A last-minute date or job interview can be a great opportunity. However, if you have just finished eating a garlicky meal, you may be worried that bad breath will ruin your chances of success. Fortunately, there are many solutions to quickly get your breath under control. Here's how to get rid of garlic breath before an important event:
1. Chew Gum
If you are pressed for time, chew a piece of gum to quickly freshen your breath. The gum will leave a fresh smell that will temporarily mask the garlicky odour. Moreover, chewing gum helps to stimulate salivary flow; that extra saliva can wash away the garlic food particles still in your mouth.
While any gum can help cover up your garlic breath, it's best to choose a sugar-free variety. This is because sugar-containing gum can contribute to cavities, as explained by the American Dental Association.
2. Swish with Mouthwash
When you eat food that contains garlic, the smell will linger until your body expels the food. A strong scent, like a minty mouthwash, can help mask this smell until it goes away on its own.
After eating a garlicky meal, simply swish with a rinse to immediately cover up the smell. If you're a garlic lover, you may want to carry a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash in your bag to make sure it's always within reach when you need it.
3. Brush Your Teeth
If you have access to a toothbrush before heading off to impress someone, use it! Brushing removes the smelly food particles from your teeth, which will help make your breath smell better. Don't forget to brush your tongue: garlic odours may linger there as well.
You can still brush your teeth when you're on the go, as long as you plan ahead. Get in the habit of carrying a spare toothbrush and toothpaste with you – or storing them in your desk drawer at work – so that you can easily slip into a bathroom to freshen your breath.
4. Drink Milk
Surprisingly, you can also get your garlic breath under control by drinking milk. A study published in the Journal of Food Science reports that milk significantly reduces the concentrations of odorous compounds produced by garlic. Whole milk deodorised some of these smelly compounds more effectively than fat-free milk.
5. Eat Parsley
Parsley is a little-known bad breath fix that can be useful in an emergency. Parsley's fresh scent can help mask the unpleasant garlic odour. In addition, it has a cleansing effect inside your mouth.
If you don't like parsley, crunchy vegetables like celery or broccoli also work in a pinch. These vegetables can help loosen any garlic food particles stuck to your teeth; moreover, their fresh smell can help camouflage the garlic odour.
Once you are rid of garlic breath, you can be confident in any social situation life throws your way.
