Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a fairly common problem in our society and consists, as its name implies, in giving off an unpleasant smell from the mouth. This health disorder is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows microorganisms to surface and accumulate inside the mouth, forming at the end the bacterial plaque or oral biofilm.
Although it is recommended that you go to the doctor to diagnose you and assign you the most appropriate treatment for your case, there are also different natural remedies that could help you end this problem. One of them is parsley, an aromatic plant for culinary use that is also an excellent natural treatment for halitosis due to its medicinal properties. That is why, in the following article of a COMO, we explain how to eliminate bad breath with parsley and have a pleasant smell in your mouth again. Keep reading!
Main causes of bad breath
Halitosis is an oral disorder that appears due to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which causes a bad smell, among other things. Bad breath can be the result of poor oral hygiene, or a sign of suffering from a more serious condition. Among the causes that produce bad breath are: pathological and non-pathological (the most common).
Pathological causes of bad breath
- Bad oral hygiene: the accumulation of original bacterial plaque the appearance of other bacteria.
- Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Ulcerative problems: stomatitis or bacterial ulcers, among others.
- Infection in the pharynx.
- Tissues damaged due to chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy.
Non-pathological causes of halitosis
- Age: bad breath is more likely in very old people due to changes in the salivary glands.
- Smoking: smoking reduces the production of saliva, which increases the bacteria that cause this problem.
- Medications: Among the side effects we can find that some medicines cause xerostomia.
- The diet: the excess of some foods such as garlic or habitual alcohol consumption produce an unpleasant smell in the mouth.
- Morning breath: during the night we produce less saliva and therefore increases the formation of bacteria that cause a bad smell.
Properties of parsley to eliminate bad breath
Parsley, or also scientifically known as Petroselinum crispum , is an aromatic plant grown in various regions of Europe and that is traditionally used as a condiment for different foods. However, parsley has many medicinal properties, making it an excellent remedy for different conditions. Next, we explain why parsley serves to eliminate halitosis:
- Parsley is a plant rich in some flavonoids such as chlorophyll, essential oils and other antioxidant substances that, in addition to giving it that characteristic aroma, also give it deodorant properties. Therefore, it is an effective remedy to neutralize the bad smell that causes the accumulation of some bacteria in our mouth.
- Its high content of essential oils and vitamins, also gives this herb antiseptic properties, which makes it a very common ingredient in different mouthwashes, since it effectively eliminates the remains of food and other smelly substances.
- Parsley also has powerful antibacterial propertiesthat help both eliminate and prevent the appearance of microorganisms and bacteria that, when accumulated in our mouth, cause that unpleasant smell in it.
- Finally, the richness in different vitamins (especially in vitamins of group B), also give this plant excellent immune system stimulating properties, so it favors the production of white blood cells and, therefore, increases thebody’s defenses . As a consequence, these properties help reduce the appearance of infections and bacteria in the mouth.
How to eliminate bad breath with parsley and apple cider vinegar
Thanks to the previous section, we already know the properties of this aromatic plant for our oral health and, therefore, to reduce or solve the problem of halitosis. Therefore, below we explain how to use parsley and apple cider vinegar for bad breath. You will see that we use apple cider vinegar in this preparation, and we do it because it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so it enhances the effects of parsley. To prepare the home remedy you will need:
- 6 or 7 parsley leaves.
- Half a glass of apple cider vinegar.
Preparation and treatment
- With the help of a mortar, crush and chop a few parsley leaves.
- Add half a glass of apple cider vinegar and crushed parsley leaves in a bowl or bowl.
- Let the leaves rest in the liquid for 15 minutes. Then remove the vinegar and keep the impregnated leaves. You will have parsley ready to reduce halitosis.
- Brush your teeth in the usual way and use a mouthwash.
- Once you have brushed your teeth, chew the parsley leaves impregnated with vinegar for 2 minutes.
- Finally, spit them out and rinse your mouth with cold water.
Repeat this process every time you brush your teeth, especially after meals, until the bad breath has reduced. When you notice that the breath has improved, use this remedy 2-3 times per week.
How to remove bad breath with parsley and lemon
As the lemon is very aromatic and cleansing, thanks to its antiseptic properties, which give it some acids such as citrus, and the smell it gives off, it is thus one of the best options to remove halitosis, in addition to having a good taste that We usually like it. Therefore, if we combine these two foods we will obtain an effective home remedy to eliminate halitosis. Take note of how to eliminate bad breath with parsley and lemon:
- 3 or 4 parsley branches
- 1/2 liter of water
- The juice of half a lemon
Preparation and treatment
- Make an infusion with the previously chopped parsley branches and the indicated water. Add the parsley when the water breaks to a boil and let it do so for 5 minutes.
- Remove the infusion from the heat and cover it and let it sit for 5 more minutes.
- Strain the infusion to remove the parsley pieces and add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring well.
- Take it on an empty stomach every morning until you notice that you no longer have halitosis.
- If you don’t like the taste you can use it with mouthwash, as the previous remedy.
If with these remedies your bad breath persists, it is best to discuss everything with the doctor, since the problem may require more direct treatment of the cause.