Fresh Breath

          
There are ways to keep your breath fresh without using expensive mouthwash or chewing gum. Brush your teeth and floss after every meal if possible. If you aren't able to brush your teeth or floss after eating, rinse your mouth with water and try to loosen any food particles around your teeth. When you are able to brush your teeth, you need to brush your tongue too. The tongue, especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria. Spend some time on the tongue, moving slowly toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex. A tongue scraper used twice a day can also be useful. During the day keep your mouth hydrated. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath so try snacking on oranges or celery, and drink plenty of water. To freshen your mouth try an herbal palate cleanser such as parsley (chew on it after meals), drink peppermint tea, or chew two or three fennel or anise seeds or one clove. If you still have bad breath, contact your dentist. He or she may be able to prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash and can diagnose any condition or concerns of the oral cavity that may be causing the problems, such as gum disease.