Brushing after meals and flossing at least once daily

In order to cure halitosis it is necessary to remove rotting food debris from between the teeth, especially at the gumline.

Look after your Tongue

Gently cleaning the tongue surface twice daily with a tonguebrush, tongue scraper, or tongue cleaner will reduce this primary source of breath odour. An inverted teaspoon is also effective; a toothbrush less so, as the size and angle of the head do not allow it to reach as far as necessary. Be careful to avoid scraping the V-shaped row of taste buds found at the extreme back of the tongue. Brushing a small amount of antibacterial mouth rinse or tongue gel onto the tongue surface will further inhibit bacterial action.

Chewing gum

Since dry mouth can increase bacterial buildup and cause or worsen bad breath, chewing sugarless gum can help with the production of saliva, and thereby help to reduce bad breath.

Some gums, toothpastes, sprays, and gels which combat dry mouth for several hours have recently been marketed over the counter.

Drink Enough Water

Maintain water levels in the body by drinking several glasses of water a day. Adding lemon juice to your water is refreshing and also beneficial.

Yoghurt, Tea, Cinnamon, Parsley

Some studies have shown that eating yogurt, drinking green tea, or chewing cinnamon or sugarless cinnamon gum can reduce bad breath.

Parsley is a natural breath freshener when chewed slowly, and is easy to grow at home. This is why your garlic bread is often served with a sprig of parsley!

Halitosis Clinics

A very small number of clinics use a detailed assessment process including microbiology to determine the specific type or types of odour-causing bacteria. The specific bacteria are then controlled by individualised treatments. This procedure results in a very high success rate.

Alternative Therapies

Some who take a more holistic view of the body, including naturopaths and alternative nutritionist, believe that halitosis can be cured or greatly diminished by improving the overall health of the digestive tract, especially the small and large intestines. This process usually requires a change in eating style, lifestyle, and diet.