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Fighting Bad Breath

June 2, 2010

The following suggestions will help eliminate or significantly reduce bad breath.

1. Visit your dentist on a regular basis for a complete examination and cleaning of your teeth and gums
2. Prevent bad breath by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing, especially after meals that contain food and spices that cause bad breath. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove any trapped food or bacteria caught in the hair like fibers on the tongue.
3. Try chewing parsley after a meal. It contains chlorophyll, a known breath freshener.
4. To prevent bad breath from smoking—stop smoking!
5. Avoid foods such as garlic, onions, cabbage, and coffee.
6. Dry mouth or xerostomia is a major cause of bad breath. Sip water throughout the day. Chew sugar free gum to help your body produce more saliva.
7. If you use a breath freshener or candy consider one that contains xylitol, studies have shown that it can reduce cavities.
8. Occasionally use a mouth rinse of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water as a mouth rinse. Hydrogen peroxide will help kill the bacteria that causes bad breath