To get rid of garlic breath effectively, the best methods include:
- Chewing fresh parsley, especially the stems, as it contains polyphenols that neutralize sulfur compounds from garlic.
- Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using a tongue scraper to remove garlic particles and bacteria.
- Using mouthwash, particularly one containing chlorine dioxide or professional rinses like Closys that eliminate sulfur compounds.
- Eating fresh raw fruits and vegetables such as apples, lettuce, mint, or raw spinach which contain enzymes and antioxidants that help reduce odor.
- Drinking milk or green tea, which have properties to neutralize garlic's volatile compounds.
- Lemon juice can help by neutralizing enzymes related to garlic odor.
Additional less common remedies include rubbing stainless steel inside the mouth or consuming yogurt to reduce odor compounds. These methods address both the garlic remnants in the mouth and the sulfur compounds absorbed in the body that can cause breath odor for hours or even up to two days after consumption.