Almost everyone carries around a pack of Orbit gum or even a tiny disposable toothbrush, because no-one wants to have bad breath (halitosis). But it would be even better to prevent it in the first place, right? Here are some tips on treating and avoiding bad breath.
1. Brush often
Most bad breath is caused by particles of food left in our mouths that encourage bacteria to grow. Disgusting! So make sure to brush after every meal, or at least twice a day.
2. Eat
People who don’t eat often enough also have bad breath. Make sure you’re eating as often, and as much, as you should.
3. Avoid garlic
Certain foods, like garlic, onions, and curry, contain chemicals that stay in your system (and in your lungs) for hours, until they’re processed out. Avoid them right before a job interview or a hot date!
4. Drink plenty of water
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is another main cause of bad breath, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
5. Try mints or gum
If you couldn’t resist that garlicky hummus at lunch, mask the odor with a mint gum or an Altoid mint.
6. Don’t smoke
Smoking causes yellow teeth, lung cancer, gum disease, and also bad breath. If you currently smoke, quit now. If you never started, DON’T!
7. Stick out your tongue
When you brush your teeth, make sure to take a few swipes at your tongue, too. It will kill any bacteria living there, too.
Nice post. Hopefully lots of people read it and take your advice. Nothing is worse than talking to someone breathing in your face with bad breath.
Great tips! Too bad I cannot live without garlic and onions and I LOOOOOVE curry! lol :)
Elysa,
Ha Ha. Well as long as you brush and floss afterward and keep some gum handy ;)
So many people suffer from bad breath! Junkkk :S
I brush my teeth twice daily and never had any problems with bad breathing even if I smoke!
I only get smell when I eat onions which I totally love!! But I carry mint or chewing gums on me always! So problem solved! :D
Subarbandgrandma: That is the worst. And I’m always too nice to tell them their breath stinks. :(
Yuck I hate bad breath! sometimes I get really paranoid that i have stinky breath and it’ll be weird to ask someone if it does.
I mostly drink water to flush out all toxins. some gums turn really nasty after a while.. GROSS
Bad breath is up there in the list of my pet peeves. *shudder* I’m so scared I might have bad breath that you’ll almost always see me chewing gum. Not always an attractive sight but it keeps the bad breath away :p
Elysa,
We have same tastes in food!! :D
This is indeed a great post Jennifer and I will recommended to some people….I know they will feel guilty. But actually how can you tell somebody that he has a bad breath ?
Tavia,
You’re right!
Sending them this one is an indirect polite way to tell them!!
Maybe some people will notice their bad breaths and take some action about it, an spare us the embaresment!
hi i have a very bad breath i don’t know the cause but i went to hospital so many times and i checked my teeth, ENT(ear, nose,throat) and my stomach i mean if i have gastric infection but they couldn’t give any result i’m sick of this thing i hate my self i try so many things but still nothing i hope you will understand me and you will give me the right answer. plz help me. thanks write soon.
Hey Rekik,
Well, follow these tips for one. Also floss often. And chew gum! I’m always chewing gum because I’m afraid I might have bad breath!
Try gargling with 3% hydrogen peroxide for at least one minute. I’ve been using it for quite a while now – works a treat!
It foams up in your mouth killing germs, bacteria etc.
Be sure not to swallow, as with any other mouth wash.
Rekik,
I would also suggest to brush your tongue, when you brush your teeth, and try different toothpastes. Some people chew on Parsley or mint leaves to freshen their breath. Maybe it’s the spices you cook with. Also, not eating at least 2 hours before bedtime might be helpful, and drinking lots of water.
Haha. I like that sticking out your tongue is the last one. Chewing gum is my very favorite thing. It always makes me feel less gross after a meal and I feel all minty and fresh.
Orbit gum,
And Orbit is MY favorite!! :D
Mine toooo :D Strawbery and Mint :D
I’ve never tried the strawberry and mint, but I totally want to now! I’m all about the sweet mint and the bubblemint though. Yum.
Where do I get peppermint oil? I’ve never heard of it.
I hope people take these tips to heart! Halitosis should be a crime!
Hey Theo,
As much as I hate people with bad breath, it is sort of sad for some people. Halitosis is something that really can’t be helped by some people. Cos there’s no ‘cure’ per se for it. But yeah, they should try and mask it atleast!
Xannyyy,
Strawberry and mint huh! gotta try that. THough I generally prefer just mint gums cos they seem to be stronger!
Hey Anthony,
Thanks for the tip. Hope you do stop by more often and comment!