Bad Breath

• Since your nose isn't the most dependable in determining the odor of your own breath, you may need to rely on others to tell you whether or not you have a problem, so ask your spouse, partner or friend to smell your breath. If you're not comfortable doing this, you can always ask your dentist or dental hygienist the status of your breath. If you're still not comfortable, do a little test of your own.
  
  To really get a whiff of your own breath, simply lick your arm. After the patch of skin has dried, take a sniff. The odor left on your arm should give you some indication of the odor of your breath. Once you determine there's a problem, you can start working to rid your mouth of that unpleasant odor.
  
  

Dental Hygiene

• Of all the things you can do to combat halitosis, dental hygiene is one of the most effective, so start brushing your teeth after every meal. This not only includes your teeth and gums, but also your tongue. However, make sure that your toothbrush doesn't get too worn; swap it out for a new one every three to four months.
  
  Follow up this brushing with a quick flossing to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Waxed, minted floss works well in this situation, but feel free to use standard floss or even a floss pick. And if at all possible, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to complete your dental regimen.
  
  While personal oral hygiene can go a long way to ward off halitosis, you should make sure to visit your dentist with some regularity. Every six months is recommended and is often covered, at least partially, under most dental insurance plans. It is at this time that your teeth can be fully cleaned, typically by a dental hygienist, and the hygienist and dentist will examine your entire mouth to detect and stave off any damage or decay, which can be odor-producing and lead to more serious dental problems, like periodontal disease.
  
  

Diet

• Besides dental hygiene, your diet can also play a crucial role in the development of bad breath. When you eat food, no matter what it is, it will inevitably affect the odor of your breath. And certain foods affect your breath more than others, so keep track of what you eat in relation to the smell of your breath. Once you've determined the perpetrator, or the cause of the most offensive odor, eliminate it from your diet.
  
  

Moisture

• It is also quite important in the remedy of halitosis to make sure your mouth remains moist. The easiest way to do this is with liquids, so drink plenty of water each day to maintain the proper moisture within your mouth and combat bad breath.
  
  If this isn't enough, pick up some something to suck on, like a sugarless candy. The act of sucking on candy (or even chewing gum) can stimulate the production of saliva and moisten your mouth.
  
  

Tobacco

• It should go without saying, but, if your halitosis is caused by the use of tobacco, be it chewing or smoking, cease using the product. Not only are you improving your health, but you're saving your breath from bad odors.