Practice Good Oral Hygiene
If you’re battling bad breath without success, it could be the fault of your routine. Ask yourself, “Am I brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly?” If the answer is no, this might be a good place to start. The following simple steps will help minimize your “Grade-D” breath by removing the build-up of bacteria. And don’t just focus on your teeth. Remember to give the tongue a little attention, as it may be loaded with decaying food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath. Remember, brushing your teeth only targets 25% of your mouth*. Add LISTERINE® to target your whole mouth.
*study representing surface area measurements
See Your Dentist Regularly
Maybe you have been practicing good oral hygiene, but your bad breath persists. It might be time to call a professional. Not only will your dentist give your teeth an expert touch, he or she can conduct an oral exam to detect and treat periodontal disease and other problems.
Stop Smoking
Without getting into some of the more serious side effects of tobacco use, smoking will—at the very least—give you smokers’ breath. Smoking also contributes to developing Gum Disease. As with any addiction, quitting can be much more difficult than expected. So talk to your doctor or pharmacist about beating the habit.
Drink Lots of Water
Water—it’s cool, refreshing and, unless you’re lost at sea or in a desert, readily available in large, drinkable amounts. So take advantage. Drinking water not only prevents dry mouth, which can cause bad breath, it also flushes out debris and food particles before they can break down.
Chew Gum
Dentists recommend brushing, flossing and rinsing twice a day for optimal oral hygiene. So what can you do in between cleanings if, say, you’ve just eaten a meat and cheese sandwich with extra onions on your way to teaching a CPR class? Start chewing. Chewing gum helps your mouth produce saliva, which helps flush away food and bacteria from your teeth, gums and tongue. Just make sure you opt for the sugar-free kind, otherwise you’ll wind up increasing your chances of tooth decay.
