Do people stand farther away from you when you talk? Are you worried you may have bad breath? If so, we have the read for you! Bad breath is not something to be ashamed of; it affects about 50% of the population. Everyone has it at some point (especially in the morning), but if you are worried the odor doesn’t go away with brushing and mouthwash it may be time to figure out what helps get rid of bad breath once and for all. Chewing gum for many serves as their only remedy, however, it can have an effect that often people are blinded by. Taking the proper steps to rid you of your bad breath is essential.

Do You Have Bad Breath?

Bad breath is caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth that leads to inflammation and causes the odor. The easiest way to tell if you suffer from bad breath is to ask a trusted friend, but who really wants to do that? The other option is a bit gross but will get the job done. After you floss, if you look at the dental floss and there is blood and there is an odor, odds are you’ve got it.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by oral bacteria or by other medical conditions outside of the mouth. Most of the time bad breath related to mouth problems are cavities, gum disease, and tonsils that have trapped food. Some common “outside mouth” medical conditions are diabetes, liver disease, chronic bronchitis, and acid reflux. If you suffer from any of these talk to your doctor about what medication could help.

How to Go From Bad to Good

1. Talk to your dentist and make sure to stay on top of your daily dental routine.
2. Watch what you eat. Remember to eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay away from extreme diets. Eating raw watery vegetables (carrots, celery) can help clear out the debris in your mouth. Apples are also a good choice, known as “nature’s toothbrush.”
3. Stay hydrated! Drink a cup of water after eating if you are not able to brush your teeth. The water can help wash away some of the bacteria.
4. Limit the coffee! Coffee is a tough smell to eliminate. Try drinking green or herbal tea instead.
5. Skip the restaurant mint. Sugar-free mints are OK, but the sugar-filled mints you grab on your way out of a restaurant create more harm when it comes to your mouth.