How do you go about curing bad breath and raising your self esteem?
Your goal should be to create an environment in your mouth that will always neutralize volatile sulfuric compounds resulting in clean and healthy breath. To meet this goal you'll want to develop a structured and proper oral hygiene program for yourself. Structured meaning you'll have to follow your oral hygiene program everyday, at least twice a day so your bad breath does not return. Proper meaning you'll have to use the appropriate tools and ingredients to eliminate the source of your breath odor rather than covering it up. Homemade ingredients work exceptionally well because they are inexpensive and very effective.
With that in mind your oral hygiene program should consist of the following 5 items and should take between 3-4 minutes at least twice a day:
1. Toothbrush - Begin curing bad breath by choosing a toothbrush that fits the size of your mouth. A soft bristle toothbrush is preferred because it can minimize damage to the gums. Brush each tooth, front and back, using a gentle downward motion. Replace your toothbrush when it looks worn or every three months.
2. Toothpaste - Here's what I use and it's very effective. 5 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 5 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin, and 10 drops of either peppermint or spearmint. The baking soda will kill the tiny organisms that cause disease related bacteria. Salt acts as an antiseptic and the glycerin has antibacterial properties. The mint acts as a breath freshener. Combine and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Place in a wide mouth bottle.
3. Tongue scraper - Do not brush your tongue. You'll simply move the bacteria all around your tongue and mouth. Purchase a tongue scraper. You'll want a plastic scraper for flexibility. Just like your toothbrush make sure the tongue scraper is the right size and shape for your mouth. Begin as far back on your tongue as possible then gently but firmly scrape forward toward the tip. Make sure you rinse off your tongue scraper in warm water after each use.
4. Dental floss - In order for you to make sure that you are able to remove any and all food particles from between your teeth and gums you need to chose the right type of dental floss. If you have little spacing between your teeth then waxed dental floss is ideal. However if there are bigger gaps between your teeth then you need to use a tape dental floss because it is thicker and wider. Dental floss comes flavored and unflavored. Carry some mint flavored dental floss with you so that in a pinch you can freshen your breath.
5. Gargle solution - I've tried so many different homemade solutions and in my opinion there is still nothing better to gargle with than old fashioned warm salt water. Just place some salt in a small glass and mix with warm water. Gargle then swish the solution around in your mouth vigorously. Now take a deep breath in. You'll be surprised at how clean your breath feels.
Also, your going to have to supplement your new oral hygiene program with changes in your diet. Avoid foods that cause problem breath, such as onions, garlic, cheese, and pastrami just to name a few. Add more crunchy fruits and vegetables to maintain your clean and fresh breath.
Initially you might have to be a bit more vigilant about sticking to your new oral hygiene regimen. It takes about three weeks to completely learn a new behavior. After that time you'll feel proud of the fact that you've literally become an expert at keeping your breath healthy, clean, and fresh.
