Bad breath plagues the masses, being one of the most common oral health problems. Some people are unaware of the foul odor that emits from their mouth. When people point it out, it’s very easy to lower self-esteem and confidence. The last thing you want is for someone to cringe when you open your mouth to speak to them, so if your breath is less than fresh, you need the cinnamon mouthwash in this article.
While bad breath typically results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, it can also occur because of poor digestive health. In fact, a common sign of poor digestive health is bad breath. A dietary change can help restore gut health, but this may not always get rid of bad breath. Sometimes, you need to combat the bacteria in the mouth, and that’s where mouthwashes come into play.
Are Mouthwashes Beneficial?
Believe it or not, people have been using mouthwash for thousands of years. According to historical records, people in China used saltwater rinses to combat gum disease over 4,000 years ago. The higher class citizens in Ancient Greece used salt and vinegar rinses to keep teeth clean. The mouth contains tons of bacteria, which is a good thing. Like your gut, however, there are good and bad bacteria present in the mouth.
Modern day antibacterial mouthwash kills both the good and bad bacteria, which can lead to hazardous bacteria takeover. Additionally, alcohol-based mouthwash can dry out tissues in the mouth, which can irritate mouth ulcers if you have them. If you use alcohol-based mouthwash and drink soda, coffee, tea, or red wine, you may find that your teeth stain more easily.
You need to maintain a regular flossing and brushing routine, in addition to using mouthwash, to keep teeth and gums fresh. Don’t think that mouthwash can take the place of flossing and brushing, which are two essential components of oral care.
Cinnamon
Historically, people chewed on cinnamon sticks to help maintain optimal oral health. There’s an essential oil in cinnamon that helps to kill bad breath. It does this by killing harmful bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, cinnamon has a potent aroma that works to cover up bad breath almost instantaneously. Cinnamon also contains antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help control tartar and prevent plaque formation.
Turmeric
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Turmeric is a popular superfood, especially for those who want to reduce inflammation in the body. Newer studies found that it may even reduce the risk of periodontal disease and certain oral cancers. Turmeric has also been recognized as an effective, natural teeth whitener. The results may not be instantaneous, but continued use may yield whiter, healthier teeth.
DIY Cinnamon Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Instructions:
- Place a small saucepan over low eat and pour in the water.
- Add the cinnamon and turmeric and mix well. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let this mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Pour the mixture into a jar and use as regular mouthwash.
- After you brush your teeth at night, swish the mouthwash in your mouth and spit it out.
