How to Fix Bad Breath without Gum

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All of us have had bad breath at some point or another. It’s often embarrassing and uncomfortable. One of the most common things to do is to chew gum. But there are times when chewing gum really isn’t available, convenient, and/or acceptable.

For example chewing gum may not be acceptable in public performances (singing, acting, public speaking, etc.), professional jobs (banking, teaching, sales, consulting, interviews, etc.), right before you sit down to eat on a date (it can be a little awkward if you have no where to put it), and for kids or students adhering to a ‘no gum’ policy.

If you are a mom of a toddler you may relate… At my house chewing gum often brings on a tantrum or tears. If I eat gum my toddler tries to get it out of my mouth. Other times he will scream and cry for it. If I’m not careful he will get into it and eat it when I’m not looking.

Further, gum is getting more and more expensive. Not too long ago it was .50 cents a pack… now gum ranges from $1.50-$2.99 a pack and who knows what it will cost in another 5 or 10 years. So using it isn’t always the least expensive way of fighting bad breath.

So what can help fight bad breath?

Of course brushing two times daily, flossing at least once daily, and going to the dentist at least twice a year are very important. But what about the times when despite doing those things, you realize you have bad breath?

Here are 9 effective ways to get rid of bad breath without using gum…

 

1-Use Mouthwash

Since using this (Listerine Ultra-Clean) I won’t use another. You can feel the cleaning going on in your mouth while you gargle and swish, even long after you spit it out. This is very effective because in 30 seconds you have ensured yourself hours of great smelling breath. Plus Listerine is the #1 Dentist recommended brand to give you a clean and healthy mouth.

2- Suck on or chew a breath mint, cough drop, or strong smelling candy.

This is a very short term fix but can do the trick if you need it to. Altoids are my favorite for fresh smelling breath. 3-Chew mint leaves or parsley.

These leaves can be ingested, help decrease bad breath, and if grown in a garden would be free as well. I often carry them in a sandwich bag inside my purse and chew on them (with my molars because I don’t want them to get in the front of my teeth) with good success.

4- Be sure to brush/scrap your tongue and the roof of your mouth as well.

Using a specialized tongue brush (found here) helps to get areas that are less often deep cleaned in your mouth which helps prevent bad breath. 5- Eat an apple or carrot, they help get rid of bacteria that may be on your teeth.

6- Use LISTERINE® pocket pack strips.

These are awesome to blast bad breath. You put them on the roof of your mouth and they kill germs as they dissolve.

7- Drink water or promote saliva.

Having a dry mouth is one of the major reasons why your breath may be bad. By drinking water or promoting saliva it helps combat the bad odors.

8- Bad breath mist like LISTERINE® pocket mist is another great way to cure bad breath.

You simply spray it in your mouth and it kills germs and eliminates bad breath.

9- Avoid eating bad breath producing foods before an important event.

Garlic, onions, and other sulfur producing foods can increase bad breath. Avoid eating these at least a few hours before you need your breath smelling nicely.

Bonus Tip– If worse comes to worse and you just don’t have the necessary items needed… make sure to keep your distance. In most cultures is acceptable to talk to someone without getting very close to their face.

These tips can help you remain professional without bothering you or those around you with bad breath.

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