WHAT’S THAT SMELL?
COMBAT BAD BREATH THE NATURAL WAY Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by the interaction of oral bacteria with processed sugars and starches. This chemical process results in an unpleasant odor.
Snack on yogurt. The probiotics within many yogurts can aid in reducing the harmful bacteria within your mouth, combating foul breath. While all types of yogurt contain probiotics, yogurt with active probiotic cultures will be the most effective for achieving the best results.
Mouthwash, gum, mints, and sprays always have your back when it comes to freshening your breath, but there are many holistic and natural ways to cure chronic bad breath.
Boost your vitamin C levels. Oranges aren’t just a healthy snack! The high levels of vitamin C found in oranges are believed to increase saliva production, which can help prevent dry mouth, bacteria, and halitosis. As another perk, bacteria do not like acidic environments, and oranges are highly acidic! Rinse with baking soda and water. Swishing water and readily available baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, in your mouth can effectively reduce and/or kill the bacteria contributing to bad breath. Bad breath is never welcome! If you are ever worried about the freshness of your breath, give one or two of these natural at-home remedies a try — what have you got to lose?
Drink your water. Did you know that the most common cause of
dry mouth is dehydration? Bacteria can accumulate when there is insufficient saliva to wash food particles and debris from your mouth. Be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to keep halitosis under control! Give green tea a whirl. Green tea contains many beneficial antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG is known to have a microbial effect on our gum tissues, which targets Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis), a bacteria that can lead to infection and bad breath.
SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES
BRAIN BREAK!
RASPBERRY AND FIG OAT BARS
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup cornstarch • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 cup and 1 tbsp rolled oats, divided • 2 sticks chilled unsalted butter, diced • 2/3 cup caster sugar
(superfine granulated)
• 2 eggs, beaten • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup raspberry jam • 1 1/3 cups raspberries • 3 figs, quartered • 1 tbsp turbinado or brown sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and line an 8x12-inch pan with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1 cup oats. Using your fingertips, rub in butter until crumbly. Stir in caster sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Stir until clumpy. 3. In the pan, smooth three-quarters of the mixture evenly. Spread jam over the top, then add fruit. Mix leftover oat mixture with turbinado sugar and remaining oats, then sprinkle over the fruit. 4. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Inspired by Delicious.com.au
770-965-3048 • 3
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