Freshen Your Breath the Natural Way

Have you ever been on an airplane, or standing next to someone in line at the grocery store, and been overcome by your neighbor’s bad breath? Or just maybe – don’t deny it now – you were the one with the stinky breath . . . the kind that no mouthwash or minty gum could conquer.

If bad breath is a constant battle for you – you’re not alone. An estimated 25 percent of Americans (my husband included – sorry, honey) suffer from persistent foul breath, also known as halitosis. And, if you’re one of that 25 percent, you know that bad breath can be embarrassing – even to the point of affecting your confidence in social situations.

But don’t give up hope on fresh breath just yet! Read on for some tips on how to ensure you won’t clear the room next time you open your mouth.

Bad Breath Basics
Halitosis can be due to a buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, or it could result after eating strong-smelling foods, such as garlic and meats. If you have overactive salivary glands or have a dental condition, you may be more likely to have bad breath. Other health issues, such as liver disease, diabetes, cancer and digestive disorders can also affect how the breath smells.

Bad breath can strike first thing in the morning, or immediately after a meal. It can become a difficult and embarrassing problem, however, when mints and gums don’t mask the odor.

A Fresh Breath Plan
Make the following tips part of your fresh breath plan and you won’t have to worry that you’re making a bad impression:

Brush—and rinse. Brushing is only half the battle—germs that cause halitosis can hide out between teeth and on the gums and tongue. If you can’t carry a small bottle of mouthwash around, swish a little water vigorously around your mouth and spit it out.

Use a chlorophyll mouthwash. Chlorophyll kills toxins that can cause bad breath, and using the mouthwash, particularly first thing in the morning and after meals, can lessen or eliminate the symptoms of halitosis.

Chew on some herbs. Cloves, mint, parsley, anise and fennel seeds all have fragrant properties that enhance breath.

Take B-complex vitamins. If digestive issues are behind your bad breath, B-complex can help the muscles of the digestive system run smoothly and ensure that there is an adequate amount of digestives juices to properly break down food by-products that may give off unpleasant odors.

So now you know! Follow the above advice and you can banish bad breath starting today!