Tea Tree Oil For Bad Breath: Tips To Use It

After a meal with raw onions or after waking up in the morning, we all have experienced bad breath at some point. Bacteria in the mouth are usually the cause of persistent bad breath or halitosis. I go for mouthwash or mint for a fresh smell. But my mom told me that I don’t always have to rely on store-bought oral hygiene products to keep my breath fresh. There are also home remedies for bad breath. According to my mom, tea tree oil helps fight bad breath. On March 20, World Oral Health Day, we tell you whether science even backs this natural remedy for bad breath.

What are the causes of bad breath?

Cosmetic and laser dental surgeon Dr. Gunita Singh says the most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Poor hygiene can lead to plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) on the teeth, where food particles accumulate and cause oral health problems, including bad breath.

Bad breath can also be caused by:

• Eating strong smelling food. Sometimes, it stays in the system for 48 hours.
• Stomach problems like constipation.
• Oral infections.
• dry mouth

Unfortunately, many times it is the people around us who tell us that our breath is bad. But the best way to check it is in the morning. Take a minute to check how your mouth feels when you wake up in the morning. You will know if your breath smells. Also, if you visit a dental clinic once in six months, you will be able to manage your bad breath problems in a better way.

How does tea tree oil help fight bad breath?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant native to Australia. A study published in 2013 found that tea tree oil can be used in oral health care products to fight Solobacterium murii, a bacterium associated with bad breath. Archives of Oral Biology magazine It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant, says Dr Singh.

Also read

How to use tea tree oil for bad breath?

You can look for a toothpaste with tea tree oil or you can go for a natural mouthwash using this ingredient. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and use it as a mouthwash twice a day. Since it is antibacterial, it helps kill bacteria and keeps your mouth fresh. You can add some mint leaves in the mouthwash.

But only use it to rinse your mouth and don’t drink it. Ingestion of tea tree oil should be avoided as it can be toxic. Also, use the diluted form, otherwise a layer will form on your teeth where food particles can get stuck and lead to plaque, says the expert.

Although tea tree oil has its own benefits, some people should avoid using it. This includes people with skin allergies or rashes or cuts or ulcers in the mouth.

Also keep in mind that using tea tree oil is not a cure for bad breath. Watch what you eat and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fresh juices. You should also maintain good oral hygiene. So, it is essential to brush your teeth twice a day. Gum massages, tongue cleaning and rinsing your mouth after meals with mouthwash should also be done!