Garlic and onion are undoubtedly two of the most delicious ingredients used in cooking. But the downside to their delicious taste is their lingering smell.

Often times, this smell lingers on your breath for hours – no amount of brushing or rinsing seems to get rid of it. But not to worry, in this article, we’ll be discussing quick fixes to combat bad breath caused by garlic and onion.

1. Drink Water

Hydration is key when it comes to getting rid of bad breath. Drinking water helps to flush out any lingering odors in your mouth and also keeps your mouth moist – preventing dry mouth which can result in bad breath.

So next time you’ve had a meal with garlic or onion, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

2. Chew on Fresh Herbs or Mint Leaves

Fresh herbs like parsley, basil and mint have natural oils that help to neutralize bad breath caused by garlic or onion. Chewing on a few leaves of fresh mint or parsley after your meal can help freshen your breath.

You can also steep these leaves in hot water to make a refreshing tea that can be sipped throughout the day.

3. Keep a Packet of Gum or Breath Mints Handy

A quick and easy fix to bad breath is chewing on a piece of gum or popping a breath mint. They will give you fresh breath in minutes and are easy to carry around in your pocket or purse.

4. Use a Tongue Scraper

The tongue is a prime place for bacteria to thrive, leading to bad breath. Using a tongue scraper can help to remove bacteria and food particles lodged on your tongue. Make sure to scrape your tongue gently from back to the front.

5. Eat Foods with High Water Content

Foods that have high water content such as watermelon and cucumber can help to combat bad breath. These foods act as natural rinses for your mouth, washing away any bacteria that cause bad breath.

6. Use a Mouthwash

Mouthwash helps to kill bacteria in the mouth, thus preventing bad breath. Opt for a mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide or sodium chlorite as they are particularly effective in killing bacteria and neutralizing odors.

7. Chew on Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are a traditional remedy for bad breath. They have a sweet anise-like flavor and contain compounds that help to freshen breath. Chew a few fennel seeds after your meal to help combat bad breath.

8. Brush Your Teeth and Tongue

Brushing your teeth after every meal, especially those with garlic and onion, is important in combating bad breath. Use a toothpaste that contains baking soda or hydrogen peroxide for added freshness.

Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, as it is a prime spot for bacteria to accumulate.

9. Use Natural Mouth Fresheners

If you want to freshen your breath without any chemicals or synthetic flavors, consider using natural mouth fresheners such as clove or cinnamon. These ingredients have natural antibacterial properties and leave a pleasant aroma after use.

10. Avoid Foods That Cause Bad Breath

This may seem obvious, but if you’re trying to combat bad breath caused by garlic and onion, it would be wise to avoid foods that may exacerbate the problem.

Foods high in sugar or dairy products can fuel the bacteria that cause bad breath, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re concerned about your breath.