Can apple cider vinegar improve bad breath?

Generally speaking, apple cider vinegar can help improve bad breath. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Bad breath is often associated with bacterial growth in the mouth, fermentation of food residues, or poor gastrointestinal digestion. Organic acids in apple cider vinegar, such as acetic acid, have certain antibacterial properties that can inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the foul-smelling substances produced when bacteria break down food residue. Meanwhile, during the fermentation process, apple cider vinegar produces some probiotics, and moderate consumption can help regulate the balance of intestinal flora and improve digestion, thus reducing bad breath caused by indigestion or food stagnation. Additionally, the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can stimulate saliva secretion, which helps clean the mouth and rinse away food particles, indirectly alleviating bad breath.

The effect of apple cider vinegar on improving breath is auxiliary and limited, and it cannot resolve all types of bad breath, especially those caused by oral diseases or systemic illnesses, which require targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. When consuming apple cider vinegar, it should be diluted first to avoid damage to tooth enamel and irritation to the gastrointestinal tract caused by its high acidity.