How to Keep Your Breath Fresh at School

A school day usually involves a great deal of talking. Whether speaking to your teacher, chatting with friends or whispering to a sweetheart, your breath is front and center throughout the day. Bad breath is caused by a number of things including bits of food caught between your teeth, dryness in your mouth, bacteria coating your teeth and gums or more serious issues such as dental decay or gum disease. Adopt a few simple habits to keep your breath fresh the entire school day.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Alcohol-free mouthwash
• Water
• Raw vegetables (carrots, celery, peppers)
• Sugarless gum

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush your teeth after eating breakfast. Take your time to brush the outer, inner and top surfaces of each tooth. Also gently brush your gums and tongue.

• 2

  Floss between each tooth. Wrap about 10 inches of dental floss around your index fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between the your fingers. Slide the floss down between your teeth using a zigzag motion. Bring the floss down to the gum line and underneath each tooth then back up.

• 3

  Take a capful of mouthwash and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can dry your mouth out. Dryness is a cause of bad breath so avoid over-drying by choosing an alcohol-free mouthwash.

• 4

  Make sure you drink enough water each day. Most people need up to eight glasses of water each day. Keep your mouth hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.

• 5

  Snack on raw vegetables after lunch. Vegetables will remove food particles and bacteria from your lunch. They will also stimulate saliva production, which keeps your mouth moist and fresh.

• 6

  Bring your toothbrush and toothpaste to school. Brush your teeth following lunch to keep your mouth fresh and teeth clean. If you can't brush, rinse your mouth with water after eating.

• 7

  Chew a piece of sugarless gum. Mint or fruit flavors impart a fresh scent to your breath and chewing stimulates saliva production, which keeps your mouth hydrated. If your teachers do not allow you to chew gum during class, chew a piece between classes.

• 8

  Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Professional cleanings remove plaque buildup and your dentist will be able to tell you if you're cleaning your teeth properly or if you have any underlying dental issues.