Tea Tree Oil Rinse
Another surprising home remedy that can significantly help halitosis is tea tree oil rinse. Bacteria in the mouth are known to excrete substances known as volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which quickly turn into gases and directly affect the breath. Using a tea tree oil rinse can mitigate the effects of the VSCs quickly, resulting in a fresher smelling breath.
Research states that tea tree oil extract acts like chlorhexidine, one of the essential ingredients in commercial mouthwash. The data showed that tea tree oil extract was crucial in reducing the growth of bacteria strains in the mouth and helped stem VSC production. The research also confirmed that tea tree oil extract has fewer side effects than chlorhexidine.
Doctors recommend mixing a drop of tea tree oil extract with a few drops of vegetable oil in a cup of water. Then, swirl the solution inside the mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out in the sink. Repeat the process until the whole solution is finished. Doctors warn, however, against ingesting the tea tree oil extract as it can potentially be toxic.
