Want to ditch garlic breath? Here are quick, effective ways to neutralize lingering odors from garlic and onions, including foods to eat, oral hygiene tips, and natural remedies.
Okay, so you love garlic, who doesn’t? But that breath, um, not so much, right? What can we do about that lingering aroma?
Well, we’re gonna talk about how to kick that garlic and onion breath to the curb.
Garlic and Onion Breath
Both onions and garlic, you see, contain potent compounds that release strong-smelling gases when broken down. This process unleashes compounds, which mixed with bacteria in your mouth, creates, shall we say, a less than pleasant odor you really don’t want to broadcast. And it isn’t just in your mouth; it gets into your bloodstream making it last hours after you’ve finished your meal.
What’s particularly interesting is that both onions and garlic produce volatile sulfur compounds that move from the digestive system into the bloodstream, making their way to the lungs, and guess what? Yep, they’re exhaled from the lungs too, and can linger for hours. That said, even though breath can be a downside of eating them, the nutritional benefits of both garlic and onions are quite impressive. Follow some of the tips here, and you will still be able to enjoy onions and garlic, without any unwanted fragrant side effects.
How to Get Rid of Garlic and Onion Breath
So, now we’re gonna give you the lowdown on how to ditch that garlic and onion breath:
1. Eat fruits and veggies
If you’re planning on indulging in a dish that’s heavy on garlic, it’s best to have some fruit on hand for after. A recent study, would you believe, found that the chemical compounds in apple (raw or cooked) can really help improve your breath and help banish the lingering effects of garlic or even onions.
Interestingly, both lettuce and mint contain compounds that also help to improve your breath; in fact, drinking green tea with a squeeze of lemon juice can also do the trick. It’s one of the natural ways to get rid of garlic breath. We should also mention that beyond just food, proper hydration plays a key role in fighting bad breath. Staying well-hydrated not only helps to cleanse the mouth but also prevents the growth of bacteria that contribute to unpleasant odors.
2. Brush your teeth using toothpaste and floss
The bacteria that cause bad breath love to hang around near bits of food and in any spaces between your teeth. So, brushing and flossing after you eat can really help clear out lingering bacteria and even help to reduce the appearance of bad breath.
And here’s something you might not know: toothpaste with fluoride is better for removing food particles than non-fluoride versions, and it’s best to gently brush your teeth after you eat. What’s more, consider using interdental brushes. They’re great for cleaning plaque and food particles from between teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Used regularly, they can significantly improve oral hygiene.
3. Use a mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide
Some scientific evidence suggests that mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide can be really effective in improving breath and getting rid of bad breath. That’s because this ingredient helps to remove particles and bacteria on the tongue.
Also, you might consider using mouthwash after brushing, in order to get the most benefit, and select an antibacterial mouthwash rather than a purely cosmetic one, after brushing your teeth with toothpaste and flossing. And, when you’re picking out a mouthwash with chlorine dioxide, make sure to carefully follow the instructions to avoid any possible irritation.
And, you know, mouthwash is even better if it is alcohol-free; and another cool tip? Use mouthwash as needed after brushing and flossing.
4. Don’t forget to clean your tongue
Bacteria can multiply in places that your toothbrush can’t easily reach in your mouth, like on the back of your tongue. And if your tongue looks a bit white, that’s a sign that bacteria and food particles are chilling there.
So, don’t forget to use special tools for cleaning your tongue. This will really help you clean your tongue well and get rid of the unpleasant odors. When you’re using these tools, go from back to front, so you can get rid of all the leftover particles.
And, also, remember to clean your tongue, going from back to front carefully. It’s best to do this once a day after you’ve eaten.
5. Use essential oils
Adding essential oils to your mouthwash can help freshen your mouth; that’s because some of these oils have antibacterial properties.
Interestingly, you can make your own mouthwash by mixing essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil. A few of the most popular and useful essential oils are:
- Peppermint oil.
- Tea tree oil.
- Myrrh oil.
6. Sip on green tea
Enjoying a cup of green tea after a garlic or onion heavy meal can really help, believe it or not, to mask unpleasant breath and can be used along with brushing and flossing; especially if you don’t like to use them often after eating.
7. Chew on mint with cardamom seeds
Chewing on a sprig of mint with cardamom seeds can improve breath and help banish that garlic breath some people may be dealing with. It also prevents acids from going back up into your mouth after digestion, meaning it can stave off garlic and onion breath.
Don’t avoid onions and garlic just because their breath smells, but do plan ahead, consistently, and mindfully, for the immediate environment. If you’re headed to a fancy event or a job interview, however, consider skipping that garlic and onion laden dish or, you know, maybe have it afterward.
And what if, like me, you’re often caught in a whirlwind of tasks, barely pausing for meals? A quick breath freshener can be a lifesaver. I’ve found that carrying a small bottle of alcohol-free mouthwash in my bag keeps my breath fresh and me feeling confident, no matter how hectic my day gets.
Key takeaways
- Incorporating certain foods like apples, lettuce, and mint after eating garlic or onions helps to neutralize odors.
- Cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper reduces bacterial buildup.
- Sipping on green tea can mask unpleasant breath due to its natural compounds.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Does mouthwash actually help get rid of garlic breath?
Yes, but not all mouthwashes are created equal! Look for one with chlorine dioxide. It’ll actually neutralize those smelly sulfur compounds.
Is it true that chewing gum can help with onion breath?
Yeah, chewing gum can help. It boosts saliva production, which washes away bacteria and food particles. Go for sugar-free gum to avoid feeding the bacteria.
Does brushing my teeth immediately after eating garlic help?
It can, but wait a bit! Brushing right after can damage your enamel. Give it 30 minutes, then brush away.
Myth: Parsley is a useless garnish.
Fact: Nope, parsley isn’t just for show. It contains chlorophyll, which has odor-fighting properties. Chewing on some parsley after your meal can freshen your breath.
Is there a way to minimize the breath issue while cooking with garlic?
Absolutely! Roasting garlic makes it milder. Plus, cooking it whole rather than crushing it right away releases fewer of those smelly compounds.
“I was so self-conscious about my breath after eating my favorite Italian dishes. I tried everything, and nothing seemed to work. That all changed when I started chewing sugar-free gum and drinking green tea regularly after meals. It made a huge difference, and now I can enjoy my food without worrying so much about lingering odors. It’s liberating!”
“For years, I avoided garlic and onions before important meetings. The fear of offending people was always in the back of my mind. But after reading about essential oils and tongue scraping, I decided to give it a try. I now use a tea tree oil mouthwash and clean my tongue every night. The results have been amazing – my confidence has soared!”
“I thought bad breath after eating certain foods was just something I had to live with. It wasn’t until I started paying attention to my oral hygiene routine that things improved. Flossing regularly, using a chlorine dioxide mouthwash, and staying hydrated have completely transformed my breath. Now I can savor all kinds of foods without any anxiety.”
So, there you have it. You can enjoy garlic and onions without scaring everyone away! Remember, it’s all about planning, smart choices, and good oral hygiene, and you know what? I’m gonna grab some mints on my way out – just in case.
