Page 22 - MAYO CLINIC Head to Toe e-magazine 293700

• Avoid air pollutants

Don’t smoke Avoid smoke-filled rooms and fumes from household
cleaners or paint
22 Battling bad breath

Occasional bad breath is usually due to bacteria, certain foods or a
dry mouth When bad breath doesn’t respond to self-care, ask your
dentist to check for gum disease or poor-fitting dental work, or see
your doctor for a possible medical cause To fight bad breath:
• Brush and floss after you eat
Good dental hygiene is the best way to prevent odor
• Brush your tongue
Giving your tongue, including the back of your tongue, a good
brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris You can use
a toothbrush or tongue scraper
• Chew sugar-free gum
The action stimulates the low of saliva to prevent dry mouth and to
wash away food particles and bacteria
• Rinse your mouth with water

Periodically swish your mouth with water to help keep it clean
• Don’t use tobacco products
Smoking and tobacco use cause an unpleasant mouth odor and
irritate gum tissue
• Cut down on odor-causing foods and beverages
The most likely offenders are garlic, onions, fish, milk, eggs,
legumes, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, coffee and alcohol
• Carry mouthwash or breath mints

Mouthwashes generally don’t fight bacteria, but they disguise bad
breath The strong oils in peppermint, spearmint and wintergreen
also cover up odor

50 Head-to-Toe Health Tips 21