How to Prevent Bad Breath

We've all been embarrassed by occasional bouts of bad breath after eating a roasted garlic pizza or a sandwich piled with onions. If you're dealing with bad breath all the time, though, it can be mortifying. So here are some tips to keep your mouth smelling fresh.

  • Quit cigarettes if you're a smoker.

  • Get your teeth checked out by your dentist. Cavities and gum disease can cause bad breath.

  • Brush and floss during the day, every time you eat. When food particles hang out in your mouth, bacteria collects and emits stinky hydrogen sulfur vapors. So keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your purse at all times to use after coffee breaks, lunch, and snacks.

  • Drink more water. It'll help keep the bacteria in your mouth to a minimum.

  • Don't mask your bad breath with sugary mints. They'll freshen your breath briefly, but the sugar will only cause more stinky plaque to build up. If you can't brush, go for sugarless gum instead since chewing increases saliva production, which is your best weapon against bad breath.

  • If you suffer from allergies or sinus infections, postnasal drip in the back of your throat can cause bad breath. So get your symptoms under control with antibiotics or allergy meds.

  • Keep in mind, though, that certain medications such as decongestants or allergy pills can cause dry mouth, which can also lead to bad breath. When your mouth is dry, dead cells and bacteria accumulate on your gums, tongue, and teeth. When these cells decompose, they produce a foul smell. Water helps, but if your symptoms are really bothering you try switching medications.

  • Eat yogurt. Studies have found that one serving of yogurt each day reduces the level of odor-causing hydrogen sulfide in the mouth. Be sure to eat ones with active cultures.

  • Avoid certain foods such as garlic, onions, and alcohol. Once consumed, these foods get absorbed into your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs, and are given off in your breath.

  • To help prevent the buildup of plague, which can cause bad breath, eat crunchy fibrous foods such as apples, carrots, and celery.

  • Bacterium aren't a fan of foods such as citrus fruits, berries, and melon because they make the environment in your mouth too acidic, so get your fill of vitamin C. Another plus for consuming vitamin C is that it also helps prevent gum disease and gingivitis.

  • Chew herbs such as parsley, coriander, spearmint, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and cardamom. These all help fight bad breath.

  • Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper. Use it twice a day to remove bacteria and dead skin cells from your tongue.

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