Bad breath

Is there anything that is quite as immediately unappealing and offensive to others as bad breath? Alas, there is not, and it is not exclusively limited to grumpy old men who chew garlic for breakfast!

Women have it too, and in most cases it is caused by bacteria festering in your mouth as a result of bits of stuck food, plaque or gum disease.

Though others will notice before you that you have bad breath, few are likely to tell you, out of politeness. So it may be worth asking if you have bad breath to someone who is likely to be honest with you!

Lots of people have it at one stage or another, but here are a few handy tips you can follow to ensure that you keep bad breath at bay:

• stay away from strong foods like onions and garlic
• avoid alcohol and cigarettes
• maintain good dental hygiene

On this last point, brushing and flossing helps, really. Do it regularly, at least twice a day, with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and take your time to clean the teeth. Cover all areas, and use dental floss to remove any bits of food that are trapped between your teeth and gums. If left there, the food will rot.

You can also rinse with anti bacterial mouthwash, though this does not replace brushing your teeth, no matter what your friends tell you.

Keep in mind that acidic drinks, such as orange juice, weaken your tooth enamel, so don't brush your teeth for 30 minutes after you've had a sip. This will help you prevent tooth erosion.

This article was published on Mon 20 December 2010