August 6 - Fresh Breath Day

I used to not be too worried about how my breath smelled. After researching fresh breath tips for today's holiday, I am now very paranoid that I have halitosis and am offending those around me. I will now take to carrying various herbs, toothpastes, mouthwash and tongue scrapers with me wherever I go.

Remedies for bad breath fall into three categories:
-Avoiding certain foods/substances
-Basic routine dental care
-Dealing with bad breath when it happens

If you wish to avoid bad breath, avoid consuming:
Garlic (and garlic powder)
Onions (and onion powder)
Fish
Milk
Cheese
Liquor
Coffee
Sugary foods
Processed foods
Stimulants
Cigarettes

To avoid bad breath, follow these regular dental care tips:
Brush and floss regularly.
Scrape or brush your tongue also.
See a dentist regularly.
Use mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide.
Check for signs of gingivitis and other dental problems.
Store toothbrush head down in a lidded plastic tumbler of hydrogen peroxide. Rinse very well before use.
Gargle with 1 tsp honey and cinnamon mixed in hot water in the morning.
Drink water throughout the day.
Eat "active culture" yogurt every day. This will help eliminate any traces of internally generated bad breath.
Drink tea.
The acids and fiber in fruits and vegetables can help kill much of the bacteria in your mouth. Another reason to eat more fruits and veggies every day!
Some medications may cause halitosis as a side effect - see if you can switch if it is a major issue.

Bad breath is bound to happen, even with careful dental hygiene. When it happens, try these tips:
Chew parsley, mint, fennel, ginger, basil, or cloves.
Drink water with lemon.
Eat an apple.
Gargle with salt water.
Gargle with mouthwash or have sugar-free mint or gum. Sugary gums or mints feed oral bacteria (bad for teeth and breath).
Whiskey will help kill the germs causing bad breath, but don't overdo it, it can worsen the problem.
Rinse mouth with water, then use a dry paper towel to rub your teeth. Rinse again. If towel is rough enough, use it to rub tongue clean.
Eat various mixed vegetables mixed into a mashed potato-like mush; vegetables like mushrooms, carrots and others work well.
Drink vodka after consuming onion/garlic.

Happy Fresh Breath Day!
Tips from the following pages:
Wikihow.com
Wikihow.com
Wikihow.com
Save Your Smile
GetRidofThings.com
Bad Breath Research