BAD BREATH

It’s not the kind of problem that will bring you sympathy. You won’t receive get-well cards or find bouquets of flowers on your desk. But you may come to work one day and find a package of breath mints on your desk – or notice that people are standing a little farther away than they used to.

Everyone has bad breath from time to time – because of the anchovies on your pizza, for example, or the extra chili you put on your lunch-time food. But when you have bad breath all the time, there may be more at work that today’s lunch.

Freshen up with fennel. When you eat at a restaurant in India, specially those serving Indian cuisine you’ve probably notice a bowl of tiny seeds in a dish by the door. They’re fennel seeds, and are a traditional remedy for freshening the breath after eating. Fennel seeds have a delightful licorice (mulethi) flavor and an aroma that lingers, making them very effective for bad breath.

Most of the time, of course, bad breath is merely temporary. Here are a few ways to make your breath fresh again.

Have something sprightly. We don’t usually think of apples as being breath fresheners, but their crisp texture and slightly sweet taste make them a perfect choice for cleaning your mouth after a hearty meal. Other-foods that act as natural breath fresheners include parsley(prajmode) and oranges. Oranges are particularly good because they contain cirtic acid, which stimulates the salivary glands. The extra saliva will help “rinse” your mouth and keep your breath clean.

Rinse after eating. Perhaps the easiest way to keep your breath clean is simply to rinse your mouth with water after eating. This will wash away food particles, which can lead to bad breath later in the day. While you’re at the fountain, be sure to swallow some of water, as well. It will help dilute whatever is in your stomach, so strong odors will be less likely to drift upstream.
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WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR
When you’re having bad breath all the time, no matter how often you
brush your teeth, you need to see your dentist. There’s a good chance
you have a touch of gum disease that’s causing the odors. In addition,
you may want to see your doctor because bad breath may be caused
by a variety of physical problems, including a sinus infection, heart burn,
diabetes, or lung disease.

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Take care of your teeth. Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath, and many of us may have it without being aware of it. Most gum diseases can be prevented with simple tooth care. When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, a sticky, bacteria-laden film forms on the surfaces of the teeth. Over time this can damage the enamel on the teeth and also lead to gum infections.

Doctors recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too, because it’s a natural haven for bacteria as well as small particles of food. In addition, you may want to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash containing zinc, which will help neutralize mouth odors.

Try the sizzle of baking soda. Before all those minty mouthwashes and toothpastes came along, people often brushed their teeth with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Doctors have since found that regular brushing with this mixture changes acid levels in your mouth, making it less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria.

Watch what you eat. No matter how much they please your taste buds, you’re courting bad breath when you eat strong-flavored or spicy foods. The worst offenders include garlic, onions, salami, tuna, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. When you’re trying to protect your breath, you may want to avoid fatty foods, as well, because they can create a strong odor during digestion.