How do I manage my bad breath (halitosis) on a daily basis?

Brush and floss your teeth regularly and use a tongue scraper to thoroughly remove dental plaque from your teeth and tongue. There are also many commercially available products for bad breath (halitosis). Using an anti-bacterial toothpaste and/or mouthwash can help, while breath mints or gum will temporarily relieve the problem.  Eating parsley after ingesting foods, such as garlic or onions, can also freshen your breath.  If you wear dentures, keep them clean. Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.

Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss to clean between teeth.

There are many commercially available products for bad breath (halitosis). Using mouthwash, breath mints, or gum will temporarily relieve the problem. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and use a tongue scraper. Eating parsley after ingesting foods such as garlic or onions can also freshen your breath. If you wear dentures, keep them clean. Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth.