Stop Bad Breath in Its Tracks With These Helpful Hints

Do you ever feel like no matter how well you brush, floss and swish mouthwash around, your breath still smells funky? You've cut out booze and garlic, but something's still lurking and you just can't put your finger on it. To ensure you rid yourself of the problem, you need to be aware that there are many factors besides the obvious that could be causing you to have bad breath. The typical cause is natural bacteria in our mouths, according to Sunil Wadhwa, associate professor of dental medicine and director of orthodontics at Columbia University. And the most effective way to avoid bad breath is to brush regularly and make sure you don't miss scrubbing your tongue and gums. Do all of the above and still have a problem? Cheryl Sobieraj, a dentist based in Connecticut, says you may be dealing with a bigger problem like post-nasal drip or a sinus infection. But if your funky breath is sticking around, try these tips to stifle it when you're in a pinch.