Zinc Chloride Mouthwash

Oral hygiene products containing metals, such as zinc chloride mouthwash, are considered by some specialists to be among the most effective treatments for halitosis. The scientific rationale behind these products is that the metal molecules react with sulfur molecules in the breath—the offensive smelling sulfur compounds produced by oral bacteria—creating an entirely new chemical structure that does not smell bad. Metals, typically zinc or copper, are often combined with essential oils such as eucalyptus oil or thymol in oral care products.

Clearly, zinc and other metals only have the ability to neutralize bad breath temporarily. They don’t change the conditions in the mouth, and they don’t have any activity against the odor-producing bacteria themselves, therefore, once all of the metal has reacted with sulfur, or been rinsed from the mouth, the bad odor associated with halitosis returns. Even the essential oils, many of which have some antibacterial activity, are present in insufficient quantities to make a lasting difference. Although products such as zinc chloride mouthwash have been reported to freshen the breath for several hours in some cases, they should be considered among the many products that mask the problem, rather than those that solve it.

In fact, some controlled studies that compared the results of regular use of chemical mouthwashes, products containing metals, and those containing essential oils, found little difference between the three. Other studies found that products such as zinc chloride mouthwash were not as good as antibacterial chemicals over the long term, though they may well have fewer adverse side effects to worry about. In the end, reactive metals such as copper and zinc may indeed neutralize bad breath but they are only part of the solution.

A sensible approach to halitosis involves good oral hygiene including regular tooth and tongue cleaning, yearly or twice yearly visits to the dentist, and treatment for any dental or gum disease. If the problem persists, products that neutralize bad breath can be helpful in the short term while a more permanent solution is sought. Ultimately, the aim is to reduce the population of anaerobic odor-producing bacteria living in the mouth to levels that don’t result in detectable odor. Zinc chloride mouthwash will not produce the desired end result if not combined with other antibacterial measures.

Curry Leaves for Bad Breath

Natural remedies for common ailments are more and more popular—one that many people haven’t heard of is the use of curry leaves for bad breath. The people of India grow the curry tree, Murraya koenigii, because the leaves are used to flavor traditional dishes; however, they have also known for many years that putting a few of the fresh leaves in the mouth and holding them there for several minutes can have a remarkably positive effect on the breath.

Murraya koenigii health benefits don’t stop there. Apparently scientists are studying the extract of the leaves as a natural medicine against high cholesterol and high blood sugar, suggesting that it may have great potential in Western countries where many people suffer from high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. The extract contains healthy antioxidants as well, and root bark of the plant is used in some conditions as a pain reliever. It seems that curry leaves for bad breath is only the beginning.

Curry leaves are considered a green vegetable in India. It’s known that they contain vitamins and minerals, which explain some Murraya koenigii health benefits. They also contain essential oils, zinc, and chlorophyll, all of which have been used in commercial remedies for oral malodor. It’s very likely that, like many plants, this one produces some antibacterial compounds and using curry leaves for bad breath may result in a reduction of oral odor-producing bacteria.

Of course, even natural remedies with a long history of use must eventually be properly studied to determine their usefulness, potential toxicity, and how they work. Scientific study has not yet illuminated the secrets behind Murraya koenigii health benefits; however, we can be fairly sure the substance is not toxic because of its long and widespread use as an edible culinary plant. Fresh curry leaves for bad breath will be difficult to obtain in regions where the tree is not grown, however, dried leaves are available in many Asian shops and even these may have some beneficial properties. Further investigation will reveal whether this plant has a future in the arsenal of weapons against oral malodor.