8 Ways to Beat Bad Breath


May 19, 2014

Stay On Top Of Your Teeth

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, says Cram. Depending on the anatomy of your tongue—some people have a lot of grooves -you might want to invest in a tongue scraper for more effective cleaning. Check with your dentist for the best option based on your needs.


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, says Cram. 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.

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. If you’re guzzling the optimal 8 glasses of H2O a day and you’re still desert-dry, check for these additional issues:

—Are you on any medications? Dry mouth is often a side effect of certain meds like antihistamines for chronic allergies, antidepressants and antianxieties, or blood pressure pills. Ask your dentist if she can recommend products like mouthwash and toothpaste made especially for dryness or salivary substitutes that help lubricate the tissues in your mouth and take the place of missing saliva.

—Are you extremely dry first thing in the morning? It could be a sign that you are breathing with your mouth open all night due to problems like sleep apnea, a bad bite, or sinusitis. Check with your doctor. Clearing up some of these issues can quickly put that bad breath to rest.

Pass the Bread

Take a Tea Break

Spice It Up

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.


Tags: oral care