To get rid of bad breath, you can increase you fluid intake by taking sips of water throughout the day, brushing your teeth after meals, flossing daily, brushing your tongue and visiting the dentist regularly.

When these oral hygiene measures are not efficient in getting rid of bad breath, you should see a doctor or dentist for assessment to determine if there is an underlying cause contributing to it and start treatment as needed.

Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, is typically the result of poor tongue hygiene, but it can also be a sign of cavities, gingivitis or periodontitis. Bad breath can also be caused by stomach problems, sinusitis, a sore throat or other conditions like diabetes, liver or kidney failure.

Tips for eliminating bad breath

Some ways to get rid of bad breath include:

1. Eating at least every 3 hours

Going more than 3 hours without eating can cause bad breath, because a stomach that is empty for prolonged periods of time leads to increase of gas and stomach acid production. These can rise to the mouth and lead to a foul odor.

Prolonged periods of fasting can also lead to increased ketone production, which can also lead to bad breath.

Therefore, you are advised to eat frequently, at least every 3 hours, during the day, and to opt for easily digestible foods, such as raw salads, cooked vegetables and lean meats. These foods are typically lower in fat and will pass more quickly through the stomach. For snacks, fruits and yogurt are the best options, as these are also easily digested.

2. Brushing your teeth after meals

Brushing your teeth after meals is one of the best ways to eliminate or prevent bad breath. It helps to prevent the accumulation of bacteria ad the formation of tartar between the teeth and gums, and can reduce the risk of tooth decay, which can also contribute to bad breath.

You are advised to brush your teeth about 30 minutes after meals, however, as the saliva produced after eating helps to control the pH of the mouth, and can act as a natural antiseptic against some bacteria.

You should brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste with fluoride, which has antibacterial properties.

3. Avoiding foods that cause bad breath

One way to get rid of bad breath is to avoid or reduce the intake of certain foods that can cause bad breath, such as raw broccoli, garlic or onion. These foods have a potent odor, and also contain sulfur and which produces gas that can be eliminated through the mouth and cause bad breath.

It is also important to brush your teeth and clean your mouth thoroughly after consuming these foods to maintain a fresh-smelling breath.

4. Drinking water throughout the day

Drinking water throughout the day is another way to get rid of bad breath, as it helps to keep the mucous membranes hydrated. This helps to keep the mouth moist and the breath fresh. You should aim for at least 2 liters of water a day in small sips, to stimulate saliva production which can help get rid of bad breath. You should also avoid smoking and drinking coffee, soft drinks or alcohol, as they can dry out your mouth and cause bad breath.

For those who have difficulty reaching their daily water goals, you can add the juice of half a lemon to your water, which can make it tastier while also triggering more saliva production. You can also add sliced fruit to 1 liter of water, and to drink this infusion throughout the day.

You can also chew gum to get rid of bad breath, opting for a sugar-free option.

5. Flossing regularly

Flossing is important to remove any food particles that can remain between your teeth after meals. It prevents the formation of plaque and tartar that can contribute to bad breath. Floss can reach the spaces between your teeth that toothbrushes are unable to reach.

It is recommended to use floss before or after brushing your teeth, at least once a day to eliminate bad breath.

6. Brushing your tongue

Another way to get rid of bad breath is to brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Bacteria, mucus and food debris can form a white layer or coating on the tongue, which causes bad breath.

To brush your tongue, you can use the same toothbrush you use for brushing your teeth or use a tongue scrapers. Scrapers are pressed and dragged over the tongue, from back to front, to completely remove dirt from your tongue. This can help to control the bacteria on your tongue and eliminate bad breath.

7. Using mouthwash

Using mouthwash after brushing your teeth helps eliminate bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. It is best to use mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, because alcohol dries out your mouth and promotes peeling of the mucous membrane, which can lead to further bacterial growth.

Mouthwash can be purchased at pharmacies and grocery stores, or prepared at home with natural ingredients like clove tea, which has naturally antiseptic properties that cleanse the mouth and purify your breath.

8. See your dentist regularly

Seeing your dentist regularly to check your teeth for cavities or gum conditions (like gingivitis or periodontitis) helps to prevent bad breath and treat halitosis.

You are advised to see your dentist at least once a year for a dental cleaning to remove tartar. This is a bacterial plaque that builds up on your teeth and can lead to bad breath.

9. Clean your dentures correctly

Cleaning your dentures if you use them is also essential to eliminate bad breath, as it helps prevent dirt from accumulating and the development of bacteria. Debris and other bacteria can cause both bad breath and gingivitis.

There are specific products that can be used to clean your dentures, like cleaning tablets and toothpastes, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.

Tablets can be used by adding one tablet to a container with your dentures, then pouring warm water into the container until the dentures are completely covered. The tablet should start to dissolve, and the solution should be left to act for 3 to 5 minutes, as as specified on the label.

10. Quitting smoking

One of the causes of bad breath is smoking, which can leave a tobacco odor in the mouth and reduce saliva production. A dry mouth can promote the appearance of bad breath.

Ideally, you should quit smoking if you are looking to get rid of bad breath, Instead, you can adopt strategies such as engaging in pleasurable activities like exercising, walking outdoors, going to the beach or gardening. Many people who are quitting smoking can also benefit from relaxation activities, such as meditation or yoga, which work on breathing and relieve anxiety that can often contribute to smoking.

If you are having difficulty quitting on your own, you can see your doctor who may prescribe medications to help you quit smoking, such as bupropion or varenicline.