Change Your Diet

• Dietary choices can heavily influence breath. Fish, garlic, cumin and spicy foods can cause bad breath. These foods are mostly healthy but should not be eaten excessively. Dairy products, high fat and highly acidic foods like cheese, red meat, and onions are all examples of food that may contribute to bad breath. It is best to eat things like fruits and leafy green vegetables to prevent halitosis. Also, be certain there are no vitamin deficiencies such as B6, C and zinc. If these vitamins cannot be obtained through food choices, take a multivitamin every day.
  
  

Oral Care At Home

• Brushing teeth twice a day and flossing at least once not only will keep your teeth healthy, it may help prevent halitosis. Using an alcohol-free mouthwash before brushing is also helpful. A mouthwash that contains more than 25 percent alcohol is not recommended because this may lead to other health problems. Try mixing 50 percent water and 50 percent hydrogen peroxide (the 3 percent variety). Salt water is a sound solution; it will kill bacteria and dissolve food particles in the mouth.
  
  

See Your Dentist

• Oral conditions such as cavities, gingivitis or an abscessed tooth can contribute to bad breath. These can allow bacteria and food to get lodged in an infected area and cause decay. A teeth cleaning from a dentist every six months will help prevent this. You also want to be sure that halitosis is not a symptom of a more serious problem such as ulcers, kidney problems or diabetes.