Though bad breath is one of the most common problems worldwide, people hesitate to talk openly on the subject. In fact, one can say this has become a social issue as it can create problems in relationships with those around us. There are many reasons which can lead to bad breath but fortunately, these are easy to detect.
Whatever the reasons for the bad breath, one of the first remedies that is always considered is a mouthwash. The problem with mouthwash is that it cannot be used as a long time solution or as a cure for the underlying cause. The composition of a mouthwash contains a considerable amount of alcohol and consequently, it is not recommended at all for children as they usually tend to swallow it.
Indeed, mouthwash kills bacteria and provides a short-term relief by leaving your mouth fresh smelling, the bacteria in the mouth will recover quite quickly and the bad breath will reappear. Also, long-term use of mouthwash causes irritation to the gums and palate of the mouth. In some rare cases it can also cause various types of malignancies (risk is even greater if people who use mouthwash often, smoke or consume alcoholic beverages).
So what is the solution? Here is a first recommendation - put a few drops of peppermint oil (available in drugstores) in a glass of water and thoroughly gargle your mouth and throat. The remedy is not only recommended as a quick solution when you need to go to a meeting or to socialize but is also good as a long term habit to prevent bad breath. This has all the benefits of a mouthwash without any of its ill effects.
