How to Beat Bad Breath

Of all the embarrassing conditions humans face, halitosis is one of the worst. It’s common, but never nice. Would you like to know how to beat bad breath? You’re in luck! As pervasive as it can be, halitosis is relatively easy to control.

Generally, attention to oral hygiene is enough to address the worst aspects of this affliction. In other instances, bad habits are to blame. If this applies to you, take a hard look at what you could be doing differently. Are you a smoker? Well, there’s a reason that ashtray-flavoured toothpaste isn’t flying off the shelves. Drop the cigs! They’re giving you bad breath. Your nicotine nightmare could be compounded by the foods you eat, too. Have a think. If you have a penchant for pickled onions, garlic or vinegar, they’re going to mingle in your mouth with disastrous results. No wonder your loved ones recoil in terror when you draw near, Nosferatu.

How are you saliva levels? If you’re not producing enough, your mouth will dry out and unpleasant odours will follow. Keep your gob lubricated well and you can alleviate some of the offending smell.

Inadequate carbohydrates in your diet can also lead to foul breath. We’ll give you more details about this later in the article. In the meantime, let’s get started with some simple tips and tricks to treat halitosis. Keep in mind that there’s no magic bullet. If you have habits that you know are causing stinky mouth, your first step should be to cultivate healthier ones.

Wash your mouth out…properly

Let’s begin with the good news. In general, halitosis tends to disappear when you improve your oral hygiene. What does this mean, exactly? Well, you need to pay good attention to how you’re brushing your teeth. Take the time to do it properly. This means washing every surface, including your cheeks, gums and tongue. The whole process should take about two minutes. Floss at least once a day, after brushing. If you use a fluoride toothpaste, many dentists recommend that you not rinse fully or use mouthwash after brushing. You’ll minimise the positive effects of fluoride if you do so. Swill a tiny bit of water and spit it out. The jury is still out about the benefits of fluoride, though, so use your best judgment.

Avoid highly aromatic foods

They’re so tasty, but they’re so naughty. You know the usual suspects: onion, garlic, pickles and coffee, for starters. Avoid them as much as you can – especially if you won’t be able to brush your teeth immediately after eating them. Of course, life wouldn’t be fun without occasional indulgence. Just try to moderate your consumption of them if you want to inhibit halitosis.

Citrus saves

Certain foods trigger the production of saliva – and a moist mouth is a healthy mouth. Remember, a dry environment will encourage the bacteria that lead to bad breath. Count on citrus fruits such as orange, grapefruit, lemon and mandarin to stimulate the salivary glands. On the flip side, limit your snacking on dry and crumbly foods, such as biscuits, crisps, salted nuts and toast. They have a tendency to cling to your palate and get wedged into the crevices of your teeth. Yum. Old food probably isn’t the most inviting fragrance. If you want to throw caution to the wind and eat your toast without tea, aim to give your mouth a good brush as soon as possible after your fling with dangerous living. 

Wet your whistle with water

There’s nothing quite like water for keeping your body healthy and hydrated. It does the same for your mouth. Sip it throughout the day and you’ll scare off halitosis. It will help to improve the flow of saliva, which will, in turn, inhibit bacteria that leads to infections.

And that’s it! Painless pointers for minty freshness. Seriously, though…we do hope that we’ve given you some help. Halitosis is never fun for anyone. Whether you struggle with it or you know someone who does, this article can serve as a reminder. Good oral hygiene is key to all sorts of health issues, but it’s certainly one of the best habits you can have if you want to give bad breath the brush off. If you are worried about your teeth, please see your dentist.

Now, go and kiss someone you love!