Is consistent bad breath haunting you? If so, you aren't alone. Approximately 25 percent of people worldwide battle bad breath on a regular basis. In fact for many the condition, known as halitosis, causes regular embarrassment, stress, and anxiety. Don't let consistent bad breath become the bane of your existence. Check out these tips to learn how to banish bad breath once and for all.

Change Your Oral Health Routine

To keep bad breath at bay, you need to do your part to maintain good oral health. This means brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing at least once per day. However, there are a few changes you can make to your regular routine to help eliminate bad breath.

• Eat breakfast before brushing your teeth in the morning. This way, food particles and sugar from your meal aren't sitting on your teeth, mingling with bacteria for hours.
• Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue after you've finished brushing. Bacteria buildup on your tongue is a common source of bad breath.
• Use mouthwash after brushing and after you eat to kill any leftover bacteria in your mouth.

Go to the Dentist

If you have lingering bad breath, a trip to the dentist is probably in order. When the bacteria in your mouth decides to set up shop on your teeth, plaque is formed. The buildup of plaque can give off a sulfur-like smell that won't go away until the plaque itself is removed, which is typically part of your regular dental cleaning. So, if you're experiencing lingering bad breath, make an appointment to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Additionally, cavities and rotting teeth can be the source of bad breath. So, you should have any dental work you've been putting off completed as soon as possible.

Keep Your Nose Clean

If you're prone to sinus infections or colds, you might find yourself battling bad breath frequently. What you might not realize is that your bad breath is caused by the presence of bacteria in your sinus and nasal cavities. In most cases, you can eliminate smelly nasal secretions by using an over-the-counter saline rinse or a neti pot. However, if the problem continues, you should consider visiting an ear, nose, and throat doctor.

Talk to Your Doctor

It might not occur to you to discuss your bad breath battle with your doctor, but your primary care doctor might be able to help. Medications, especially ones that cause dry mouth, can cause lingering bad breath. So, your doctor may be able to alter the regular medications you're taking to resolve the problem. Additionally, bad breath can be caused by tonsil stones, which can be removed, or stomach problems, such as acid reflux, that are easily treated.

Bad breath is common, and often easily corrected, but no one wants to deal with it. If you feel like you're battling bad breath on a regular basis, talk to your dentist and/or doctor to come up with a solution.