What can I do to prevent bad breath?

Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:

1. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your teeth after you eat (keep a

toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don't forget to brush

your tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Use floss or

an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth

once a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before

being placed in your mouth the next morning.
2. See your dentist regularly -- at least twice a year. He or she will

conduct an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning and will be able

detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may

be the cause of bad mouth odor.
3. Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for

tips on kicking the habit.
4. Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum

(preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also

stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and

bacteria.
5. Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think the foods that you eat

may be causing your bad breath, record what you eat so that you can determine

which foods may be contributing to the problem. Bring the log to your dentist

to review. Also make a list of the medications you take. Some medications may

play a role in creating mouth odors.