15% off £25 or 20% off £35

Code:CHOOSE
 

15% off £25 or 20% off £35

Code:CHOOSE

☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNovominsNew NordicBioglanNew Leaf ProductsWeledaGrass & Co.BetterYouSummer Sale3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventIntroductory OfferOutletDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomCollagenChaga MushroomArnicaMaitake MushroomShiitake MushroomAstragalusCastor OilNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllVegan Food & DrinkShop all Vegan Food & DrinkMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksDesserts & CreamsNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeTwiningsHeath & HeatherNakdPerfectTedManuka DoctorPukkaEgmont HoneyFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomTremella MushroomTrumpet MushroomNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesCreatine GummiesCreatine LiquidFlavoured CreatineSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenElectrolytesEnergy GelsAminosVitaminsGreensBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinGrenadeHuelTriActiveSiSPhDSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceFree Honey with £60 Food SpendBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair AccessoriesHair Spray, Gel & MousseCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsSun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandQ+AMiaromaSukinNEOMAveenoSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price2 For £183 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreeGluten FreePalm Oil FreeVitamin CTea TreeRosehipRosemaryVitamin EHyaluronic AcidAloe VeraLavenderSeaweedSalicylic AcidNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNTREKEat WaterFrejaIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggGrenadeNatures AidFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 For £10Buy 1 Get 1 Free EventGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomSea MossNew inNew InTrendingThe best of Holland & BarrettMedicines and HealthcareShop all Medicines and HealthcareHayfever & Allergy RemediesPain ReliefCough, Colds & Sore ThroatAntacids & GastrointestinalInfant & BabiesFemale HealthHaemorrhoids & Piles TreatmentsEar Care & Eye HealthFoot Care & Health Skin & ScalpMouth & Oral CareHair & ScalpTravelCareNurofenE45CalpolOilatumStrepsilsTiger BalmAnadinAnusolBeechamsBuy one get one 1/2 priceSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceNew inVeganSummer SaleFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventIntroductory Offer2 For £18Outlet2 For £5Short Dated August 2025Short Dated July 2025Shop all Health & WellnessJoints, Bones, & MusclesExercise & PerformanceEnergyGut HealthBrain HealthHeart HealthHair & Skin HealthWomen's HealthImmunitySleep & RelaxationChildren's HealthMen's HealthEmotional WellbeingEye HealthHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsFaith in NatureWeledaOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionNaturtintPrecision EngineeredQ+ASummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceFree Honey with £60 Food SpendBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 For £18Gluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeParfum FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeMilk FreeVitamin CLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarTea TreeRosehipVitamin EHyaluronic AcidReishi MushroomAloe VeraLavenderNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Natural remedies for bad breath

two ladies laughing with a bike
If you're experiencing bad breath, don’t worry as you’re not alone. Bad breath is a common condition affecting 1 in 4 of us. Luckily, you can easily remedy your bad breath with diet, strict oral hygiene and various natural remedies.
If you're experiencing bad breath, don’t worry as you’re not alone. Bad breath (also known as halitosis) is a common condition affecting 1 in 4 of us1. Luckily, you can easily remedy your bad breath with diet, strict oral hygiene and various natural remedies.

Keep your mouth clean and hydrated

After eating, traces of food can get trapped in your mouth which attract bacteria and plaque, which can cause unpleasant smells. To keep your mouth clean, ensure you are brushing at least twice a day with a toothbrush which is no more than three months old, flossing between teeth after every meal, and using a tongue scraper and mouthwash. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath because saliva washes away the bad bacteria in your mouth.

This is also why we often wake up with ‘morning breath’, because your mouth slows down its production of saliva overnight leaving bacteria to breed. Drink plenty of water on a regular basis to remedy this. Adding a drop of peppermint oil to your water can help you to drink more water throughout the day as well as promote fresher breath. Peppermint oil is antimicrobial2 which helps rid your mouth of bad bacteria.

How your diet can help

If your oral hygiene is good but you still experience bad breath, the answer might lie in what you are eating. Poor diet and lifestyle habits can contribute to unpleasant breath. Strong foods such as garlic, onions, fish, too many dairy products, as well as beverages such as alcohol and coffee are major culprits. Foods that are high in fat, as well as sugary foods and refined (white) carbs also contribute towards the breeding of bad bacteria in the mouth. Gargling with salt water could help you, as it removes leftover food particles and bad bacteria. 

Eating fruits which are high in vitamin C can help prevent bad breath, as they reduce levels of bacteria in the mouth. Including apples in your diet is great for reducing plaque, as apples clean the surface of the teeth as you bite into them. Fennel seeds can help combat bad breath alongside being a good digestive remedy. Incorporate them into curries and salads, or chew them after meals. Fennel tea is great option if you do not like the seeds. Parsley is a potent natural deodoriser, so garnishing your meals with parsley may help if you experience bad breath. Parsley is also delicious added to smoothies and juices.

Alternately you could chew on a small amount after meals. Chewing small amounts of ginger root, or sipping a ginger tea, can help deodorise your mouth and wash away bad bacteria. The problem could also lie past the mouth and down in your gut. Poor or sluggish digestion contributes to bad breath. Ensure you are eating plenty of fibre, which keeps the gut healthy by encouraging the fast elimination of toxins.

How probiotics can help

Foods containing friendly bacteria are wonderful for balancing our digestive tract and limiting the overgrowth of bad bacteria in our gut that can lead to illness. These friendly bacteria are also effective in reducing the quantities of smelly bad bacteria in our mouths.

These foods include fermented products such as sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and probiotic yoghurts. If you find these foods hard to incorporate into your daily diet, a probiotic supplement can be useful. Modern research has examined the link between oral probiotics and the improvement of bad breath. A study at the University of Copenhagen in 2012 showed that probiotic chewing gums may have a positive impact on bad breath if used over a two-week period3. Oral probiotics can be found in tablet or gum form.

Disclaimer

It is important to consult with your GP if you think the cause of your bad breath could be an underlying medical condition.

 

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.