We've all been embarrassed by occasional bouts of bad breath [1], but it can be mortifying if you're dealing with it all the time. When it comes to preventing this odorous issue, I don't need to tell you to quit cigarettes [2] if you're a smoker or to brush and floss regularly [3] (since you already know that), so here are some other tips to keep your mouth smelling fresh.

• Get your teeth checked out by your dentist. Cavities and gum disease can cause bad breath.
• Brush and floss during the day, every time you eat. When food particles hang out in your mouth, bacteria collects and emits stinky hydrogen sulfur vapors. So keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your purse at all times to use after coffee breaks, lunch, and snacks.
• Don't mask your bad breath with sugary mints or gum. They'll freshen your breath briefly, but the sugar will only cause more smelly plaque to build up. If you can't brush, go for sugarless breath fresheners instead.
• If you suffer from allergies or sinus infections, postnasal drip [4] in the back of your throat can cause bad breath. So get your symptoms under control with antibiotics or allergies meds.
• Just so you know though, certain medications such as decongestants or allergy pills can cause dry mouth [5], which can also lead to bad breath. When your mouth is dry, dead cells and bacteria accumulate on your gums, tongue, and teeth. When these cells decompose, they produce a foul smell. Water helps, but if your symptoms are really bothering you try switching medications.

What else can help prevent bad breath? To find out .

• Eat yogurt [6]. Studies have found that one serving of yogurt each day reduces the level of odor-causing hydrogen sulfide in the mouth. Be sure to eat ones with active cultures.
• Avoid certain foods such as garlic, onions, and alcohol. Once consumed, these foods get absorbed into your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs, and are given off in your breath.
• To help prevent the buildup of plague, which can cause bad breath, eat crunchy fibrous foods such as apples, carrots, and celery.
• Bacterium aren't a fan of foods such as citrus fruits, berries, and melon because they make the environment in your mouth too acidic, so get your fill of vitamin C. Another plus for consuming vitamin C is that it also helps prevent gum disease and gingivitis.
• Chew herbs [7] such as parsley, coriander, spearmint, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and cardamom. These all help fight bad breath.
• Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper [8]. Use it twice a day to remove bacteria and dead skin cells from your tongue.

Source [9]