Fresh Breath Tips: 10 Ways to Get a Clean and Healthy Mouth
Updated: Jul. 16, 2019
Roughly 80 percent of bad breath is caused by bacteria that lingers in your mouth. Here’s how to get fresh breath and a healthy smile
So Fresh and So Clean
Powerful whitening cleansers (including baking soda and silica) work to lift stains, while an invigorating spearmint flavour promotes fresh breath.
Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Clean & Fresh Toothpaste, $3 at mass merchandisers
Banish Ban Breath
This cool tool gets at back-of-throat bacteria that your toothbrush can’t.
Dentek Orabrush Tongue Cleaner, $6 at amazon.ca
Brush Away Plaque
Gentle on gums, this second iteration of the original ISSA features more power for a better clean. The bristles are unique, including both silicone and polymer in a cross design, to effectively clean heavier plaque buildup.
Foreo Issa Hybrid, $229 at beautyboutique.ca and sephora.ca
Whiter, Brighter, Bolder
Smile wide with teeth that are four shades whiter. The latest oral health innovation from Colgate features a formula with Hydrogen Peroxide that whitens teeth in just three days, while anti-cavity fluoride helps protect tooth enamel.
Colgate Optic White Platinum High Impact White toothpaste, $3 at mass merchandisers
Airfloss
Great for those inconsistent with flossing, this high-performance tool uses either mouthwash or water to clean between teeth. You control the power of the stream, and it’s safe to use on orthodontics, veneers, implants and sensitive teeth.
Philips Airfloss Pro, $100 at amazon.ca
Two Steps to Whiter Teeth
Check out this two-step toothpaste system that strips plaque using an antimicrobial fluoride known as stannous, before polishing and whitening with a peroxide formula that promises six times whiter teeth in one week.
Crest Pro-Health HD, $14 at mass merchandisers
Cavity Protection
This natural mouthwash inhibits plaque and dental cavities up to 80 percent.
Xyla Refresh Peppermint Natural Xylitol Mouthwash, $9 at Walmart
Cold Sore Comfort
Cold sores and cankers, although a nuisance, are insignificant and have a short shelf life. Get relief while yours heals with LypSyl.
Lypsyl Extreme Cold Sore Relief, $11 at Shopper’s Drug Mart, Walmart and Lawtons
Chew on cinnamon
Gum, that is. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that cinnamon-flavored chewing gum reduces bacteria in the mouth. The reason? The gum contains cinnamic aldehyde (the compound that gives cinnamon it’s flavour and colour), a plant essential oil that inhibits the growth of cavity causing bacteria.
Dentyne Cinnamon Gum, $3.50/4-pack at walmart.ca
Sip green tea
Green tea offers a host of oral health benefits, including cavity prevention and fresh breath. One study tested people before and after they gave their mouths a five-minute rinse with green tea. The test subjects had less bacteria and acid in their mouths, as well as reduced gum bleeding. Other research has found that drinking green tea shows promise when it comes to preventing tooth decay.
Silk Dragon Jasmine loose leaf tea, $8/50g at davidstea.com
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