Happy Valentine’s day! Love is in the air!! But sadly for millions of Canadians, so is embarrassing bad breath. Before smooching your valentine, follow this great tips to stop bad breath once and for all.

“In many cases, patients aren’t aware that they have a bad breath problem,” says Academy of General Dentistry Spokesperson Guy Hanson, DDS, MAGD. “The odour, which originates in the gums and tongue, is caused by the bacteria in our mouths. Stress, dieting, age, hormonal changes, and dry mouth can exacerbate the issue.”

Dr. Hanson offers the following three tips for maintaining fresh breath.

• Drink Water: Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially after meals, to help increase saliva flow and wash away leftover food particles.
  
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Foods, such as onions and garlic, and beverages, like coffee, may be detected on a person’s breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. Unable to avoid indulging in odorous foods and beverages? Then follow up by chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow, which will wash away the odour-causing bacteria.
  
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Regular checkups with your dentist can help get rid of the plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth. At home, brush for two minutes twice a day, and floss at least once a day. Remember to brush your tongue to remove the bacteria that build up there.

“Bad breath can have a significant impact, both personally and socially, on those who suffer from it,” Dr. Hanson says. “If your bad breath persists, your dentist can help you determine the source of the odour and offer helpful solutions.”