For most people, treating halitosis is relatively straightforward. Basic oral hygiene, breath mints and mouthwash often provide easy, rapid relief for bad breath. There are many things you can do naturally to get to the root of bad breath and improve your breath naturally. Many of these suggestions have the added benefit of helping contribute to a healthier lifestyle overall.

One of the most notable causes of bad breath is smoking. Brushing one’s teeth or using mouthwash only works until the next cigarette, and even that’s not guaranteed. Many non-smokers can smell a smoker’s breath for hours after a cigarette. Of course, the benefits of not smoking extend far beyond elimination of bad breath.

Heavy alcohol consumption can also be a cause for bad breath. Limiting your intake to one or two drinks a day can reduce halitosis by reducing the irritation to your stomach caused by alcohol; irritation that often contributes to bad breath.

A sensible diet can also improve your breath. Low fat and high fiber foods are best for good breath. Extremely sugary snacks and drinks also lead to bad breath, as well as a lot of fat and salt. Ironically, garlic, onions and other spicy foods need not come off your diet. These foods don’t contribute to long term bad breath at all, unless they’re augmenting something that has a lot of fat to begin with.

Sensible diet also leads to effective weight management, which is another way to control bad breath naturally. Being overweight does a lot of damage to the body, and bad breath is one of the ways the body suffers.

Regular bowel movements can also contribute indirectly to better breath. A high fiber diet contributes to good intestinal health, as does regular exercise. These measures reduce the numbers of toxins stored in your body, which leads to sweeter breath.

Finally, if you have any chronic diseases, or are on any special medications for them, your doctor might be able to find out if bad breath is a side effect of either the disease or the medication that treats it.

Implementing just a few of these measures into your daily routine can lead to better breath and, while you’re at it, a longer, healthier and happier life.