subject: How To Avoid Bad Breath [print this page] Bad breath is an embarrassing problemBad breath is an embarrassing problem. It can lead to shyness and a reluctance to come into close contact with people or even speak clearly. You might not be aware of it, but when someone tells you about it the embarrassment can last a long time. Everyone suffers from bad breath from time to time but there are simple steps you can take reduce the likelihood of it happening.
Brush Your Teeth
Everyone is told time and time again about the importance of brushing teeth, for health reasons as well as less serious concerns such as halitosis and looking good. Brushing twice a day is recommended in order to remove pieces of food which your mouth retains. Keeping a tooth brush at work or in a handbag is a good way of ensuring you're always prepared to look after your teeth.
Brush Your Tongue
You might not have heard of brushing your tongue, but in fact a lot of plaque and bacteria can dwell at the back of your tongue, so it is a good idea to brush it too.
Floss
Flossing is important as it removes food residue which can become trapped between teeth and gum line, flossing daily will remove this and reduce the chances of acquiring an unfavourable odour as a result of this build-up.
Mouthwash
If you find that your morning brush isn't quite cutting it when it comes to eliminating bad breath, consider adding some swishes of mouthwash into your daily routine, to protect teeth and offer you minty fresh breath.
Mints and Gum
Mints and gum mean that you can freshen your breath whenever you need to. It's no substitute for brushing or flossing, but mints and gum compliment proper oral hygiene with instant access to minty freshness. There are also special over-the-counter products to help prevent bad breath, including ones which act specifically against certain odours including nicotine or alcohol.
Avoid Odorous Food & Drink
If you suffer from garlic breath then avoid garlic. If you don't want to smell of alcohol then avoid it. The same goes for cigarettes. It might seem simple but this is the easiest way of avoiding undesirable smells. Parsley is a herb which is said to reduce halitosis, so including it in meals can also help you keep fine breath.
Use Your Nose
One cause of bad breath is dry mouth, meaning a lack of saliva in the mouth. Breathing through your nose should allow your mouth to remain moist and odour-free.
Bad breath can also be the result of illness, stress, dehydration or stomach problems, so persisting halitosis should lead you to see a doctor or physician to see if a greater problem is to blame. It is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth, so brushing twice a day and visiting a dentist regularly should ensure you don't find yourself embarrassed by your breath in the future.
