How to Overcome Bad Breath

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We've all had one of those mornings when we woke up late, rushed out of the house, and forgot to brush our teeth. Thankfully, some chewing gum and breath mints can make this a lot less of a problematic situation. But for some, bad breath is a persistent and daily problem. In fact, 1 in 4 people suffer from bad breath, medically known as halitosis.

If you're one of those people who can't seem to kick bad breath to the curb, we're here to help! Here's how you can overcome bad breath for good.

Brush Your Teeth Often

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is an effective way to minimize bad breath. Aim to brush in the morning when you wake up as well as at night before bed. After a night of sleeping and snoring, your mouth is likely to be quite dry.

A dry mouth is likely to be full of bacteria and not smell so morning fresh! At night, it's important to brush so you remove any food particles or bacteria that may have settled on your teeth. In turn, you remove the factors that can lead to bad breath.

If possible, brush after every meal, especially if you’ve eaten a very potent food like garlic or onions.

Brush Properly

Have you ever used the tongue scraper on the back of your toothbrush? Chances are you haven't. When brushing, you want to take good care of your teeth, but it's just as important to brush your tongue — especially if you're suffering from bad breath.

The tongue is the ideal place for amino acids and bacteria to combine, causing a sulfur-like odor that can be quite strong. Be sure to use the tongue scraper on your toothbrush for a thorough brushing session.

Use the Right Toothpaste

Most people choose the toothpaste brand that they’ve used for years or one that’s the most affordable. Did you know that store-bought toothpaste brands not only use harmful ingredients, but they also don’t clean your teeth as well as a natural product? The best natural toothpaste should clean, refresh, and polish your teeth to keep bad breath at bay while also improving your dental health.

When shopping for natural toothpaste, be on the lookout for ingredients such as:

• Natural clay
• Essential oil
• Baking soda
• Activated charcoal

With the right ingredients, your teeth will feel clean, and you’ll have peace of mind that odor-causing bacteria aren't growing in your mouth throughout the day.

Don't Forget to Floss

Brushing is only one part of a complete dental routine. While brushing gets rid of most of the bacteria on your teeth, it doesn't get rid of the bacteria between your teeth. This is where flossing comes into play. Be sure to floss at least once a day to remove any food or bacteria lodged in places where a toothbrush can't reach.

With regular flossing, you're able to get rid of any residual odor-causing agents.

Stay Hydrated

A dry mouth is a smelly mouth. When your mouth isn’t moist enough to produce saliva, there’s an increased risk of odor-causing bacteria that can lead to bad breath and even a foul taste in your mouth. Be sure to drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth and the rest of your body properly hydrated. Staying hydrated is even more important after exercise or whenever you're breathing heavily.

If you're not a fan of boring, plain water, try adding herbs, citrus fruits, or flavored drink packets to keep you drinking throughout the day. You may also want to drink green or black tea, both of which have proven to suppress the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Avoid Certain Habits

Smoking, tobacco products, and excessive drinking can all cause bad breath. Each of these substances causes your mouth to become dry. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria growth, which leads to unpleasant smells that linger even after brushing.

Eat the Right Foods

There are all sorts of foods that can improve your oral health. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables not only promote saliva production, but they also clean your teeth as you eat them. Carrots, apples, and celery are great snack options if you want to avoid bad breath.

Speaking of snacks, be sure to eat throughout the day. Skipping meals can cause acid build-up in the stomach which can then cause foul breath.

Conclusion

Dealing with bad breath is nothing short of embarrassing. Be sure to keep these tips in mind to ensure your breath smells great.

Do you have any secrets for keeping your breath fresh? Share your fresh tips in the comments below.