Having fresh breath is an important part of personal hygiene. Bad breath can be embarrassing and can ruin your social interactions. You might have tried chewing gum or using breath mints, but these are temporary solutions.
Here are some quick tricks for fresh breath that you can use anytime, anywhere.
1. Hydrate Yourself
Drinking plenty of water is not only good for your health but also for your breath. A dry mouth can cause bad breath, as there is less saliva to wash away the bacteria in your mouth that cause a foul smell.
Drinking water helps to produce more saliva, which acts as a natural mouthwash.
2. Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily is the foundation of good oral hygiene. It not only removes food particles and bacteria from your mouth but also prevents plaque buildup, which is a major cause of bad breath.
Make sure to brush your tongue as well, as it is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause bad breath.
3. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps to kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol can dry out your mouth and worsen bad breath. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for at least 30 seconds and then spit it out.
Do not rinse your mouth with water afterwards, as this can dilute the mouthwash and reduce its effectiveness.
4. Chew Parsley or Mint Leaves
Parsley and mint leaves are natural breath fresheners. Chew on a sprig of parsley or a few mint leaves after a meal to get rid of any bad odours in your mouth.
They also help to stimulate the production of saliva, which is a natural cleanser for your mouth.
5. Avoid Strong-Smelling Foods
Strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions and spicy foods can leave an odour in your mouth even after you have brushed your teeth. Try to avoid these foods if you want to maintain fresh breath.
Related Article
Instant fresh breath tips
If you cannot avoid them, try to rinse your mouth with water after eating and chew on some parsley or mint leaves to mask the odour.
6. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots and celery are crunchy and require a lot of chewing. Chewing these foods helps to produce more saliva, which helps to cleanse your mouth of bacteria and food particles.
These foods also contain enzymes that help to break down odours in your mouth, leaving your breath smelling fresh.
7. Keep Your Mouth Moist
A dry mouth can cause bad breath, so it is important to keep your mouth moist. This can be done by drinking water or chewing sugarless gum. Sugarless gum helps to produce more saliva, which helps to cleanse your mouth.
It also contains xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that helps to prevent tooth decay.
8. Use a Tongue Scraper
Your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause bad breath. Use a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria from your tongue. Gently scrape your tongue from back to front, rinsing the scraper after each pass.
Do this daily to maintain fresh breath.
9. Avoid Smoking
Smoking not only stains your teeth and causes cancer but also causes bad breath. The chemicals in cigarettes dry out your mouth and leave an unpleasant odour. If you want fresh breath, avoid smoking or using other tobacco products.
10. Visit Your Dentist
Regular visits to your dentist are important for maintaining good oral health. A dentist can detect any dental problems that can cause bad breath, such as gum disease or tooth decay.
They may also be able to recommend specific oral hygiene products or treatments to help you maintain fresh breath.
