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Step 1
Drink more water to keep the mouth and throat hydrated; 8 glasses a day is recommended. Oral dryness, which increases bacterial build up, can cause or worsen bad breath. Chewing sugarless gum and sucking on sugarless hard candy will be of additional help in keeping the mouth moist.
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Step 2
Keep your diet clean. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat and cheese. Avoid sugar. It is especially important to eat a healthy breakfast as fasting can cause halitosis. Some foods like garlic, onion and cauliflower cause temporary bad breath, but in this case, the bad breath is cured as soon as the food passes through the system.
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Step 3
Quit smoking, using tobacco and consuming alcohol.
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Step 4
Practice good personal hygiene. Brush teeth at least twice daily, preferably after each meal. Brush, floss and use a tongue scraper after your last meal. Before going to bed is the most important time to make sure teeth are clean. Before going to bed rinse with a mouthwash that does not contain dye, flavorings or alcohol. An oil- and water-based mouthwash is most effective in fighting bad breath.
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Step 5
Have a yearly physical; it is a good idea in general. If you have concerns with halitosis, mention it to your doctor during the exam. Some medical conditions, allergies for example, and even some medications, can cause bad breath.
