Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common problem. Treating the root causes will give long-term relief, but in the meantime, having fresh breath may be as simple as putting tea tree oil on your toothbrush. Tea tree oil is an essential oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, a plant native to Australia.

Bad breath comes from several causes. It can come from eating foods such as garlic, fish, certain cheeses or onions. These foods emit an odor through your entire body, including your skin and mouth as they digest and enter the bloodstream. It can take 24 hours to clear the scent. Digestive problems can also give bad breath. Alcohol consumption, too much acidity caused from poor diet or drinking too much coffee and tea and not enough water or simply an imbalanced diet can cause bad breath. Bacteria in the mouth is a common cause of bad breath. Good oral hygiene can improve breath.

Tea tree oil has properties that make it a good choice for oral hygiene. It is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, and has a pleasant, if somewhat stringent, taste. A few drops on your toothbrush, or a few drops mixed with water and swirled in your mouth, should kill off any lingering bacteria that may be causing your bad breath. If your bad breath is caused from other reasons, tea tree oil is a good choice for immediate relief, though not for long-term success.

Tea tree oil is toxic in small children. As little as 5 ml can harm a small child if ingested. This remedy is not safe for children.

Tea tree oil is available in many grocery stores and pharmacies. It can also be ordered online. Tea tree oil is inexpensive and has many uses other than for bad breath, such as for house cleaning and disinfecting, first aid and as an antiseptic.