How to Treat Bad Breath

Do people turn away when you talk to them? Do you seem to be offered an excessive amount of mints? The main cause of bad breath (halitosis) is a buildup of food particles in the mouth and the bacteria that result.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Fresh Parsley
• Breath Fresheners
• Dental Floss
• Mouthwash
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste

1. Visit your dentist at least every six months for cleanings and checkups to keep your mouth free of plaque buildup and other problems that may lead to bad breath.
2. Watch your consumption of foods such as alcohol, coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), dense proteins (such as those found in dairy and meat products), garlic and onions, and sugars. These are all bad-breath offenders.
3. Try to breathe through your nose. Breathing through your mouth can lead to having a dry mouth, which creates a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.
4. Keep a regular log of your eating habits and medications, as these can cause bad breath. Share the log with your dentist.
5. Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day to remove food particles and plaque, and floss between teeth once a day, preferably in the evening after you eat.
6. Try using a fluoride mouth rinse with antiseptic ingredients and a pleasant mint flavor. This helps to protect your teeth, and the flavor masks odor problems.
7. Consider internal breath fresheners'such as over-the-counter pills you take before or after a meal to aid the prevention of malodorous breath'or go the natural route and munch on some parsley after a meal.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep mints and gum on hand (or better yet, a toothbrush and toothpaste) for meals that include ingredients such as garlic and onions.
• If bad breath persists, check with your dentist. Bad breath might be a warning sign of other health problems.
• If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night, and clean them before you put them on again in the morning.
• Tobacco users often suffer from bad breath and other mouth-related problems.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.