How to Have Cleaner Breath

Bad breath can be unpleasant for yourself and the people around you. It is a common problem that is usually caused by odor-causing bacteria that flourishes in your mouth. The best way to ensure that your breath is consistently clean is to practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis. Preventative measures also can save you from bad-breath embarrassment.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Tongue scraper
• Water
• Sugar-free gum
• Sugar-free mints
• Mouthwash

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day. This helps eliminate bacteria and plaque that build up from food particles that get stuck between your teeth. Flossing between your teeth and cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper on a daily basis also helps eradicate odor-causing bacteria. Additionally, thoroughly clean your dentures or other dental equipment.

• 2

  Drink water to keep your mouth and body hydrated. When your body becomes dehydrated, your mouth stops producing an adequate amount of saliva. Saliva helps to clean the mouth and kill odor-causing bacteria. This bacteria can flourish and cause you to have bad breath if you do not produce enough saliva. Drinking water encourages saliva production to keep bacteria at bay.

• 3

  Chew sugar-free gum or sugar-free mints when your mouth is dry or if you feel that you have bad breath. The gum and mints will boost saliva production in your mouth as well as mask any unpleasant odors. Avoid sugary gum and and mints, as these can contribute to tooth and gum decay.

• 4

  Rinse with your mouth with mouthwash for 30 seconds to freshen your breath temporarily. You also can use an antiseptic mouthwash as part of your regular dental hygiene routine to help eliminate plaque and odor-causing bacteria.

• 5

  Avoid foods, beverages and other products that are notorious for causing bad breath. Tobacco, alcoholic drinks and strong-smelling foods like onion and garlic are known to cause unpleasant breath. Eating less meat and high-fat foods while also consuming more fruits and vegetables can improve the freshness of your breath.