Don't let bad breath take over your romantic plans 

Create a pleasant Valentine's Day by preventing bad breath. 

There's no annual calendar event that bad breath could spoil more than Valentine's Day. Imagine your spouse expelling a horrible stench out of their mouth as they chat to you over a romantic dinner. Even worse than that – what if the bad breath culprit was you? 

Bad breath is an undesirable oral issue that the dental world medically labels as halitosis. The good news is that halitosis can be prevented if you know what causes it. These factors can be poor dental habits which lead to an unhygienic mouth, a dry mouth (side effect from various medications)or even consuming certain foods with strong odours (garlic or onions). 

This is why it's extremely important to sufficiently brush and floss your teeth on a regular daily basis. Otherwise left behind food particles will stay in your mouth, causing plaque and bacteria to grow between teeth, gums and on the tongue. From there, sulphur compounds are released causing bad breath to become an issue. 

The same goes for overpowering foods. Onions and garlic contain pungent oils which are absorbed into the blood stream and expelled by the lungs. When released into the air, bad breath occurs. 

How can I cure bad breath?

·         Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to stop bad breath from occurring. Though, there are a few preventive measures and remedies that can help fight it.

·         Replace your toothbrush every three months. An old toothbrush with worn-out bristles is a breeding ground for bacteria and brushing with one will only transport germs into your mouth.

·         Ensure you brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with combined flossing. This is your best bet for achieving a sufficient clean and maintaining oral hygiene, as plaque build up and bacteria growth is being prevented.

·         Don't forget to brush your tongue, too as it’s a main attraction for bacteria

·         Gargle your mouth with a water and salt mixture or an antiseptic, plaque reducing mouthwash, which fights oral bacteria.

·         Drink lots of water to keep your mouth moist and chew sugar-free gum. This produces more saliva which can help wash away food particles and bacteria.