Bad breath, or halitosis, usually stems from an oral hygiene issue. The Mayo Clinic points out that food particles in the teeth, volatile oils in the mouth, dental problems, dry mouth, certain diseases, oral conditions, nasal conditions, tobacco products and severe dieting may all contribute to halitosis. Removing the source of the bad breath can be simple once it has been identified.
Step 1
Brush your teeth after every meal using a sanitary toothbrush and toothpaste with the American Dental Association's stamp of approval on it. Toothbrushes should be sanitized or discarded after any illness or after three months of use. Brush the back of the tongue as well to remove any oils or residue from food.
Step 2
Floss between your teeth at least once per day. Flossing more frequently may be helpful if food particles tend to get stuck between your teeth. Food particles can leave behind an odor as they begin to decay in the mouth.
Step 3
Rinse the mouth with an oral antiseptic to kill any germs that may be residing in the mouth. Swish the solution around for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 4
Chew fresh parsley or suck on a sugar-free mint to temporarily freshen breath.
Step 5
Visit your dentist if bad breath remains after you have established an adequate oral hygiene routine. Your dentist may find decay that needs to be removed in order to rid the mouth of foul smells. The dentist may remove plaque buildup that was creating the odor as well. Visit your doctor if your bad breath cause could not be identified by the dentist.
Things You'll Need
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Oral antiseptic
- Fresh parsley or sugar-free mints
