Yahoo Finance How to Cure Bad Breath
Start with floss, and then move your way up to the tongue scraper. (Photo: Walter Zerla / Getty Images)
Whether with a potential employer or potential love interest, bad breath can kill a first impression at the jump. But the ugly truth is that even if you brush vigorously and never neglect a nightly flossing session, you’re still not safe from an occasional case of halitosis. “Bacteria can accumulate under the gumline and cause a terrible smell,” Sally J. Cram, DDS, pedodontist in Washington D.C. and consumer advisor for the ADA, says. Here, Cram offers her suggestions on how to keep it fresh all day, every day.
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Stay Loyal to Your Hygiene Routine
(Photo: Getty Images)
We’re all guilty of swigging mouthwash as a quick solution on lazy mornings or late nights, but it’s important to stay loyal to a regular oral hygiene routine. “Mouthwashes just mask whatever the issue is, they don’t solve it,” Cram explains. “It’s similar to spritzing on cologne instead of taking a proper shower.” You may feel minty fresh for a few hours, but mouthwash alone can’t remove the bacteria that brushing and flossing take care of, and that neglect can eventually lead to sustained bad breath and tooth decay. “A rotting tooth smells really bad,” Cram adds.
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Invest in the Right Toothbrush
(Photo: Colgate)
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the variety of toothbrushes in the oral care aisle, but Cram suggests sticking to a soft toothbrush with lots of bristles. "A small or compact head helps to reach better around the back teeth. The idea is to get those bristles down under the gumline and sweep out the plaque.” Try the Colgate Wave Gum Comfort Ultra Soft Compact Head toothbrush ($4; kleenteeth.com).
Related: How to Choose the Best Toothbrush
Go for Fluoride Toothpastes
(Photo: Colgate)
To prevent decay and kill bacteria, look for a toothpaste with fluoride, which can help prevent gum disease and decay, and strengthen tooth enamel. “It’s also very important to chose toothpastes that have the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This shows that it has been evaluated by someone other than the manufacturer and is safe and effective," Cram says. She recommends Colgate Total Advanced Deep Clean Toothpaste ($8; amazon.com).
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Eat Your Greens
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According to Fig + Yarrow founder Brandy Monique, fresh basil can work wonders to banish bad breath. "The polyphenols in basil can fight this effect by killing the bacteria. You can also steep the herbs into a tea,” Monique says. She recommends chlorophyll in the form of greens, juices, and powder. Chlorophyll, or, more importantly chlorophyllin, works to reduce bad breath by absorbing the odor causing compounds and naturally removing them through bowel movements. Because this occurs within the body, the odors are neutralized before they can be secreted.
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Scrape Your Tongue
(Photo: Dr. Tungs)
Multiple studies have proven that anywhere from 40 to 70 percent of odorous molecules camp out on the tongue. A scraper is more effective at removing toxins and bacteria from the tongue than a toothbrush. “Although brushing and flossing will loosen and move debris around, they do not actually remove the bacteria," Monique explains. Go for natural option, such as Dr. Tungs Tongue Cleaner ($7; drtungs.com).
By Andrea Kasprzak
