Got a nasty case of Halitosis? Ugh. No one enjoys that stinky-mouth syndrome, more commonly known as bad breath.
But what can you do? Is there a way to avoid bad breath before your friends, family and coworkers start avoiding you? The answer is yes.
First, it’s important to understand what causes those pesky odors. Halitosis usually comes from a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. That may include food stuck between your teeth, a cracked filling or even dentures that haven’t been cleaned all the way.
There are also internal factors that that can create a foul mouth as well, such as diabetes, respiratory infections or bronchitis.
Obviously, you won’t always be able to keep your breath smelling like a spring morning, especially when you’re sick. But here are some things you can do, courtesy of WebMD.
- Brush and floss regularly: The most effective weapon against bad breath isn’t a pack of Mentos. It’s a regular habit of brushing and flossing – preferably after every meal – that will keep odor bugs away.
- Watch what you eat: Your diet has a noticeable impact on your breath. You’ve probably heard the warnings about garlic, onions and spicy foods. Heed them. You should also know that a low-carb diet or prolonged fasting can cause similar effects. So stick to a balanced diet and eat good-breath snacks such as raw carrots, celery and apple slices that clean food particles from your teeth.
- Stay hydrated: If you can’t brush your teeth after every meal, drink water. That will speed up the process of rinsing potentially rank bacteria from your mouth.
- Don’t drink too much coffee: As good as it might taste, coffee is a tough smell to get off your tongue. Consider starting your day with an herbal or green tea instead.
- Be careful with breath mints: Although sugar-free mints might mask an offensive smell, they won’t do anything about the bacteria that is causing the problem. As for sugary mints? They’ll probably make your breath worse.
Hope those tips make life a little sweeter for you – and for those who have been too polite to plug their noses.
