Fixing bad breath

1. Keep your mouth clean. That means a thorough brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Food and bacteria trapped between teeth and at the gum line can only be removed with floss. If they're left to linger, bad breath is imminent.
   
2. Clean your tongue, too. Bacteria left on your tongue can contribute to less-than-fresh breath. Be sure to brush your tongue after you brush your teeth.
   
3. A dry mouth can quickly cause bad breath. Sali va helps clean your mouth; it has a natural antibacterial action, and it washes away food particles. That awful morning breath is the result of reduced saliva flow at night.
   
4. If nothing else, at least rinse your mouth with plain water after eating. Swishing the water around may help to remove some of the food particles left in the mouth after a meal and prevent bad breath from setting in.
   
5. Munching on parsley or spearmint won't cure bad breath, but the scent of the herb itself can help to cover up offending oral odor temporarily.
6. Foods that help fight plaque may also help fight bad breath. Opt for celery, carrots, peanuts or a bit of low-fat cheese if you want something to snack on. While all of these tips will help your breath smell better, figuring out the cause of bad breath is the best way to lick it for the long term.