PARSLEY HELPS AGAINST BAD BREATH

It is often on the plate as a decoration and is not eaten by many. Too bad, because the healthy culinary herb quickly breathes fresh air.

Nobody likes to talk about it. Around every sixth suffers from bad breath again and again . The tricky thing: you often don't even know it, because it's difficult to perceive yourself. Most of the time, it is good friends who give the crucial hint.

Bacteria release unpleasant gases

Contrary to popular belief, the smells rarely slip off a "bad stomach". In about 90 percent of those affected, the cause is a disturbed oral flora, as studies at various university clinics have shown. It is often associated with tooth decay or inflammation of the gums. Deposits on the tongue or the tonsils, reduced salivation or chronic inflammation of the sinuses can also be the cause of the problem.

In a healthy oral environment, "good" bacteria prevent the spread of pathogens such as putrefactive bacteria. These break down food residues and dead tissue cells and release sulfur-like gases. And they stink! The weaker the resistance and the higher the "food supply", the better the unwanted guests can multiply. Good tooth hygiene is therefore the be-all and end-all against bad breath.

Parsley promises quick help for bad breath. It is rich in chlorophyll. In combination with special essential oils, this green plant dye neutralises the bad taste and eliminates putrefaction bacteria. The spicy garden herb is also suitable if the smells are caused by smoking or by enjoying fresh onions and garlic. Just chew it well and let it work.

Other effective home remedies for bad breath

• Natural yoghurt:  It contains valuable lactic acid bacteria that keep the decay germs at bay. But it must not be sweetened!
   
• Fennel:  The essential oils of the winter vegetables also ensure a fresh breath. They are found in both the tuber and the seed. Even the healer nun Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) recommended her against "rotting herds".
   
• Sage:  The herb has a disinfectant and antibacterial effect and thus relieves inflammation of the gums. It can be gargled or drunk as tea.

Expert tip: what the school doctor advises

Bad breath can result from poorly fitting crowns and fillings. Dr. Philippe Vierling from the practice clinic at Sonnenplatz in Baden-Baden : "Even with good dental care, patients can often only insufficiently clean these areas and remove plaques."

Dental plaque also leads to periodontitis and gingivitis

The aggressive deposits (a biofilm made up of billions of bacteria) not only cause tooth decay. They can also lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). As a result, it detaches from the tooth and forms pockets. There the dangerous micro-organisms can reproduce perfectly, massaging the root skin and jawbone ( periodontitis ).

Brushing teeth regularly protects

In order to prevent bad breath and to minimize the risk of diseases of the teeth and soft tissue, Dr. Vierling at least twice a year for a check-up at the dentist and two to four times a year for professional cleaning. In addition, the teeth should be brushed after every meal and the tongue should also be cleaned.

Sugar-free diet prevents

In a healthy oral flora, the ratio between good and harmful germs is 90 to 10. High-sugar foods promote the multiplication of the disease-causing bacteria. On the other hand, it is beneficial to drink at least 1.5 liters of sugar-free and acid-free liquids, such as water or tea, every day.

When to the doctor?

If you have a strange taste in your mouth all the time, you should first speak to your dentist. This will check whether the chewing is healthy. If there are problems with the stomach, the family doctor helps, if there is a change in the nasopharynx, such as tonsillitis or sinus inflammation, the ENT doctor.

Bad breath as an alarm signal for other diseases

Bad breath can also be an indication of other, sometimes serious diseases. The smell of ammonia arises e.g. B. due to bad or poorly adjusted diabetes, kidney problems or liver weakness.

Plant file

Parsley (Latin Petroselinum crispum) is an umbellifer and originally comes from the Mediterranean region. There are smooth and frizzy variants.

What is inside?

The star in the kitchen is rich in vitamin C and provides the organism with valuable essential oils, flavonoids and zinc. In addition, "Peterle" provides us with vitamins A, B1 to B6, D and K and contains a lot of potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.

Contraindications

The ingredients have a labor-promoting effect. Therefore, do not eat too much of it during pregnancy.