Halitosis or bad breath affects many people. The condition can be very embarrassing. It can also cause anxiety, frustration and low self-esteem. According to dental experts, halitosis is triggered by certain foods, drugs, and diseases. Treatment depends mostly on the cause or trigger-factor. Regular dental hygiene routines including proper brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can help reduce or stop the bad breath. Besides its use as a remedy for various conditions, apple cider vinegar for bad breath can help deal with the problem.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work for Bad Breath?

If you are constantly suffering from bad breath, it is best that you seek medical attention from your dentist first. Your doctor will be able to determine the root cause of the problem through proper examination and medical history.

After the diagnosis, your dentist will then be able to prescribe appropriate medication for the condition.  Apple cider vinegar should only be used as a supplementary treatment to suppress the bad breath. Make sure you consult your doctor before supplementing any medication with apple cider vinegar.

How May Apple Cider Vinegar Help in the Treatment of Bad Breath?

Apple cider vinegar is the go-to treatment for various ailments. It is loved by people who prefer natural remedies because it has a variety of uses. The vinegar is made from crushed apples which have been fermented. Most users of apple cider vinegar prefer one with “the mother” inside. This web-like foam is said to contain essential enzymes that are used to alleviate a number of problems naturally. Apple cider vinegar with the mother is cloudy and brownish while the one without is clear.

Apple cider vinegar for bad breath has certain properties that make it one of the best auxiliary treatments for halitosis:

• The acidity helps to kill bacteria in the mouth that may be causing the bad breath.
• It contains malic and acetic acids which are useful in eliminating the bacteria causing the bad breath.
• It is full of essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, fluoride, silicon, and iron which help maintain good dental health as well as overall body health.
• It has antiseptic properties which help inhibit the growth of bacteria as well as reduce plaque in the mouth.
• It aids in digestion, thus reducing bad breath caused by indigestion.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Bad Breath

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Regularly drinking apple cider vinegar will help relieve bad breath, indigestion, and other related stomach ailments.

• Mix a tablespoon of the vinegar with a glass of water. You can also use fresh fruit juice for extra flavor.
• Drink before every meal, especially early morning.
• Repeat this every day.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle

Gargling apple cider vinegar helps to wash away all the leftover food particles in the mouth that cause plaque and encourage the growth of bacteria.

• Mix a teaspoon of apple cider with a glass of water preferably warm.
• Swish the mixture in your mouth and spit it out.
• Repeat this two times in a day and do it regularly.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Parsley

You may be wondering what a spice has to do with halitosis. Well, parsley contains chlorophyll which has antibacterial properties against the bacteria in the mouth that cause the bad breath. It also stimulates saliva production which helps clean the mouth.

• Soak a few stalks of parsley leaves in a glass of apple cider vinegar for a few minutes. Remove and chew the parsley, making sure it gets to all parts of your mouth.
• You can swallow or spit the residue.
• Gargle the remaining ACV.
• Repeat this regularly.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Cocktail

The combination of apple cider vinegar with honey is a fantastic home remedy that has numerous health uses. The apple cider vinegar for bad breath can also help to relieve symptoms of a sore throat, joint pain including arthritis, and bad breath.

•    Mix a teaspoon each of ACV, honey, and water.

•    Take it immediately.

•    Repeat this up to three times a day.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash

Homemade ACV mouthwash is effective against halitosis and other oral problems caused by bacteria in the mouth.

• Mix half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water.
• Use this mixture as a mouthwash every day to get rid of bad breath.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Baking powder being a base, it helps to neutralize the acid in the mouth. It also helps to kill the bacteria causing bad breath.

• Combine ½ a teaspoon of ACV and a tablespoon of baking soda.
• Mix to form a paste.
• Use the paste to brush your teeth using a toothbrush.
• Wash thoroughly with clean water. Repeat regularly.
• You can also mix the paste with a glass of water and use as a mouthwash.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that has many health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps fight infections and viruses. Cinnamon is also known to help in management of diabetes and to lower risk of cancer.

• Add 2 tablespoons of ACV, 1/8th tsp cinnamon and a glass of water.
• Stir and drink the mixture.
• Repeat the procedure severally.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar and Water

• Add 3 tablespoons of apple cider and 4 tablespoons of sugar to a glass of water.
• Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Enjoy the drink.
• Repeat regularly.

Tips and Precautions

• Always flush your mouth with clean water after gargling  apple cider vinegar for bad breath to avoid corroding the teeth enamel.
• Drink any mixture of apple cider vinegar using a straw to avoid corrosion of the teeth.
• Avoid prolonged use of apple cider since it can reduce potassium levels and reduce bone density.
• Always go for raw unfiltered vinegar with “the mother” still in it.
• Consult your doctor regularly for dental checkups and more advice.
• Always remember to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily using a suitable toothbrush. Floss regularly and avoid eating before bed. Avoid fizzy drinks, excess drinking of alcohol and smoking. Eat a healthy and balanced diet containing lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts and drink a lot of water.