8 Tips to Get Rid of Garlic and Onion Breath

To eliminate the lingering garlic odor in your mouth, try a few practical approaches like munching on fresh produce, using mouthwash, or brushing your teeth. Keep in mind, though, that garlic breath can originate from gases in the lungs as well as the mouth.

Everyone experiences unpleasant breath at times. A wide range of factors — from diet to medical issues — can cause halitosis. Among the most notorious culprits are garlic and onions, especially when consumed raw.

Garlic and onions belong to the allium family. They share a similar chemical profile and contain many of the same sulfur-containing compounds.

These sulfur compounds give alliums their characteristic taste and, when chopped or crushed, release gases that interact with odor-producing bacteria to create strong-smelling breath.

Garlic and onion can continue to produce bad breath for hours after eating. During digestion, their byproducts are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the lungs, which can cause the unpleasant odor to persist.

That said, you don’t need to avoid garlic and onions entirely — their health advantages are significant, and there are ways to counteract their smell.

1. Eat fruits and greens such as apples, spinach, or mint

If you’ve had a particularly garlicky meal, try eating an apple for dessert or chewing on fresh mint leaves.

One study found that the chemical constituents of raw or cooked apples, lettuce, and mint helped neutralize garlic odor. Warm green tea and lemon juice may also be useful.

2. Brush and floss after meals

Much of the bacteria that causes bad breath lives below the gum line and in plaque on teeth. Brushing and flossing after eating onions or garlic can remove odor-causing bacteria and leftover food particles.

Using an electric toothbrush can improve your ability to clean below the gum line and decrease plaque, keeping breath fresher longer. It’s also beneficial to gently brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue, reaching as far back as possible.

For times when you’re away from home, keep a thin floss that fits in your wallet. Buy flosscards online.

3. Try a chlorine dioxide mouthwash

There is evidence that mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide are effective against bad breath.

Chlorine dioxide can help remove plaque, bacteria on the tongue, and food debris. It’s the same compound used to improve the taste and safety of outdoor drinking water while camping.

Mouthwash is usually most effective after brushing and flossing. Be sure to follow the product instructions to avoid irritation or overuse.

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4. Use essential oils

Essential oils can be mixed into alcohol-based mouthwashes. Besides minting breath, several have antibacterial effects. You can also make a simple homemade mouth rinse using essential oils diluted in a carrier oil like coconut, sweet almond, or olive oil.

Essential oils that have demonstrated benefits for freshening breath include:

• peppermint
• rosemary
• myrrh
• eucalyptol

Try swishing 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil with a drop of peppermint oil in your mouth to help remove food particles, bacteria, and odor. Purchase food-grade oils at grocery stores or online, and check labels for added sugars.

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5. Use a tongue cleaner

Bacteria also accumulate on the back of the tongue where a toothbrush may not reach. A white coating on the tongue can indicate dead cells, tiny food particles, and bacteria.

Tongue cleaners — such as tongue brushes and scrapers — help you access the far back of the tongue and are effective at removing odor-causing residue.

To use a tongue scraper, start at the back of your tongue and gently pull forward. This brings the white buildup to the front of your mouth. Rinse and repeat until the scraper no longer shows residue.

Use a tongue scraper daily or after meals containing garlic or onion.

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6. Keep hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day is a useful tactic to prevent bad breath.

A dry mouth can increase the production of sulfur compounds that cause odor. Staying hydrated helps prevent dryness and ensures adequate saliva production.

Additionally, drinking water or other beverages helps rinse away lingering food particles and bacteria that contribute to unpleasant breath.

7. Sip green tea

A hot cup of green tea after a meal can temporarily mask odors until you have a chance to brush your teeth.

In a 2014 study, participants who used a green tea catechin mouthwash found it comparably effective to antiseptic mouthwash in reducing plaque. A review also reported that green tea reduced bad breath and inhibited bacterial growth.

8. Chew spearmint gum

Chewing spearmint gum can temporarily neutralize garlic breath. It may also help reduce acid reflux, which can lessen the lingering aftereffects of garlic and onion after digestion.

Takeaway

Garlic breath won’t last forever, though it can be persistent.

If you anticipate eating a garlic- or onion-heavy meal, plan ahead — for instance, avoid an onion bagel before a job interview.

Try these home methods to see which works best for you and use the one that successfully removes the odor. For additional simple treatments, you might also explore home remedies for bad breath.