Have you been told that you have bad breath? There

1. Although mouthwashes will solve some of the immediate problems, you must get at the root of the cause. Mouthwashes in general are only a temporary mask for the problem, and their effects last only half an hour or so. Gargle with an antiseptic mouthwash. Try to find a mouthwash that has as little alcohol as possible.

2. -Clean your tongue, too. Bacteria left on your tongue can contribute to less-than-fresh breath. Be sure to brush your tongue after you brush your teeth.

3. You can make a natural gargle that will rid you of bad breath by taking 3 parts of fresh peppermint leaves to 2 parts of water. You then grind this mixture in a blender until you have a thick liquid. Gargle one cup of this mixture every day for an entire week.

4. Watch your consumption of foods such as alcohol, coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), dense proteins (such as those found in dairy and meat products), garlic and onions, and sugars. These are all bad-breath offenders.

5. A dry mouth can quickly cause bad breath. Sali-va helps clean your mouth; it has a natural antibacterial action, and it washes away food particles. That awful morning breath is the result of reduced saliva flow at night.

6. Another step to take is to improve your whole digestive system. By changing your digestion you may well eliminate the cause of your bad breath. A high-fiber diet emphasizing whole grains and fruits and vegetables is essential for optimum digestion. Stay away from high-fat foods. Eating yogurt or acidophilus will help balance your stomach by adding beneficial bacteria which will improve digestion. This is one of the best bad breath cure.

7. Keep a regular log of your eating habits and medications, as these can cause bad breath. Share the log with your dentist. Try using a fluoride mouth rinse with antiseptic ingredients and a pleasant mint flavor. This helps to protect your teeth, and the flavor masks odor problems.

8. Fennel Fennel is another useful herb and can be used in several ways. Slowly chew the leaves and allow the saliva to build up in your mouth. Or, mix the contents of a fennel capsule with baking soda, make into a paste, and brush your teeth, gums and tongue with it. The fluid extract of fennel can be rubbed on your gums and tongue.