How To Get Rid of Alcohol Breath

Picture this: it's karaoke night at your favorite local watering hole. You've belted out a not-so-flawless rendition of your favorite song, you’ve solved the world’s problems with a new friend, and you’ve updated the bartender on your family drama. Your buddies are laughing and you're all having a good time. But after a few shots, you realize that your breath could knock out a gorilla. Alcohol breath — it's a real buzzkill, isn't it? If you’re wondering how to get alcohol off your breath, it’s time to look at the science behind alcohol’s smell.

Unraveling the Science: Does Alcohol Have a Smell?

Let's tackle the big question first: why does alcohol give us bad breath? The answer lies in how our bodies process it.

When we sip that cocktail or chug a beer, it's absorbed into our bloodstream and then metabolized by our liver through a process called oxidation. Most of this process takes place in the liver, but it can only metabolize a certain amount of alcohol per hour. The rest? Well, it gets excreted through our urine, sweat, and breath.

Yep, you read that right — the body literally breathes out the excess alcohol. The byproduct of this process, acetaldehyde, can be detected when we exhale, leading to that distinctive odor we associate with alcohol breath.

The effect is especially strong when it comes to hard liquor. One shot is only 37 to 44 ml in volume, but packs a strong punch — a typical spirit such as vodka or tequila contains about 40 percent alcohol. And if we have more than one, we’re sure to end up with booze on our breath.

What about beverages with more subtle odors? Can you smell vodka on your breath? Yes, despite some rumors that claim otherwise, you definitely can, since it gets metabolized the same way as other types of booze.

How To Get Rid of Alcohol Breath

Many of us have wondered how to get rid of alcohol breath. Now that we know why it happens, it's time to uncover some easy ways to get rid of alcohol breath.

• Hydrate. The first step is hydration. Drinking water not only helps dilute the alcohol in your bloodstream but also speeds up its metabolism. Plus, it fights dry mouth — a notorious accomplice in the crime of bad breath. Not a fan of plain water? No worries. Fruit-infused water, herbal teas, or coconut water can be great alternatives.
• Regular brushing and flossing. Next up, let's talk about oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing are your first line of defense against any form of bad breath, alcohol breath included. And here's a pro tip: also clean your tongue. Why? Because it's a happy hangout spot for bacteria that can add to the bad breath. And remember dry mouth? Well, mouthwashes are a great way to keep your mouth moist and odor-free. Just make sure to choose an alcohol-free mouthwash — they aid saliva production instead of inhibiting it.
• Eat the right foods. Turns out, your kitchen can also hold the secret to fresh breath. Fruits high in Vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries, create an inhospitable environment for bacteria. Other foods, like apples, celery, and carrots, boost saliva production. More saliva equals less dry mouth equals fresher breath. Win-win, right? And remember when your grandma used to tell you about the benefits of parsley? Well, she was right (of course)! Parsley contains chlorophyll, which has deodorizing properties. So, next time you get it as a garnish, don't just leave it on the plate!
• Drink green or peppermint tea. Both green and peppermint tea are known to have properties that help fight bad breath. Green tea contains polyphenols that can reduce bacteria and bacterial by-products in the mouth. Peppermint tea, on the other hand, has its fresh and strong fragrance that can help mask the alcohol odor. Better yet, tea is a nice, soothing drink!
• Pop some sugar-free gum or lozenges. Sugar-free gum and lozenges can stimulate saliva production and help wipe away any lingering smells after that tequila shot. The flavors can also help mask the smell.
• Use an oral hygiene accessory. Consider using a tongue scraper. It's an oral hygiene accessory that helps you clean your tongue more thoroughly, removing any potential sources of bad breath.
• Eat a full meal before and after drinking. Before you start drinking, make sure to have a full meal. Foods with high protein content, such as cheese and peanuts, are particularly good at slowing down the absorption of alcohol. After drinking, try eating something with a strong flavor, like peanut butter or a spicy dish. This can help cover up the smell of alcohol.
• Take care of your gut. There's a strong connection between your gut health and breath. Making sure you have a healthy gut is an easy way to get rid of alcohol breath. Consider probiotics, either in supplement form or from probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut.
• Don't mix your drinks. Mixing drinks can make bad breath even worse. Different types of alcohol have slightly different odors, and the combination can produce a stronger smell. Does alcohol have a smell? Depends on the type! Stick to one type of drink to avoid noxious concoctions.
• Increase physical activity. Did you know that being active can help get rid of alcohol breath? That’s right! When you exercise, you increase your metabolic rate, which helps your body to break down and eliminate alcohol more quickly. So take a walk, head to the gym, or have a vigorous dance session in your living room to speed up the process.

Natural Breath-Fresheners

Nature provides several natural breath fresheners that are also great ways to get rid of alcohol breath!

• Fennel seeds. Fennel seeds have a strong, sweet flavor. They can freshen your breath, stimulate saliva production, and aid digestion. You’ll find them in a bowl by the door of your favorite Indian restaurant — perfect for freshening up and helping you digest as you go about your day.
• Cloves. Chewing on a couple of cloves can help as well, thanks to their strong, pleasant aroma and antimicrobial properties.

• Mint. There’s a reason mint is used to flavor many breath-freshening products. Not only does it have a fresh, clean, cooling taste, but it offers antioxidants as well. You can try chewing on a few leaves, adding them to a salad, or brewing a mint tea (which is also good for digestion and stomach upset!).

• Cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon has essential oils that can mask the smell of alcohol breath. Plus, they're easy to carry around! 

In the end, remember that these are all just temporary solutions. Cutting back on alcohol and maintaining good oral and overall health will provide the best long-term results and is, in the end, the easiest way to get rid of alcohol breath. After all, less alcohol means less alcohol odor!