According to dental studies, about 85% of people suffer with persistent bad breath. If you suffer from bad breath, you are not alone. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be downright embarrassing. Gum disease, cavities, dry mouth and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath.
Ten Ways to Prevent Bad Breath
- Brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day, especially after meals that contain food and spices known to cause bad breath.
- Avoid foods known to cause bad breath such as garlic,onions, cabbage, certain spices, and coffee.
- Stop smoking. Smoking dries the mouth, encouraging the growth of the bacteria that causes bad breath.
- Sip water throughout the day and during meals. Chew sugar-free gum or dissolve a sugar-free candy slowly in your mouth to keep help produce more saliva.
- Eat cranberries. Cranberries may be able to eliminate the offensive-smelling bacteria that can build up in your mouth and lead to bad breath.
- Easiest way to prevent bad breath is to chew parsley after a meal. Parsley contains chlorophyll, a known breath freshener.
- Place a few drops of tee tree oil or peppermint oil on your tongue or use the oil on your toothbrush along with your toothpaste.
- Avoid mouthwashes with high amounts of alcohol. Alcohol dries the mucous membranes of the mouth.
- The use of commercially marketed breath freshening kits and bad breath remedies may help prevent bad breath.
- Visit your dentist on a regular basis (every six months or as indicated by your dentist) for a complete examination of your teeth and gums.