Seven habits that will ensure you always have fresh breath

Good breath is an important part of self-esteem. When people continuously point out that someone’s breath isn’t that great, their interaction with others could be affected because they’re constantly worried that people will notice.

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We don’t always have fresh breath but if it’s something that’s been ongoing for a while, you’ll need to do something about it by getting to the root cause.

Whether it’s a hygiene issue or a chronic problem, these steps could boost your regimen and ensure your breath smells fresh. 

1. Brush more often

Brushing every day is the first step to good breath. That process helps rid your teeth of plaque and prevent gum problems. Forgetting to brush your teeth daily could even lead to cavities and gum disease, both which cause bad breath. 

Ensure you’re brushing every day with a fluoride toothpaste and use a soft brush to prevent your enamel from wearing out. Alternatively you can use baking soda or salt and some warm water as a natural substitute for toothpaste.

2. Floss daily

Flossing is just as important as brushing. Small particles of food get lodged in between the teeth where a normal brush isn’t able to reach This means that food can get stuck there for days, weeks or even months if you don’t do something about it. As that food starts to decompose, it rots your teeth resulting in bad breath. Get some good floss and use it every day to improve your oral hygiene.

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3. Drop the smoking habit

According to Healthline, cigarettes and tobacco have been linked to bad breath. Tobacco too can cause other oral health problems and stain your teeth. If you’re a smoker, brushing twice a day and flossing can help reduce bad breath. There are also toothpastes in the market that are made for smokers. 

4. Drink water often

Water has many benefits for the body and that includes oral health. Water helps to flush away food particles that might get lodged in your gums and teeth reducing chances of bacteria which cause bad breath. 

Drinking plenty of water also helps keep your mouth moist throughout the day so that even when you haven’t had a chance to speak, your breath remains fresh.

5. Choose a healthier diet

A healthy diet goes a long way. Fruits, veggies, herbs like basil and probiotic yoghurt are some of the foods that can improve your breath because they help fight odor causing bacteria. Stay away from sugary foods because those lead to cavities. Bacteria loves to feed on sugar and that breakdown process often produces bad breath. Remember to limit your alcohol intake if you drink regularly because this is also another major cause of bad breath.

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6. Carry mints and sprays in your bag

A few mints and breath freshening sprays never hurt anyone. They’re a life saver on those days when you don’t have your brush and toothpaste around, and you need that boost real quick. Go for the sugar free options so that your teeth won’t have to suffer later.

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7. Book an appointment with your dentist

Chronic bad breath is something that requires more care. And it’s okay to see a specialist when nothing else seems to work. There could be an underlying issue causing bad breath and the best person to help with that is your dentist. They will provide treatment or recommend further tests to find out what the issue might be.

An extra tip is to change your toothbrush often to prevent bacteria buildup and buy a pocket size toothbrush and toothpaste to keep your mouth fresh during the day. Strictly observing high levels of oral hygiene will always do the trick in combating bad breath.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Evewoman.co.ke