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.

8. Try an Antimicrobial Mouthwash

There are several over-the-counter antimicrobial mouthwashes you might want to try, like the ones by Cepacol and Biotene.

9. Floss Well

Make sure to floss at least once a day to get rid of food particles between your teeth that will encourage bacteria to grow.

10. Check Your Gums

Gum disease, like gingivitis and periodontitis, is another cause of bad breath. One warning sign is bleeding when you brush your teeth. If your gums bleed, see your dentist, and they can check for gum disease.

11. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

These two things can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which is a leasing cause of bad breath.

12. Try Some Oil

Peppermint and tea tree oils are refreshing and they help kill nasty odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. You can apply a couple of drops directly to your tongue, or apply them with your toothbrush.

13. Visit Your Dentist

It’s recommended that you see your dentist for a cleaning every six months. They can make sure your gums are healthy, and also tell you if there’s a medical reason you have bad breath. If so, they can also help you treat it.

So remember, don’t eat garlic before a big date, and make sure to brush your teeth and your tongue every day. You’ll have the sweetest, freshest breath ever! How do you treat bad breath? What foods or beverages do you avoid? Let me know!

Photo Credit: flickr.com