The Covid-19 pandemic has brought us plenty of bad news, but one (tiny) sliver of positivity? Thanks to a sudden increase in mask-wearing, more people are noticing their own breath than ever before. The result? It means more people are clocking any whiffs of bad breath sooner, and are taking proactive steps to do something about it. Still unsure whether your breath is fresh? Read on for the advice you wish you’d known sooner …
Try the sniff test
One of the easiest ways to check how your breath is smelling is to ask a good friend or relative for their opinion, but ensure it’s a) somebody who really doesn’t mind, and b) that they’ll hit you with the honest truth. Don’t feel like breathing all over your other half, or your poor, unsuspecting colleague? A quick checkup with a dentist will give you your answer.
Take brushing seriously
Did you know bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene? When we don’t clean our teeth properly, food particles get stuck in the mouth and bacteria build-up occurs, which can cause bad breath or lead to other conditions that trigger it (think gum disease). It’s why brushing is key to developing a good oral health routine. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, using a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you’re cleaning in between teeth at least once a day, too – either using floss or interdental brushes.
Arm yourself with helpful tools
There is some consensus that electric toothbrushes can beat manual in terms of cleaning experience and effectiveness, but there are other affordable tools you can incorporate into your routine too. Using an antibacterial mouthwash is a great place to start – Listerine with essential oils helps kill up to 99% of plaque and bad breath-causing germs left behind after brushing, and also works below the gum line. Listerine Total Care helps provide up to 24 hours of fresh breath protection when used twice daily, and also helps prevent tartar buildup to keep teeth naturally white. And not only will it help freshen your breath, it also contains fluoride to strengthen teeth.
Ditch the bad stuff
We all know what we should – and shouldn’t – be doing for our health, but you might not know the impact it can have on our breath. Smoking, eating sugary foods (or drinking sugary drinks) as well as too much alcohol and coffee can all play havoc on our breath. So can high protein diets and strong-smelling foods (think onions, garlic, or spicy dishes) that can linger on the breath long after eating. Aiming to make healthier choices day-to-day can prove better for our teeth and our overall health. And if you do end up succumbing to a rogue snack attack? Swig a glass of water afterwards, it should help rinse away and dilute any sugar on your teeth.
Stop ghosting your dentist
Visiting your dentist and hygienist for regular checkups is crucial – they’ll be able to quickly flag if your breath isn’t as it should be, as well as spotting more serious issues that could cause even bigger problems down the line, from cavities to signs of gum disease. Time to book a checkup, then?
To help combat bad breath, use Listerine Total Care. It helps kill up to 99% of germs left behind after just 30 seconds of swishing. When used twice daily, Listerine Total Care provides up to 24 hours fresh breath protection and helps maintain healthy gums by reducing plaque. Discover the full Listerine Total Care range to find the one that’s right for you
