How to Make Your Breath Smell Good in the Morning

Starting your day with bad breath can be a huge confidence killer. No matter what you're wearing or how you look, unpleasant breath odors can leave a negative first impression. Bad breath is caused by leftover food particles or bacteria, which form foul-smelling films called plaque and tartar. A good oral hygiene routine can remove these offensive, odor-causing culprits. Establishing this routine will give you fresh breath in the mornings and also make a positive difference in your long-term dental health.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Tongue cleaner
• Non-alcohol mouthwash

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush your teeth properly after eating breakfast. If you brush before eating, the food particles will cause bad breath when they are left behind. Practice proper brushing technique by brushing up and down, rather than side to side, for a full two to three minutes, morning and night.

• 2

  Reach all your teeth easily by using the right kind of brush. A soft brush is preferable to a medium or hard brush because it is gentle on your gums. Replace your brush at least every three months. An electronic toothbrush is a high-tech update that may help you do a better job of cleaning your teeth.

• 3

  Remove remaining debris. Brushing alone cannot always remove the food, bacteria and tartar that get trapped between your teeth and are the source of bad breath. Dentists recommend daily flossing. Gently scraping your tongue with a tongue cleaner will remove odor-causing buildup.

• 4

  Gargle with a non-alcohol mouthwash. Alcohol can cause burning and dry out the mouth, which will worsen bad breath. Mouthwash not only flushes remaining food particles, but also acts as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent by killing odor-causing bacteria. Look for a rinse with fluoride, as this ingredient helps prevent tooth decay, which will contribute to bad breath.

• 5

  Drink lots of water and watch what you eat. Foods such as garlic can leave a lingering odor that can be difficult to remove even after brushing. Conversely, citrus fruits and crunchy fruits and vegetables such as celery or apples can freshen your breath naturally. Water flushes bacteria and can immediately freshen your breath and fight odor-causing mouth dryness, and it is recommended that you drink at least 64 oz. of water a day.