Bad breath

Everybody has bad breath from time to time, especially first thing in the morning. You also may have bad breath when you are hungry, when you are dieting, or after eating foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or pastrami.

To help improve your breath:

• Gargle with water.
• Brush your teeth, tongue, roof of your mouth, and gums at least twice a day with toothpaste.
• Floss your teeth once each day.
• Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Eat less meat.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products, such as snuff or chewing (spit) tobacco.
• Avoid foods and drinks that cause bad breath, such as garlic and alcohol.
• Eat at regular intervals. Dieting or missing meals can decrease saliva and cause bad breath.
• Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free mints, or drink water, especially if your mouth is dry. Try using breath sticks, which contain the ingredients found in a mouthwash and dissolve in your mouth.
• Remove dentures, removable bridges, partial plates, or orthodontic appliances and clean them once each day or as directed by your dentist. Pieces of food and germs can collect on these appliances and cause bad breath.
• Use a mouthwash for temporary relief of bad breath. Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
• Have regular dental checkups.
• Make an appointment to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) if you have frequent problems with mouth odor.

To help improve your child's breath:

• Teach your child to gargle with water when your child is old enough. This is usually around 8 years of age.
• Help your child to brush their teeth, tongue, roof of the mouth, and gums at least twice a day. Ask your doctor or dentist if your child is ready for fluoride toothpaste.
• Help your child floss their teeth once each day when your child is old enough.
• Help your child avoid foods that cause bad breath, such as garlic, onion, or pastrami.
• Have your child drink water, especially if their mouth is dry.
• Help your child remove orthodontic appliances and clean them once each day or as directed by your dentist. Pieces of food and germs can collect on these appliances and cause bad breath.
• If your child age 6 or older has cavities, ask the dentist if your child should try mouthwash.