If you have ever tried to give your date a kiss and he or she puts a hand up to protect himself (herself) from your vile breath, you know how that feels. Probably that person did want your kiss, but was put off by your bad breath. What are the ways of fighting this disorder apart from daily brushing and flossing?

Instead of just checking out all possible medications and therapies, it is necessary to find out what is the cause of the halitosis. Do keep in mind that particular foods, tobacco, periodontal problems and a dry mouth (xerostomia) can all be causative factors leading to bad breath.

Did you know that drinking coffee in the morning can cause bad breath? Coffee caused dehydration, resulting to reduced saliva flow, which in turn worsens bad breath. But before you completely banish that morning cup of coffee, there are are some ways you can try to get rid of bad breath.

While you are thinking about the dry mouth that is caused by caffeine, another source of dehydration is alcohol consumption. Ever consider why you get thirsty after you have a drink or two? That is because you are drying up the saliva that is trying to battle the bacteria that wants to bring a halt to any romantic plans you are thinking about. Through the consumption of alcohol, your breath is on the decline. To aid in this dilemma, have some sugarless gum on hand and drink water. Remember the gum creates a chewing action, which stimulates saliva.

Daily brushing, tongue cleaning, flossing and a thorough rinsing should be an unavoidable part of your routine. Ideally this should be done after every meal or even every time you have eaten anything. Once again, eating proper foods helps in fighting bad breath. A diet which is rich in fruits and vegetables will help produce acid as also fiber which will prevent bad breath.

As you peruse the hygiene isle at the stores, you may feel overwhelmed at the choices available at combating bad breath odors. Most of the products do very little to actually kill the bacteria residing on the back of your tongue. If your bad breath is a systemic problem, these products will help very little. The most these products can do is make your breath smell sweet for a limited amount of time by masking the odors as opposed to killing the bacteria. The exception to this rule is mouthwashes that contain zinc chloride or those obtained for your dental provider.

A simple remedy is hydrogen peroxide used as a rinse because it adds oxygen and the bacteria do not live in a hostile environment which is what oxygen is for the anaerobic bacteria. Plain water, too, helps in removing debris and food particles which are stuck between the teeth and gums and on the tongue. If you don't use any of these remedies, then you are leaving yourself open to the bacteria multiplying and causing bad breath.

The Western American diet is also an important factor to be considered in dealing with the problem of halitosis. A low calorie diet has always had a favorable impact on the breath, while a high calorie diet may have an adverse affect on your breath. Next time, if your physician prescribes you a low-fat diet for weight loss, you are also blessed with the added benefit of decreasing the problem of bad breath. Interestingly enough, it comes free of cost.

Have you ever noticed when you are dining out that many times the meal is served with beautiful sprigs of parsley? You thought it was there to make the entree look nice? That is one reason, although if you were to place a small piece of that in your mouth after your delicious meal, you would find a refreshing aroma feeling your mouth. Yes, parsley is beneficial to halting bad breath odor. The next time you are eating out don't throw the parsley away, enjoy a bit of freshness after your meal.