I come from an Italian household. Think of any herb, vegetable, or spice that has a lingering smell to it, and rest assured knowing that my family cooks with it on a daily basis. Consequently, I’m pretty well versed in ways to keep your breath smelling good after sleeping (and all the time, in general), especially on the go. Few things are as frustrating as the scenario in which you’re on your lunch break, you’re standing in line to get your favorite linguine and clam sauce, and you remember that you’ve got your work assessment meeting directly afterwards in your boss’s four-by-four office. Knowing you'll want to defeat bad breath after eating shouldn't keep you from ordering what you want come lunch break.
The first step, however, is realizing what causes unpleasant mouth smells and the best ways to prevent bad breath. Yes, it has a lot to do with lingering odors from the foods you eat, but your body has natural functions in place to get rid of those lingering odors. Certain habits inhibit those functions (like smoking and drinking diuretics), and certain habits help them along (like staying hydrated and repopulating your mouth’s beneficial bacteria). While toothpastes and mouthwashes promise the world, most aren’t even that effective at fighting bacteria. To keep your mouth feeling fresh all the time, no matter where you are or what you eat, check out these surprising but simple solutions.
1. Use Tea Tree Oil To Fight Mouth Bacteria
Tea Tree Therapy Toothpicks, $6, Amazon
Tea Tree oil is a natural antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic, and that’s what makes it a great all-natural remedy for bad breath. These Tea Tree toothpicks are made from eco-friendly Birchwood, and they’re infused with loads of tea tree to keep your mouth fresh on the go. Reviewers say the flavor lasts, and some have even used them to quit smoking — another huge cause of bad breath.
2. Repopulate Good Microbes In Your Mouth
SunBiotics Probiotics Powder in Vanilla , $23, Amazon
Good breath has so much to do with making sure the microbes in your mouth are balanced. If you have healthy bacteria fighting against the odor-causing bacteria, your mouth will stay fresh on its own. This probiotic powder provides all of those healthy microbes in the form of a great-tasting vanilla powder, which you can mix into a morning smoothie or yogurt. It repopulates your mouth to stimulate your throat and tongue’s natural immune system, and reviewers say it “worth every penny.”
3. Don’t Forget To Clean Your Tongue
HealthAndYoga Tongue Cleaner Scraper, $8, Amazon
It’s estimated that 500 to 650 different species of bacteria live in the mouth, but not just on your teeth — your tongue is a huge source of odor-causing bacteria. A great quality tongue scraper, like the HealthAndYoga tongue cleaner scraper, is an awesome option when it comes to fresh breath. It’s great for travel and on-the-go, because it’s made entirely from surgical grade stainless steel – even the handles. It’s also flexible, durable, and really gets the job done.
4. Freshen Breath With Essential Oils — Not Mouthwash
Herbal Choice Mari Organic Breath Fresh Spray, $13, Amazon
I’m entirely in love with essential oils, and that’s why this Herbal Choice Mari organic breath spray is beyond awesome. It’s filled with nothing but pure and USDA-certified organic oils that freshen breath and fight bacteria, and people love that it’s entirely natural and doesn’t have any chemicals or fillers. It also comes in a travel-friendly glass spray bottle that fits right in your purse for fresh breath anywhere, and it’s way more effective than most mouthwashes.
5. Utilize The Polyphenols Found In Green Tea
Sencha Naturals Green Tea Mints, $6, Amazon
Tons of people reach for peppermint flavor breath mints, but did you know that green tea is filled with antioxidants called polyphenols that destroy odor-causing bacteria in the mouth? Sencha Naturals green tea mints are made with real organic Japanese green tea, and they’ve got a fruity and delicious taste that really works hard to freshen your mouth and your breath.
6. Floss Teeth With Something Superior
Sterline Counter Top Water Flosser , $40, Amazon
We all know the importance of flossing, but this deep teeth cleaner has ten water pressure settings and six different nozzles that effectively use water to remove leftover food, fight bacteria, and freshen breath. It’s so much more powerful than flossing by hand, and reviewers say the gadget worked miracles for them.
7. Drink Loads Of Vitamin-Infused Water
Infuser Water Bottle, $13, Amazon
According to dentist Marshall Young, drinking lots of water is imperative for a fresh mouth. “When dehydrated, the decreased saliva in the mouth allows bacteria to thrive, resulting in bad breath." This infuser water bottle is BPA-free, leak-proof, and super friendly for travel, but the best part is its infuser compartment. Motivate yourself to drink more water with your favorite flavors from your favorite fresh fruits or herbs, some of which balance pH, provide vitamins, and act as a natural detergent to keep your mouth extra fresh.
8. Fight Bad Breath On-the-Go WIth Battery Operated Electric Brush
Electric Toothbrush Portable Battery Operated, $17, Amazon
If you use an electric toothbrush at home and know those disposable toothbrushes just aren't going to cut it for you, check out these portable electric brushes you can tuck into your bag for an on-the-go cleaning. The gadgets' micropulse removes dental plaque and freshens breath as soon as you finish your work lunch.
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Images: Unsplash/Pexels; Amazon (8)
