saliva production, which washes away odor-causing bacteria. In fact, holding a slice of cucumber between your tongue and the roof of your mouth for about 90 seconds helps limit odor. Crunchy vegetables help remove plaque on teeth and gums, which bacteria can feed on.



Good to know: Parsley has the same odor-neutralizing effect as vegetables. So the next time you're out to dinner, chew on your garnish (discreetly!).

Green Tea

How it works: A 2007 study at the University of British Columbia found that the polyphenols in green tea temporarily decrease sulfur compounds in the mouth. Just be sure to drink it straight—adding sugar or milk will increase the bacteria you're trying to reduce. Studies also show that green tea may help prevent gum disease, too.

Good to know: Mint tea has powerful anti-odor benefits as well and has been shown to be especially good at neutralizing garlic oils.

Tea-Tree Oil

How it works: This plant-derived oil has antibacterial properties. Put a few drops directly on your toothbrush and brush the back of your tongue and along your gumline, then spit out any excess. The oil will kill some of the odor-generating bacteria that can lurk in those parts.



Good to know: Because experts aren't sure what effects essential oils may have on women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, they recommend that women avoid tea-tree oil during these times.

Sugar-Free Gum

How it works: Chewing gum increases its production and chewing just one piece makes your mouth create up to 10 times more saliva than usual. But not just any pack will do. Gum that contains sugar actually feeds the bacteria that generate sulfur compounds, so look for gums that contain natural sweeteners called sugar alcohols, such as xylitol and sorbitol.

Good to know: If you are not accustomed to sugar-free gum, go easy at first. For some people, sugar alcohols can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, and gas.

Found on Yahoo's Healthy Living