Unpleasant breath or halitosis, usually results from eating strongly flavoured foods such as garlic or onions, smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. Your breath may also be affected by disorders involving the mouth, lungs or digestive tract. Sweeten your breath by using herbs, spices and other kitchen cabinet items. Paying attention to oral hygiene is also vital.

Persistent bad breath is frequently caused by poor oral hygiene, tooth decay or gum disease. Fasting or eating too much food of animal origin may also be to blame. Occasionally, bas breath is a synmptom of sinusitis, a respiratory disorder, anemia, diabetes, or a fever. In addition, if you produce insufficient stomach acid and eat fruit after a protein meal, the fruit may ferment in the stomach, producing gases that cause bad breath.

Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, because these contain the plant pigment chlorophyll, a natural breath freshener. Limit your intake of refined carbohydrates, coffee, alcohol, and dairy products, since they encourage bad breath.

If you also suffer from poor digestion or flatulence, you may be producing insufficient stomach acid. To boost your digestion, add vinegar to meals of meat, fish or eggs. Apple cider vinegar provides acetic acid in roughly the same strength as that of normal gastric acid. Some people benefit from gargling with a solution of two teaspoon of this vinegar in 300 milliliters of warm water each day. Brush your teeth meticulously twice daily, and then use dental floss or tape. If you are not sure how to do this correctly, consult your dentist. Brushing the tongue also helps prevent bad breath.

Chew parsley leaves to counteract the scent of garlic on the breath. Chew fennel, dill, cardamom or caraway seeds or aniseed to prevent bad breath at any time. Drink fenugreek or peppermint tea to sweeten breadth after a meal. A daily mouthwash of Echinacea tea helps treat gum infections that cause bad breath. Add two teaspoons of Echinacea root to one cup of water. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, then cool before using.