Sheryl Kraft, a freelance writer and breast cancer survivor, was born in Long Beach, New York. She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband Alan and dog Chloe, where her nest is empty of her two sons Jonathan. Sheryl writes articles and essays on breast cancer and contributes to a variety of publications and websites where she writes on general health and wellness issues. She earned her MFA in writing from Sarah Lawrence College in 2005.
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Our mouths are very busy. Between all the chewing, spewing, grinding and other demands we put upon our oral cavity, problems can happen, like bad breath and more. It's not just about a pretty smile.
Here are some great ways to keep your mouth in good working order and how to avoid bad breath!
For when you are afraid you're offending those closest to you …
It's not always a matter of being self-aware or covering up bad breath by popping a mint. Sometimes you have to get swishy and use some good mouthwash. This one by Listerine kills bacteria without a drop of alcohol and without drying out your mouth (both a dry mouth and bacteria are often culprits behind bad breath). Learn more about the connection between bad breath and menopause.
For when you're on the go and can't brush …
Chances are good that once in a while (OK, maybe more than that), you're eating on the go, without access to a sink where you can properly clean your teeth. And while you know you should brush after every meal (or at least twice each day), you can't always follow this golden rule. Carry these preloaded, disposable mini brushes and brush surreptitiously on a plane, on a train, on a date or in a tent—and emerge with gleaming pearly whites.
For when there's some food stuck …
Ugh, isn't it the worst when you have spinach stuck between your teeth (and no one tells you)? Slip away to "powder your nose" and carry these gentle dental picks with you. In addition to removing the offending food particles, they give your gums a nice, gentle massage.
For when you want healthy gums …
Floss, floss, floss. That's what dentists tell you, and that's what you may (or may not) be doing. Flossing once a day helps dislodge errant food particles, reduce food decay and eliminate sticky bacteria (aka, plaque), which can cause gum disease. Here's a primer in doing it right, and here's a no-brainer type if you hate to floss. Tip: It's best to use floss before you brush, rather than after.
For when you want to give your tongue equal time …
Consider a tongue scraper. That's because your tongue can also harbor harmful bacteria, which contribute to decay, gum infections and bad breath. After brushing, flossing and rinsing, run the scraper over the surface of your tongue once or twice—a quick and simple way to get a squeaky-clean mouth.
For when you need a quick spritz …
Stash this in a pocket or makeup bag for a burst of freshness when your breath tastes anything but. It comes in peppermint or spearmint—or, if you'd rather not spray, you can chew on the real thing.
For when your mouth is dry, and you just can't take it anymore …
Age and certain foods and medications can slow our saliva production, leading to dry mouth, which can cause bad breath and other oral woes. These lozenges help moisturize the tissues of your mouth while freshening your breath with their minty flavor. An added plus: They contain xylitol, which helps kill bacteria, often a byproduct of dry mouth.
