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Imagine, you’re sitting at the restaurant with your gorgeous new date. You’re both laughing and having a great time. Everything is going perfectly. When it suddenly hits you… Your breath smells! Maybe it was the onions you ate for lunch. Or the maybe it was the coffee you had after work. But you know at this moment, you have to get rid of the stank before your date realizes and runs for the hills. So what can you do?

Here are some tips to quickly freshen your breath - and maybe also save your date.

Tip 1: Moisten your mouth

Bad breath can often be caused by a dry mouth, so you want to keep your mouth moist and wet. Drinking water helps fight bad odor since it washes away food debris and bacteria in your mouth. In fact, you should be drinking 6 to 8 glasses a day.

Ask for a glass of water with a lemon. Squeeze the lemon into your water and mix it. Lemons contain citric acid, which will help mask the odor. To get the best benefit, eat the pulp too.

Tip 2: Use salt

Salt is a great way to kill bacteria in your mouth. Saltwater rinses have been around for ages. References appear as early as 2700 B.C., where the Chinese used it to treat gum disease. It was a common part of the oral hygiene routine for the upper classes during the Roman Empire.

Grab some salt (there should be some on the table), if you can take it without your date noticing. Another option is to leave for the bathroom and ask the waiter for some salt and a glass of water. Gargle it for 5 to 10 seconds to kill off some of the bacteria.

If your date asks, you can always just say you have a sore throat.

Tip 3: Eat something crunchy

Order a salad that comes with apples, celery, or carrots. The fibrous nature of these foods promotes saliva production and maintains healthy pH levels in your mouth. They’re high fibre content also has the added benefit of gently massaging your gums while freshening your breath.

Tip 4: Munch on parsley

Parsley is a fantastic natural breath freshener. It contains chlorophyll to fight bad breath and neutralize internal body odors before they leave your body. The herb is also rich in calcium and fluorine, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel. Ask for a dish that comes with parsley for instant breath refreshment. Be sure to excuse yourself after to check if any of the herb is stuck in your teeth.

Tip 5: Clean your tongue

Did you know that as much as 50% of the bacteria in your mouth live on your tongue? Yuck. And it’s these particular bacteria that cause bad breath. The best way of removing bacteria on your tongue is by scraping it off.

Sneak a spoon into the bathroom and moisten it (this makes it easier to wash the scraped off gunk). Turn the spoon upside down, stick out your tongue, and gently scrape your tongue from back to front. Don’t forget the sides. Also try to relax or you will gag. Once you’re done, rinse your mouth. You’ll be surprised with how much cleaner your mouth will feel.

Practicing Good Dental Hygiene

To keep your breath smelling fresh, it’s important to brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash. Good oral habits also keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Bad breath can be caused by variety of things, including dry mouth, gum disease, smoking and medications. If bad breath is a persistent issue, you should check with your dentist or doctor for any underlying problems.

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Dentist Brampton