How to Prevent Bad Breath

1.  The use of chewing gum, mouthwash, and candy are not adequate solutions for dealing with bad breath, as they do not address the root cause, which is improper hygiene. In fact, these substances can complicate hygiene issues if left in the mouth for a significant amount of time. Leafy green vegetables, lemons, and limes are much better cover-ups in emergencies when your toothbrush is not. Always remember to rinse thoroughly with water after each application of these miraculous breath-fresheners!

2.  After you brush your teeth and scrape your tongue, rinse your mouth thoroughly and gargle with fresh, cool water. This is an important step, one that many people overlook. Nobody likes to smell your breath when it's laden with dirty, used toothpaste scum.

3.  Brush your teeth and scrape your tongue first thing every morning, and after each time you take a nap. Foul-smelling bacteria have had a chance to take over your mouth while you slept, and are most likely causing yucky "morning breath." Tongue scrapers can be found in most health food stores, and also in drug stores and convenience stores as they become more popular.

4.  Any time you notice that you have bad breath, rinse your mouth with water. If this doesn't work, then brush your teeth again. You may also need to scrape your tongue again. Always finish by rinsing with plenty of cool water.
5.  After you eat or drink anything (besides water), thoroughly rinse your mouth and gargle with water. Use this practice without fail, day and night, and you will keep abreast of nasty bacteria buildup in your mouth, which cause bad breath. Run your tongue along the surfaces of your teeth throughout the day, and if you ever notice any plaque buildup, brush your teeth again and rinse thoroughly with water, making sure that you feel your teeth, not plaque buildup, which is a contributing factor in bad breath.

6.  Drink plenty of fresh water every day, but try to avoid drinking water too close to meal times, as it can decrease your digestive capacity. Keeping your body properly hydrated assists in its own natural cleansing processes, and can help tackle bad breath.

7.  Avoid eating sugary foods and processed foods in great amounts. These foods are not healthy for your body and will be a source of both teeth decay and an unhealthy body. A body that isn't functioning optimally can release a bad odor through the mouth and through sweat, so feed yourself with cleansing, healthy, and unprocessed foods most of the time and your breath will be fresh
8.  Pungent foods and bad breath. Foods such as onion, garlic, and fish can cause bad breath -- even hours after you brush your teeth.

9.  Bad habits = bad breath. Any type of smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipe) or chewing tobacco can leave you with a really nasty taste -- and smell -- in your mouth.

10.  Tummy troubles. Sometimes GI problems such as GERD or an ulcer can cause bad breath when you burp and gas is released. Also blame low-carb diets, which cause ketosis, a fat-burning state in the body that produces dragon breath.