Store shelves are overflowing with mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to help people combat and prevent bad breath. Yet these products help control bad breath (halitosis) only temporarily.

Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene. But, if simple self-care techniques don't solve the problem, you may want to see your dentist to be sure a more serious condition isn't causing your bad breath.

The Problem of Bad Breath

Bad breath happens when the bacteria inside the mouth, at the back of the tongue and the areas between the teeth develop. Failure to maintain a good oral hygiene allows the bacteria to grow and cause the problem.

Avocado (Persea Americana)

Another effective remedy for bad breath is avocado, which is far superior to any mouth lotion or remedies for this condition. It effectively removes intestinal putrefaction or decomposition which is one of the most important causes of bad breath.

Guava

Unripe guava is good to use in halitosis. It is rich in tannic, malic, oxalic, and phosphoric acids as well as calcium, oxalate, and manganese. Chewing it is an excellent tonic for the teeth and gums. It helps cure bleeding from gums and stops bad breath. Chewing tender leaves of guava tree also stops bleeding from gums and bad breath.

Run a strand of unflavored white dental floss between your upper and lower back molars. Take a look at the floss. Is it red or brown? Wait about 45 seconds and smell the floss. If it has an objectionable odor, you probably have bad breath.

Hold the tip of your tongue with a clean washcloth and rub the back of your tongue with a clean white washcloth. Again, wait 45 seconds and smell the cloth. If it has an offensive odor, your breath does too.

Brush your teeth twice a day.

Drink atleast 10 glass of water daily.

Gently clean the top of your tongue with the toothbrush.

Take health juices and eat raw vegetables as all fruit and vegetable juices are beneficial in the treatment of halitosis.

Drink plenty of water

The highest cause of bad breath, next to not taking care of your teeth is a dry mouth. If you are not drinking enough water, chances are that your bad

Breath is due to the lack of adequate moisture in your mouth. It is important to drink lots of water for many reasons, and bad breath is just

Floss thoroughly

When flossing, take the time to go back and forth on the inner sides of your teeth to remove all of the plaque and food that might be there. The idea is to clean your teeth where your tooth brush can't. Wash off your floss or use a clean section of floss before moving onto the next tooth. It is important to floss regularly during the day. If at all possible, floss after meals so food doesn't get a chance to develop nasty odors while lodged in between your teeth.