Dragon Breath

We've all been in that moment where you've been given a breath mint and you wonder if that person's hinting about your bad breath. It's a very uncomfortable moment whether that is there intent or not. Or you notice your friends are keeping distance and watching you like you're about to do something scary like blow fire out your mouth. Here's some tips on having pleasant breath so there's no need to feel self conscious when that sweet person hands you a mint.

~Discreetly check your breath.
Now I know cupping your hand in front of your face, breathing a dragon breath and then quickly trying to smell your breath isn't easy SO one good tip I have found that is quite effective (and MUCH more discreet) is just a quick dab of your tongue to your wrist and a sniff will tell you what the people you talk to get to smell. If it smells just fine to you then be content...otherwise pop that mint in!

When your breath smells bad consistently then here's some things you need to do.

1. Drink more water! Water is good for your body and hydrating so keeping you healthy. But the moisture does a lot to also keep the smells off your tongue as it washes away bacteria that could be lingering when you drink pop, juice or other sweet drinks all the time. Don't like straight water? Add a slice of lemon! That adds a refreshing flavor and actually helps you drink more water.

2. Watch what you eat! High carb and fatty foods also cause bad breath. Sad I know. But fatty foods break down and create ketones, a byproduct of fat that sits in your stomach and ferments; the odor of ketones then come back up through your esophagus and can stick to your tongue. That's why it's important to add healthy carbs like broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, and fresh fruits into your diet, which balance out the fats and promote better breath.

Don't forget your veggies. Not only will your mom be proud, greens promote a more alkaline environment, so the bad-breath-causing acid in your body balances out.

Snack on more apples or any other crunchy, healthy foods. The hard texture of apples, celery, carrots, etc., can remove food caught between your teeth and rub away bacteria that sit on them, creating that "fuzzy" feeling when you run your tongue over your teeth. Hard, crunchy foods act like a natural toothbrush.

And speaking of eating...
If you eat a meal loaded with garlic, onions or other smelly food be sure to clean your teeth good! (See #4 on teeth brushing tips)

3. Take probiotics. Probiotics give you the proper enzymes you need to break down foods sufficiently and decrease the chance of food fermenting in your stomach. They help you get all the nutrients out of your food as well.

4. Brush your teeth, floss and mouthwash daily. Not with bubble gum flavor either! Be sure to brush your tongue, behind the lips and the roof of your mouth.
And of course visit the dentist for a real thorough cleaning and care. Rotting teeth will keep you from having fresh breath no matter what!

If you're out and about I suggest having a travel size set of toothbrush, floss and mouthwash. They're sold at dollar stores and inexpensive at other stores so you can keep them in your purse. You can even buy a pretty little pouch to put them in (cosmetic bags are perfect)!

I sure hope this will help you! Nobody likes to feel self conscious and having fresh breath will give you a boost and keep you feeling like you're a fire breathing dragon scaring all your friends away!

Until next time!