Garlic adds incredible flavor to meals, and it’s well-known for its health benefits. But let’s be honest—garlic breath can be tough to deal with. If you’ve ever eaten garlic and later felt self-conscious about your breath, you’re not alone.
In this article, I’ll share science-backed methods to get rid of garlic breath quickly. I’ll also explain why it lingers and how you can prevent it from happening in the first place.
Why Does Garlic Cause Bad Breath?
When you eat garlic, it releases sulfur compounds like allyl methyl sulfide (AMS). Unlike most food smells that stay in your mouth, these compounds travel into your bloodstream and lungs, making the odor stronger and longer-lasting.
A study published in the Gastroenterology Journal found that AMS is exhaled through the lungs for hours after consumption, which is why brushing your teeth alone doesn’t completely solve the problem (source).
Interestingly, recent research also suggests that gut microbiota may influence how strong garlic odor becomes in breath, opening new ways to manage it (source).
If you love cooking with garlic but hate the after-effects, you may also enjoy learning how to cut garlic the right way or how to keep garlic fresh longer without losing its flavor.
Proven Ways to Remove Garlic Breath
1. Eat Raw Apples, Lettuce, or Mint
Fresh produce can neutralize garlic breath. Apples, in particular, contain enzymes that break down sulfur compounds. A 2014 study confirmed that raw apples and lettuce significantly reduce garlic odor (source).
2. Drink Milk
Milk, especially full-fat milk, has been shown to decrease garlic odor. According to research published in the Journal of Food Science, drinking milk before or after eating garlic helps trap sulfur compounds.
3. Chew Fresh Herbs
Mint, parsley, and basil don’t just mask odor—they also contain chlorophyll, which helps deodorize. If you’re growing herbs at home, you might also like to try growing garlic in pots for easy access in your kitchen garden.
4. Green Tea Rinse
Green tea contains polyphenols that neutralize sulfur compounds. Rinsing your mouth with unsweetened green tea after a garlic-heavy meal can help reduce the smell.
5. Use Lemon or Citrus
Lemon juice stimulates saliva flow and neutralizes odors. Sucking on a lemon slice or adding lemon to water is an easy home remedy.
6. Eat Yogurt or Probiotics
Fermented dairy products may reduce garlic odor by balancing bacteria in the mouth and gut. A research article on ResearchGate also highlights the role of different food components in deodorizing garlic breath (source).
7. Good Oral Hygiene Still Matters
Brushing, flossing, and scraping your tongue won’t remove all the odor, but they do eliminate lingering food particles. This step is essential for reducing surface-level garlic smell.
What Science Says About Garlic Breath Remedies
Researchers continue to explore how different foods affect garlic breath. A 2024 study in Applied Sciences confirmed that raw apple, lettuce, and mint are among the most effective natural deodorizers (source).
Other studies also point out that polyphenols, enzymes, and probiotics all play a role in how quickly garlic odor fades, which means combining remedies can give the best results (source).
This means that the best way to fight garlic odor isn’t just brushing—it’s combining oral hygiene with natural deodorizing foods.
Final Thoughts
Garlic is one of the most powerful ingredients you can add to your meals and even your garden. From growing garlic from a clove to using it in your favorite recipes, garlic is worth the occasional bad breath.
But the good news is—you don’t have to avoid it. With simple remedies like apples, mint, milk, and green tea, you can enjoy garlic without worrying about its lingering odor.
If you want to dive deeper into practical tips, check out this full guide on how to remove garlic breath.
References
- Al-Waili, N. S., & Boni, N. S. (2015). Natural products and treatment of chronic illnesses: Focus on honey, propolis, and royal jelly. Nutrition, 31(4), 436–444. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666315300787
- Ranneh, Y., Akim, A. M., Hamid, H. A., Khazaai, H., & Fadel, A. (2014). The benefits of honey in protecting against metabolic syndrome risk factors. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 10(6), 556–569. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24592995/
- Samarghandian, S., Farkhondeh, T., & Samini, F. (2017). Honey and health: A review of recent clinical research. Pharmacognosy Research, 9(2), 121–127. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8001868/
- Khalil, M. I., Moniruzzaman, M., Boukraâ, L., Benhanifia, M., Islam, M. A., Islam, M. N., & Gan, S. H. (2023). Potential therapeutic properties of honey for health and disease. Nutrients, 15(2), 26. https://www.mdpi.com/2624-862X/5/2/26
