5 Quick Fixes For Constant Bad Breath | Curated by Nima Dayani

Bad breath is a common problem. The American Dental Association reports that half of adults have suffered from bad breath at some point, and when this bad breath is constant, your self-confidence may suffer, especially while you’re at work. Will your coworkers notice at your next meeting? In an interview, will your bad breath make a poor first impression on your potential new boss? Could your bad breath alter the course of your career? Here are five quick fixes for your constant bad breath.

1. Pop a Sugar-Free Mint

Sugar-free mints can be used to quickly freshen your breath before important business meetings. They don’t cure your bad breath, but they will mask the odor and make your breath temporarily smell minty fresh. Plus, since mints are compact, it’s easy to fit them in your pocket.

You can use mints frequently as long as you choose a sugar-free variety. Mints that contain sugar can contribute to tooth decay and other dental problems.

2. Drink Water

Constant bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, which means that your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva. Your saliva washes away food particles that can make your breath smell, and without enough saliva, these particles will stay put and lead to bad breath.

Drinking water before a meeting or interview is a quick fix for this problem. For longer meetings, bring a water bottle with you so that can continue to sip water and keep your bad breath at bay.

3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free gum is another easy, fast way to get rid of your bad breath. Chewing gum stimulates your salivary flow, explains the Journal of Dental Research (Isfahan), and this can help to freshen your breath if the odor is caused by dry mouth. The scent of the gum will help to mask underlying odors, especially if you choose strong-smelling flavors like peppermint or cinnamon.

4. Use Breath Spray

Breath sprays are flavored products that can be sprayed into the mouth to quickly freshen breath. These sprays come in flavors like cinnamon and peppermint, and they’re a good choice for times when you’re in too much of a rush to chew gum or drink a glass of water. Choose a sugar-free breath spray to avoid putting yourself at risk of tooth decay.

5. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help you quickly freshen your breath. This quick fix works by killing the microorganisms inside your mouth that contribute to bad breath. The minty aroma also helps to temporarily cover up any underlying odors, like tobacco.

It’s a good idea to keep a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash in your briefcase, purse or desk drawer to ensure that you’re ready for last-minute meetings at work. Simply swish your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.

Long-Term Relief

Keep these five tips in mind to maintain your fresh breath all day long. Whether you’re shaking hands with a client or chatting with your coworkers around the office, be memorable for your talents and not for your bad breath. However, gums, mints and other quick fixes are just temporary solutions. If you suffer from constant bad breath, make sure to see your dentist to find out what’s causing the problem. Your bad breath could be caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth or other issues that require attention. Once the cause has been identified, your dentist can offer treatments that will get rid of your bad breath for good.

Curated by Nima Dayani of Endodontics, Oral Surgery and Dental Implants Rehabilitation of New York City