Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Overcoming bad breath.


Nothing is worse then someone who has bad breath and they like to be really close to your face when they talk. Very uncomfortable. However, it is worse when the person with the bad breath is you! So how do you stop bad breath? Well, here are some tips for you from the Mayo Clinic. Of course it couldn't hurt to carry some mints or breath strips, too!

Try the following steps to improve or prevent bad breath:

Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to brush after eating.
Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
Brush your tongue. Giving your tongue a good brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your tongue with at least five to 15 strokes. Pay particular attention to the middle third of the tongue, where most of the bacteria tend to collect.
Clean your dentures well. If you wear a bridge or a partial or complete denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist.
Drink plenty of water. To keep your mouth moist, be sure to consume plenty of water — not coffee, soft drinks or alcohol. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates saliva, washing away food particles and bacteria. If you have chronic dry mouth, your dentist or doctor may additionally prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
Use a fairly new toothbrush. Change your toothbrush every three to four months, and choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Schedule regular dental checkups. At least twice a year, see your dentist to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned."

I also like to recommend a bottle of Listerine or breath strips as a good alternative when you are in a hurry or on the go. Tic Tacs, Lifesavers, etc. do not work as well. Although Altoids can be a huge help too.

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