Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like the distinctive taste of garlic to enhance a dish – but if you’re left with dreaded garlic breath afterwards then that zesty flavor may not seem worth it. Fortunately, you don’t need to avoid garlic forever in order to keep your breath fresh and minty. In this article we’ll share some tips on how to get rid of garlic breath fast and effectively so that everyone around you can enjoy the delicious aroma of your home cooking – minus the bad breath.
What is garlic?
Before knowing how to get rid of garlic breath, you should know what is garlic. Garlic is a member of the allium family, which includes onions, shallots and leeks. It has been used for centuries as an ingredient in cooking to add flavor and depth to dishes. The pungent smell that garlic gives off comes from sulfur-containing compounds called thiosulfinates; when you consume garlic these compounds are released into your bloodstream and become part of your breath.
The causes of garlic breath
The causes of garlic breath are simple – when you eat garlic, it is broken down by enzymes in your saliva and absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, the compounds that give garlic its strong flavor (called thiosulfinates) travel to your lungs where they are then exhaled through your breath.

How long does garlic breath typically last?
Garlic breath usually lasts for about 24 hours after consumption. Some people may experience garlic breath up to 48 hours or longer depending on how much garlic was consumed and how sensitive their taste buds are.
How can you tell if you have bad breath?
If you’re not sure how much garlic you’ve eaten and how long it’s been since you last brushed your teeth, one way to tell is by asking a friend or family member. It may also help to lick the inside of your wrist and smell it – if the odor smells like garlic then chances are that you have bad breath caused by eating garlic.
The importance of getting rid of garlic breath
Knowing “how to get rid of garlic breath” is important for a number of reasons. Not only can it be unpleasant to those around you, but bad breath caused by garlic can also cause embarrassment and make it difficult to socialize. It’s also important to get rid of garlic breath if you are in a professional or intimate setting as the smell may be off-putting to those around you. Now, let’s exploring how to get rid of garlic breath.
How to get rid of garlic breath?
Here are some ways to know “how to get rid of garlic breath“:
- Chew on a sprig of parsley: Parsley contains chlorophyll, which is believed to help neutralize odor-causing compounds.
- Drink green tea: Green tea is thought to reduce bad breath due to its high levels of antioxidants. It can also be used as a mouthwash – simply swish the tea around your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out.
- Use a tongue scraper: Tongue scrapers can help to remove odor-causing bacteria from the back of your tongue, reducing bad breath caused by garlic.
- Drink lemon juice: Lemon juice is thought to reduce bad breath due to its high levels of vitamin C. Simply mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of water and gargle it for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- Brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth is the best way to get rid of garlic breath quickly – just make sure you brush for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash regularly to help keep your breath fresh.
Is garlic breath harmful to your health?
Garlic breath is not considered to be harmful to your health, and can usually be easily managed using the tips listed above. However, it’s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing persistent bad breath or other symptoms such as an altered sense of taste, dry mouth, or an unpleasant odor in your nose.
Tips for preventing garlic breath in the first place
The best way to prevent garlic breath is to make sure that you’re brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash. You should also try to limit how much raw garlic you eat, as it can be more difficult to get rid of the smell than cooked or pickled garlic. Lastly, eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help to reduce bad breath caused by garlic, as they contain natural enzymes that may help neutralize the odor-causing compounds.

Foods to help counteract the effects of garlic breath
After knowing how to get rid of garlic breath, we will learn about foods that may help to counteract garlic breath, try eating fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, carrots, or spinach. You can also try drinking herbal teas such as peppermint or chamomile tea – these contain natural compounds that may help reduce bad breath caused by garlic. Additionally, dairy products like yogurt and cheese can also help to neutralize the odor-causing compounds in garlic.
Foods and drinks that can exacerbate garlic breath
Certain foods and drinks can make garlic breath worse, so it’s best to avoid these if possible. These include alcohol, coffee, onions, scallions, and spicy food. Additionally, sugary or acidic foods like candy and soda can also contribute to bad breath caused by garlic.

Conclusion: how to get rid of garlic breath?
Garlic breath can be an embarrassing problem, but it is possible to know “how to get rid of garlic breath” by following a few simple steps. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth twice a day, use tongue scrapers as needed, and consider drinking herbal teas or consuming fresh fruits and vegetables to help neutralize the odor-causing compounds in garlic. Additionally, try to avoid foods and drinks that can make garlic breath worse, such as alcohol and sugary or acidic foods. With the right steps, you can combat garlic breath and maintain fresh breath all day long.
FAQ: get rid of garlic breath
Can chewing gum help get rid of garlic breath?
Need fresh breath but running low on time? Grab a piece of gum for a quick fix. A few chews and voila – your garlic breath is temporarily masked with a burst of fresh flavor. Chewing gum also stimulates the production of saliva, washing away any lingering food particles that may be causing the odor.
Is it true that drinking green tea can help get rid of garlic breath?
Say goodbye to garlic breath with the power of green tea. The polyphenols found in certain types of green tea can help mask the odor-causing chemicals in garlic. Leading researcher Sheryl Barringer recommends using these bad breath cures alongside your garlic-filled meals for maximum effect.
How do probiotics help reduce garlic breath?
Oh, garlic breath, it’s the worst – but fear not, there’s a friendly bacteria to the rescue. These little guys, known as probiotics, can do wonders in balancing out the bacteria levels in your mouth and stomach to reduce those odor-causing culprits. Plus, they may even help break down the pesky sulfur compounds produced by garlic, making it easier for your body to say goodbye to that unwanted aroma.
Can tongue scrapers help get rid of garlic breath?
Say goodbye to stinky garlic breath with a secret weapon: tongue scrapers. These nifty tools do more than just brush away bacteria – they work tirelessly to scrape away food particles and other icky debris, leaving your mouth feeling newly rejuvenated and smelling like a bed of fresh flowers.
Does drinking water help get rid of garlic breath?
Experience a refreshing way to eliminate garlic or onion breath by sipping on a glass of water after meals. Not only does it provide a satisfying cleanse, it also kickstarts the production of saliva, naturally combating those pesky odor-causing bacteria.
Does brushing your teeth help get rid of garlic breath?
Do you struggle with bad breath that just won’t go away no matter how much you brush your teeth? Well, the root of the problem may lie below the surface – in the form of bacteria lurking below your gum line and in pesky plaque buildup. But fear not, there’s a simple solution: after indulging in some savory garlic or onions, make sure to give your teeth a good scrub and floss to eliminate the odor-causing bacteria and food residue.
Can drinking milk help get rid of garlic breath?
There’s good news – drinking milk or other high water/fat content beverages can come to your rescue. Not only will it mask the garlic flavor during your meal, it can also help reduce the unpleasant breath odor that comes with garlic consumption.
Can drinking lemon juice help get rid of garlic breath?
Breathe easy after a pungent feast with this zesty trick. Toss a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into a glass of water and sip away the scent of onions or garlic. Enjoy the taste of tangy refreshment and bid farewell to bad breath.
How can you incorporate probiotics into your diet to help reduce garlic breath?
The power of probiotic bacteria is not to be underestimated, according to recent research. It turns out that the probiotics lurking in fermented delicacies like yogurt, sourdough bread, and miso soup might be able to battle the stinky sulfurs emanating from mouth bacteria.
What role does saliva play in garlic breath?
As the first line of defense against garlic breath, saliva is a key player in freshening up after a garlicky meal. Saliva helps to wash away any food particles that might be lingering in the mouth, as well as neutralize those pesky sulfurs that can cause bad breath.

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