Evidence supporting the use of: Citrus spp.
For the health condition: Halitosis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Citrus species (Citrus spp.), such as lemon and orange, have a long-standing traditional use in the management of halitosis (bad breath). This practice primarily stems from the belief that their strong, pleasant aroma and acidic nature can mask or reduce oral malodor. Traditional remedies often include chewing citrus peels or rinsing the mouth with citrus juice to freshen breath and stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away food particles and bacteria that contribute to bad breath. However, scientific studies specifically investigating the direct efficacy of Citrus spp. against halitosis are limited. Some research suggests that increased saliva flow, which can be promoted by sour or acidic substances like citrus fruits, may help reduce halitosis by mechanically clearing odor-causing compounds and bacteria. Additionally, citrus fruits contain some antimicrobial compounds (such as flavonoids and citric acid), but robust clinical evidence confirming their effectiveness in treating halitosis is lacking. Most modern dental guidelines do not list Citrus spp. as a primary intervention for halitosis, favoring mechanical cleaning and antimicrobial mouthwashes instead. In summary, the use of Citrus spp. for halitosis is primarily justified by tradition, with only minimal scientific support related to saliva stimulation and general oral hygiene. There is a lack of high-quality clinical trials or systematic reviews directly validating their use for this specific condition.

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