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Healthy Living
February 12, 2015
5 Tips for Busting Bad Breath This Valentine’s Day
As you embrace that special someone this Valentine’s Day, looking for a romantic kiss to cap off an unforgettable evening, the last thing you want to be conscious of is your breath. Obviously, practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath. But here are a few more simple tips to guarantee fresher breath when you’re ready to pucker up:
- Stay hydrated – Oftentimes, bacteria can cause chronic bad breath. However, saliva acts as an anti-bacterial agent. Drinking plenty of water keeps your mouth moist, protecting it odor-causing microbes. Help those bacteria wash away by drinking at least eight glasses of water per day.
- Skip the sweets – Sugar can act as a catalyst for the growth of bacteria that causes bad breath. Watch out for that heart-shaped box of chocolates, and instead reach for a stick of gum. Gum helps with the production of saliva and can keep your breath smelling fresh.
- Fruit freshness – Certain fruits contain essential vitamins that help promote healthy teeth and gums. Healthy mouths are important if you want to make sure your breath smells fresh. Vitamin C is a natural neutralizer of odor-causing bacteria, so the more you eat, the cleaner your mouth. In addition, apples help generate saliva and can assist in the removal of plaque around your teeth and gums. Less plaque means less bacteria.
- You go, yogurt – Did you know bad breath can start in your stomach, where it’s a digestive battle between good bacteria and bad. When the balance tips too far in the bad bacteria’s favor, stinky breath can be a symptom. Yogurt is filled with so-called “good bacteria” and provides the positive reinforcement that a healthy digestive system needs.
- Rinse and repeat – When it comes to practicing safe breath, rinsing with water is just as important as drinking it. Plenty of foods contain natural compounds that can either accelerate the growth of odor-causing bacteria, or are naturally pungent enough to overpower other efforts to keep your breath odor-free. A quick rinse after meals and drinks, especially acidic ones, can wash away the bad stuff.
Do you have any tips for ensuring bad breath doesn’t get in the way of your Valentine’s Day?
