Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “My 21 year old daughter has a constant bad breath problem. She brushes her teeth twice daily and sees the dentist two times a year. She also has a morning cough due to drainage of her sinuses. Is there anything she can do?” — Mary G., Phoenix, AZ

A. Dear Mary, While the majority of halitosis cases can be alleviated by simply incorporating good dental hygiene and getting regular dental checkups, in some cases, halitosis can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as chronic sinusitis, diabetes, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Therefore, I would first recommend that your daughter consult with her healthcare practitioner to rule out the possibility that an underlying condition is causing the bad breath. If everything checks out, I would then suggest trying the following concentrated plant oil blends, which may help in keeping the bad breath at bay.

My first recommendation is eucalyptus and myrtle oils – two very wonderful oils that can support the sinuses. Eucalyptus oil helps decongest the sinuses, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and has been traditionally used to treat runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Myrtle essential oil has been well-studied and sold in Europe for more than 75 years. I suggest she take 1 or 2 softgels of this blend three times daily. My personal recommendation is to take the softgel and allow it to melt in your mouth. This allows the fragrance of myrtle and eucalyptus to permeate throughout the lungs and nasal passages. While it is an intense flavor, I find it effective and invigorating. If she does not prefer this method, taking it orally will also be effective. When choosing a formula, make sure it features concentrated plant oils that have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.

I would then add another concentrated plant oil blend of peppermint, clove, cinnamon, and oregano oils, which will work together to help clean and freshen her breath, as well as improve the hygienic condition of her mouth. I recommend taking one softgel of this oil blend as often as desired. For best results, I encourage individuals to chew or dissolve the softgel to release the beneficial oils, swish it in their mouth, and then swallow.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally