Chronic bad breath (halitosis) is an embarrassing issue that over 80 million people from around the world struggle with daily. While some products such as mints and gum can mask this problem, they will not permanently cure halitosis. Here is a look at a few tips that you can use to defeat bad breath for good.

Buy a Tongue Scraper
The human tongue is full of taste buds that collect and hold particles of food. Unfortunately, this means that it is all too easy for food to remain trapped in one’s mouth and slowly begin to create bacteria and acids. Those that are struggling with bad breath should invest in a tongue scraper and make a point to use it after every meal.

Rinse After Brushing
Daily hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing are the foundation of a healthy smile, but it is important to use mouthwash as well. An anti-bacterial mouthwash will not only remove the plaque that collects between one’s teeth, but it will also neutralize the germs that cause bad breath.

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
The Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health states that patients should visit the dentist at least once every year. In addition to professional teeth cleaning and whitening, a dentist from places will also be able to diagnose any underlying issues that could be causing halitosis.

Stay Hydrated
One of the most common reasons for halitosis is a lack of saliva. Saliva production is an incredibly important process that keeps our gums and teeth healthy by removing bacteria. Having a bottle of water nearby at all times is one simple way to keep your mouth lubricated and avoid bad breath. The average adult should drink 2 liters of water per day.

Eat “Green” Foods
Garnishes such as parsley are not just there to improve the appearance of a meal, but they also help with cleansing one’s palate. One of the reasons that these green foods are used as a garnish is because they contain a pigment known as chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a safe and natural way to neutralize odors in one’s mouth without the use of any chemicals.

Halitosis is often the result of food debris not being cleaned away from one’s teeth, gums, and tongue. Maintaining impeccable oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist at least twice a year will allow you to enjoy fresh breath and a healthy smile.