6 ways to beat bad breath

Smelly breath can be embarrassing but there are some simple things you can do to get rid of it. We found a Women's Health article with six ways to beat bad breath.


1. Stay on top of your teeth. Your first and easiest line of defense is good oral care. Cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease can all be underlying causes of odor. Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily to remove the plaque and bacteria that accumulates on your teeth and under your gumline. And be sure to visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning.

2. Clean your tongue. The fleshy surface of the tongue is a prime breeding ground for harmful bacteria and accounts for a large percentage of halitosis cases; but most people neglect this crucial area when brushing. To dislodge the offending build-up take a regular soft bristle toothbrush and make a few gentle strokes down the tongue from back to front once a day.

3. Wet your whistle. Your saliva contains vital protective enzymes that help kill bad bacteria, so a dry mouth can be contributing to your smelly situation. Staying hydrated will help stimulate the salivary glands and keep your mouth properly moisturized.

4. Go sugar-free. Reaching for mints and gum can help mask that dragon breath but if you're using sugary brands you're actually adding to the problem. Bacteria in your mouth tend to ferment sugar, which leads to those very unpleasant odors, so stick with sugar-free solutions. And while you're at it, cutting down on sugar in the rest of your diet can go a long way in snuffing out those icky smells.

5. Get a physical. If you've been on top of your dental care, have tried all of the above and your breath could still peel the paint from the walls, it's time to ring up the doc. Chronic nasty breath can be a symptom of a variety of other underlying medical issues such as diabetes, severe sinus infections, post-nasal drip, GI disorders, or liver and kidney problems.

6. Take a tea break. Drinking tea can do more than soothe your soul, it can also help that halitosis. Research out of the University of Illinois at Chicago shows that polyphenols, chemical components found in black and green tea, can prevent the growth of the bacteria responsible for bad breath as well as the bacteria's production of putrid smelling compounds.


Discover how I cured my nasty Bad Breath here.

Source Today's THV

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