What kind of tea is good for bad breath?
Disease description:
My wife has recently been telling me that I have bad breath, but I myself don't notice it明显. I've heard that drinking tea can help alleviate bad breath. May I ask the doctor specifically which kind of tea is more effective? Do I need to drink it long-term?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
Generally, bad breath can be improved by drinking chrysanthemum tea, mint tea, osmanthus tea, green tea, or clove tea. The analysis is as follows:
1. Chrysanthemum Tea: Clears heat and detoxifies the body. It is suitable for bad breath caused by excessive internal heat (commonly known as "fireiness"), and its effect can be enhanced when combined with honeysuckle.
2. Mint Tea: Refreshes breath, stimulates saliva secretion, and helps relieve bad breath caused by dry mouth. However, pregnant women should use it cautiously.
3. Osmanthus Tea: Aromatically clears turbidity and can be steeped together with black or green tea to improve bad breath caused by excessive stomach heat.
4. Green Tea: The tannic acid in green tea has cleansing and deodorizing properties, helping maintain oral cleanliness and freshness. It is suitable for daily prevention.
5. Clove Tea: The tea polyphenols it contains may help improve indigestion and have some effect on bad breath caused by excessive stomach fire.
When drinking tea, care should be taken not to drink immediately after meals, especially strong tea, as it may interfere with food digestion and iron absorption. In addition to drinking tea, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily, using dental floss to clean between teeth, and undergoing regular dental cleanings to remove tartar. If tea remedies prove ineffective, a visit to a dental or gastroenterology clinic is advised to rule out periodontal disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, and other potential causes.
