1. Brush and Floss Regularly

After a long day, it can be tempting to skip brushing and flossing so you can fall into bed just a couple of minutes earlier. Don't give in to temptation. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is one of the easiest methods when you want to know how to treat halitosis naturally. Throughout the day, eating and drinking cause a sticky buildup known as plaque to remain on your teeth. In turn, it collects bacteria and leads to bad breath.

Flossing at night also helps to remove food that has become trapped during the day and is causing bad breath. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush for at least two minutes. Don't forget about the rest of your mouth too. Lots of bacteria live on the inside of the cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue, so it is important to gently brush these areas as well.

If you're particularly worried about halitosis, you can brush or floss more often than twice a day. Be careful not to overdo it, though. Brushing too hard or too often can wear down the enamel on your teeth and make them more susceptible to tooth decay.

2. Quit Using Tobacco

Smoking cigarettes and cigars or using chewing tobacco is easily one of the worst things you can do for your breath, not to mention your overall health. If you use tobacco, quit. In addition to bad breath, tobacco stains your teeth, damages your gums, causes cancer, and can lead to a range of other health problems, such as hypertension, stroke, heart attack, and even sudden death. If you can't quit cold turkey, you can talk to your doctor about nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, or even prescription medications to help you. In some cases, insurance will cover smoking cessation aids. 

3. Keep Your Mouth Moist

Dry mouth can lead to halitosis. Keeping your saliva flowing is essential not only for better-smelling breath but for your overall oral health, as a lack of saliva can make you more susceptible to tooth decay. When you feel like you have dry mouth, be sure to drink plenty of water. It also helps to chew on healthy foods that create a lot of salivae, such as carrots or apples. Other options include sugar-free gum or candies. 

4. Avoid Foods Known for Causing Bad Breath

Brushing your teeth after eating breath-souring foods like onions and garlic does not truly help to get rid of the odor. This is because the components that create halitosis make their way into your bloodstream and to your lungs, causing you to exhale the odor as you breathe. Of course, not many people want to fully give up onions or garlic, so the best idea is to avoid them if you are going to work or spending time with friends.

5. See Your Dentist Regularly

No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth and the inside of your mouth at home, you'll never be able to get it 100% clean. For this reason, it is important to visit your dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Your dentist has access to professional tools that not only help to remove missed plaque but can also detect any other issues, such as dry mouth, gum disease, or infections that can lead to bad breath. Finally, a dentist may be able to tell if your bad breath is related to another underlying health problem and refer you to your primary care provider. 

Bad breath doesn't need to ruin your life. By using these tips and creating a care plan with your dentist, you can ensure you have the healthy mouth you deserve and better breath that leads to higher confidence. 

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