Eating garlic (or onion)? 7 tips to get rid of the stinky breath right after

Time of India

3 days ago

Move over the bowl of pasta! It's the nicely-baked garlic bread that often grabs our attention. Looking to munch on something crispy and light? Onion rings any day over pesky French fries.
And here comes the kicker!
As soon as we gorge on all that food, another thought creeps into our minds: What about that smelly breath afterward?
Garlic bread and onion rings might be great, but a stinky breath after the meal? Not fun, at all!
As National Fresh Breath Day approaches on August 6, it's time to tackle one of the most awkward side effects of our favorite flavorful foods: bad breath.
Whether you're heading to a meeting, a date, or just want to stop smelling like a sandwich, we've got you covered.
But first, let's figure out the root cause behind this stinky issue. Why? Because, unless we know the reason why garlic and onions give us bad breath, we won't be able to fish out the solution to the problem.
Why garlic and onion breath sticks around
Let's establish facts first: garlic and onions are awesome. They boost immunity, fight inflammation, and make everything taste better. However, they also contain sulfur compounds, like allicin (in garlic) and allyl methyl sulfide (in onions), that linger not just in your mouth but also in your bloodstream, lungs, and even sweat.
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That's why brushing your teeth alone doesn't always help, because the odor isn't just in your mouth. It's internal, too. Some of it is exhaled from your lungs, which is why the smell can last for hours, even if your mouth feels clean.
Now let's dive into the solution part: how to fix it without giving up garlic and onion!
Brush, floss, scrape
It's the obvious first step, but there's a reason dentists swear by it. Brush your teeth and floss, but don't stop there; use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue gently.
The back of your tongue harbors bacteria and leftover food particles that trap sulfur compounds. Scraping your tongue can cut down bad breath by up to 70%, according to dental studies.
Pro tips:
Rinse with baking soda and warm water to neutralize odors. Use a tongue scraper or soft toothbrush to gently clean your tongue from back to front.
Why it works:
It removes bacteria and residue that brushing alone might miss, leading to instantly fresher breath.
Chew fresh herbs
Don't just garnish your plate, chew it! Herbs like parsley, mint, basil, and cilantro contain natural oils that neutralize sulfur compounds and act like nature's deodorizer and breath mints. They work by neutralizing smells in your mouth and even slightly improving digestion. Fresh herbs beat dried ones for this job. Grab a few sprigs and chew them raw, like a plant-based superhero fighting garlic villains.
Pro tip:
Chew a sprig of fresh parsley or mint leaves right after your meal, it also helps digestion.
Why it works:
The polyphenols in these herbs break down the odor-causing chemicals before they make your breath unbearable.
Sip on green tea or black tea (or even lemon water)
Green tea is rich in antioxidants (especially catechins) that fight bacteria and odor. Studies show that black tea contains polyphenols that break down sulfur compounds and kill bad-breath bacteria. Meanwhile, lemon water not only freshens your mouth but also encourages saliva flow, which helps wash away the stink.
Green tea also has catechins, which help freshen your breath and fight inflammation. Drink it warm, not scorching hot, and skip the sugar for best results.
Pro tip:
Drink warm green tea or lemon water post-meal instead of coffee (which can actually worsen breath).
Why it works:
Green tea reduces bacteria in the mouth, while lemon juice's high acid content breaks down sulfur molecules.
Suck on lemon or lime wedges
Sour to the rescue! Citrus fruits, especially lemon and lime, increase saliva production, which helps rinse your mouth and neutralize odor.
Their acidity also makes your mouth less friendly to bacteria that cause bad breath.
Pro tip:
Squeeze some lemon juice into water and swish it like mouthwash, or just suck on a lemon wedge after your meal. Your breath will thank you.
Drink water (Then drink some more)
It sounds simple, but staying hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent bad breath. Dry mouth = odor playground. Drink a full glass of water right after your meal to wash away food bits and bacteria.
Sip steadily over the next few hours to help your body process the odor compounds.
Pro tip:
Add a splash of mint or cucumber to your water if you want a fancy, fresh twist.
Use mouthwash with zinc or chlorine dioxide
Not all mouthwashes are created equal. If you're grabbing one, look for products that include zinc gluconate, chlorine dioxide, or cetylpyridinium chloride. These ingredients don't just cover up smells; they neutralize the odor-causing compounds.
Pro tip:
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes if you have a dry mouth. They can actually make things worse.
Some more quick tips:
If you're on the go, chewing sugar-free gum is a quick fix. But here's the secret: look for gum that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that reduces bacteria in your mouth. Xylitol disrupts bacterial growth, and chewing increases saliva, which naturally flushes out odor. Choose minty flavors like peppermint or spearmint for the double whammy of freshness.
Rinse your mouth with a mixture of baking soda and water, or diluted apple cider vinegar; they can act as a quick, natural mouthwash. Baking soda balances pH and neutralizes acids, while apple cider vinegar helps kill odor-causing bacteria. To make the quick fix, mix 1/2 tsp of baking soda in a cup of water, or dilute 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in water and swish for 30 seconds. However, don't overdo it; once a day is enough, as these can be acidic or abrasive in excess.
Last but not least, avoid tobacco and excess alcohol at all costs, both of which worsen odor.
Garlic and onions are too delicious to avoid, but their lasting impact on your breath doesn't have to be. With a few smart habits, like sucking on lime wedges, sipping green tea, scraping your tongue, or chewing herbs, you can beat the stink and keep your breath fresh all day. Whether you're heading to a party, a work lunch, or date night, these simple hacks can help you enjoy bold flavors without holding back.
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