How to control bad breath and smell nice - #26616
Mouth drying up. Somehow I feel I’m not smelling good and this has made me a little subdued while talk to people. I brush once a day and clean my tongue also well. Im a diabetic patient. Can you please suggest that can improve my dental health? Thanks
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hello rittesh ,
You’re saying your mouth feels dry and you’re worried about bad breath. In Ayurveda, dryness of the mouth (Mukha Shosha) is often connected to Vata getting aggravated either due to dryness in the body from diabetes, dehydration, or certain foods and habits. Diabetes, especially if sugar levels are on the higher side, can also cause changes in saliva quality and quantity. Less saliva means bacteria can grow more easily in the mouth, leading to bad breath even if you’re brushing and cleaning your tongue.
Bad breath isn’t always about poor cleaning it can come from three main areas: the mouth (gum health, tooth decay), the tongue (coating from food or bacteria), and the stomach (digestion-related). In your case, with diabetes, there may be a bit of all three mild gum inflammation, dryness, and maybe some digestive imbalance.
Ayurveda looks at the mouth as a mirror of the gut if digestion is not completely clean and your Agni (digestive fire) is a little weak, toxins (Ama) can come up through the breath. So, we need to do three things: keep the mouth hydrated and healthy, improve gum strength, and support digestion.
start with Ama pachana:
Ama Pachana (for 1 week):
Jeerakadi Vati – 1 tablet twice daily after food with warm water (helps reduce toxins and supports digestion).
Dental and Oral Care: Morning and night, do Gandusha (oil pulling) with warm sesame oil for 3–5 minutes, then spit and rinse. This hydrates the mouth, reduces bacteria, and strengthens gums. Irimedadi Taila – use 5 ml for gargling after brushing, once daily (cleans mouth and improves smell). Chew 1–2 tender neem leaves or rinse with warm water boiled with neem leaves once a day.
Internal Medicines: Khadirarishta – 15 ml twice daily after food with equal water (purifies blood, supports gum health, and reduces bad breath). Triphala Churna – ½ teaspoon at bedtime with warm water (improves digestion and cleanses mouth overnight).
Investigations Fasting and postprandial blood sugar (to check control levels). HbA1c (for 3-month average sugar control). Dental check-up for gum health and cavities.
If we control your sugar, hydrate the mouth well, and keep the gums strong, this problem can come down noticeably within 2–3 weeks. And most importantly you’ll feel confident talking to people again, without worrying about breath.
Warm regards, Dr. Karthika
Avoid late-night dinner. OroT gargle twice a day. Hiora dental cream for local application twice a day. Drink sufficient quantity of water. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits.
Do gargle with triphala kwath twice daily. Tablet Liv-52 1-0-0 after breakfast with water to is a liver detox. Amla juice 10ml+ aloevera juice 10ml twice daily after food with water , This will cool your system.
HELLO RITESH,
You’re experiencing bad breath (halitosis) and a dry mouth, which can make talking to people uncomfortable. since you are diabetic , this is important because diabetes can -lower saliva flow. causing dry mouth (Xerostomia) -increase bacterial growth leading to infections and bad smell -slow healing of oral tissues -increase the risk of gum disease and cavities
Dry mouth means less natural cleansing of your mouth, so bacteria multiply and produce foul smelling compounds. This causes bad breath and may also lead to discomfort or infections
TREATMENT GOALS -restore natural saliva flow to keep mouth moist -reduce bacteria and toxins causing bad breath -heal and protect gums and oral tissues -control underlying diabetes to prevent worsening oral health -improve overall oral hygiene and health -strengthen digestion and reduce toxin buildup -enhance immunity and balance body energies
TREATMENT INTERNAL
1) TRIPHALA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm water at bedtime for 3 months =cleanses digestive tract, reduces toxins, supports gum health, and is gentle on diabetes
2) GUDUCHI TABLETS= 500mg twice daily after meals for 3 months =it is an. immune booster and helps reduce inflammation
3) NEEM CAPSULES= 250 mg twice daily after meals for 3 months =anti microbial and reduces oral bacteria
4) CINNAMON POWDER= 1/2 tsp with honey in warm water once daily =supports blood sugar control and digestion
EXTENAL TREATMENTS
1) OIL PULLING =take 1 tbsp of sesame oil swish it in the mouth for 10-15 minutes, then spit it out daily in morning before brushing =removes bacteria and toxins, improves saliva flow
2) TONGUE CLEANING =use a stainless steel or copper tongue scraper every morning to remove coating and bacteria
3) HERBAL MOUTH RINSE =prepare decoction with neem leaves., turmeric powder, and triphala , rinse mouth twice daily -alternatively boil clove buds and use the cooled water as mouthwash
4) TOPICAL APPLICATION =apply a few drops of clove oil or tulsi oil on gums after brushing of anti inflammatory effect
LIFESTYLE CHANGES -hydration= drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dry mouth -AVOID= smoking, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and sugary or processed foods that worsen dry mouth and bacteria -ORAL HYGIENE= brush twice daily with natural toothpaste, floss regularly -MANAGE STRESS= stress worsens digestion and immunity, increasing bad breath -SLEEPWELL= good rest supports immune function
DIET
FRESH VEGETABLES= carrots, cucumber, celery ,(natural teeth cleanses) SPICES= use cumin, coriander, fennel in cooking to aid digestion and reduce toxins
AVOID= excess sugar, fried, or oily foods , processed snacks
INCLUDE= warm herbal teas like ginger, tulsi or cinnamon tea
FIBER-RICH FOODS= promote gut health and toxin removal
YOGA ASANA -simhasana= helps simulate facial muscle an improve circulation around mouth -Bhujangasana= stimulates digestive fire and reduces ama -Vajrasana= improves digestion and metabolic balance
PRANAYAM -Anulom Vilom= balances doshas -Bhramari= calms mind -Kapalbhati= detoxifies
-your condition is linked closely with diabetes , so controlling blood sugar is the foundation -Ayurveda works by balancing digestion, immunity, and oral hygiene with natural methods -Consistency is key- regular internal medicines, oral care, and lifestyle adjustments are needed -Avoid harsh chemicals in tooth paste or mouthwash that can worsen dryness -Regular dental checkkups will help monitor and treat any infection early -hydrate well and avoid mouth drying habits -Yoga and pranayam not only improve your physical health. but also reduce stress, which impacts your digestion and oral health
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Addressing mouth dryness and bad breath can be effectively managed through several Ayurvedic approaches. Your concern may be related to your diabetic condition, as both diabetes and certain medications can lead to dry mouth, making it important to maintain oral hygiene.
Start by ensuring proper hydration; drink warm water frequently throughout the day. You can infuse it with herbs like ginger or mint for addtional benefit. Ayurveda recommends oil pulling, a practice where you swish sesame or coconut oil in your mouth for 5-10 minutes daily before brushing. This not only helps in improving your breath but also supports oral health by removing toxins.
Focus on your diet. Incorporate foods that stimulate saliva production such as raw fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery. Avoid excessive intake of caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages, as they can contribute to dryness. Balance your meals with all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) to maintain an even agni (digestive fire).
Neem is an excellent herb for dental health, known for its antibacterial properties. You can use neem powder as a natural toothbrush alternative by rubbing it in your gums gently or use neem-based toothpaste.
Moreover, managing your blood sugar levels effectively aids in reducing the impact of diabetes-related oral problems. Meditation and yoga can help in stress management which indirectly supports your overall well-being and oral health. Practice pranayama, particularly Anulom Vilom, which enhances circulation and hydrates tissues.
If your symptoms persist, seeking professional dental consultation can provide more focused treatment. But remember, effective oral hygiene and a balanced lifestyle can significantly help in alleviating these symptoms.
Diabetes can indeed affect your oral health by reducing saliva flow, which in turn can lead to dry mouth and bad breath. It’s essential to manage both your blood sugar levels and maintain oral hygiene meticulously. Here’s a practical approach influenced by Siddha-Ayurvedic principles:
Firstly, increase your water intake. Sufficient hydration supports saliva production, which is crucial for maintaining oral health. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day but adjust according to your body’s need.
Next, try oil pulling — a traditional practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to draw out toxins and freshen breath. Use half a teaspoon of sesame or coconut oil. Swish it around your mouth for about 10 minutes each morning before brushing. This can help in reducing bacteria in the mouth and promote oral health.
Additionally, consider including Triphala churna in your routine. Mix half a teaspoon of Triphala in a glass of warm water and drink it at night. This balances all three doshas and supports removing toxins, which might help with reducing bad breath.
Incorporate herbs like neem and tulsi in your oral care routine—either by chewing on them gently or using toothpaste containing these beneficial ingredients. Neem and tulsi possess antibacterial properties that can help control bad breath and promote gum health.
Ensure you’re brushing twice daily and replace your toothbrush every three months. While you’re doing well by cleaning your tongue, make sure it’s thorough; it assists in removing bacteria that could cause odors.
If the issue persists or worsens, consult a dentist or a healthcare provider, as persistent bad breath and dry mouth could be a sign of a more serious dental or systemic issue requiring professional attention. Moreover, regular dental checkups will aid in maintaining overall oral health, especially for diabetics.

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