The Keys to a Fresh Mouth

The American Dental Assn. offers the following tips for maintaining good oral health and reducing bad breath:

* Brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, and brush and scrape your tongue daily.

* Use a fluoride mouth rinse or an antimicrobial mouth rinse.

* Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.

* If you have constant bad breath, keep a log of what you eat.

* Keep your mouth moist; a dry mouth can lead to bad breath.

* Use a moisturizing nasal spray to control post-nasal drip, which can be a factor of bad breath.

* If you use tobacco, which causes bad breath, ask your doctor for tips to kick the habit.