1. Maintain a Low-carb Diet
The particles produced by high fat foods help food ferment in the stomach. The odor of the particles remains on the tongue through the esophagus and emits an unpleasant odor. Carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli etc. neutralize fatty foods and reduce bad breath.
2. Eat More Vegetables and Fruits
Acidic foods produce odors while vegetables are alkaline foods that help balance the body's acidity and reduce bad breath. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery and carrots are great as snacks and good for health. Their hard texture makes them good tooth cleaning tools to help remove residue in between teeth.
3. Drink More Water
Dentists often advise this. Flavored drinks, whether it is bottled sports drinks, soda or cold drinks with citric acid, produces breath odor. Soda water is acidic and could destroy tooth enamel. Drink more water to keep breath and avoid dry mouth. The ideal amount to drink is 1.3 liters a day.
4. Drink Less Coffee
Coffee is highly acidic and causes bad breath if over consumed. If you want to balance the pH in your mouth, drink high-alkaline green juices from cucumbers and green apples.
5. Eat Raw Mint or Coriander
If you want fresh breath, chew mint or coriander. Both help to refresh the breath. Coriander is rich in chlorophyll, a substance that combats bad breath caused by hydrogen sulfide or methyl mercaptan from VSVs.
6. Keep Your Tongue Clean
Don't forget to clean your tongue every day. Bacteria sticks to the tongue and forms a thick coating which causes bad breath. Use a tongue scraper or a tongue cleaner. Tongue brushing removes bacteria necessary for oral health.
7. Use Mouthwash
Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash. A moist mouth with enough saliva helps to keep breath fresh and reduce bacteria. Mouthwash with alcohol tends to make the mouth dry. Even if you are a drinker, you are advised to use an alcohol-free mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.
8. Quit smoking
Your mouth becomes dry when you smoke. The nicotine contained in cigarettes constricts blood vessel circulation and hinders the flow of saliva. If your mouth is dry, you get bad breath. So, quit smoking!