Stinky breath can be a real problem… for your self-esteem, as well as your social life. And this embarrassing condition affects more than 50 million folks in the United States alone. If your oral hygiene is so foul that you swear you’re dissolving enamel, then it’s time to look at your diet and make sure you’re including good food choices that can help prevent that offensive dragon breath. Some choices include…

• Whole and living foods—Nutrient-rich, living foods such as fruits and vegetables don’t feed the unnatural bacteria inside your mouth. Fresh bell pepper and broccoli contain vitamin C that can actually create an unwelcome environment for smelly bacteria.
• Cinnamon oil—This aromatic extract can decrease the mouth bacteria that can cause gum problems and bad breath.
• Sugar-free gum—Gum chewing, especially when the gum contains xylitol, can increase saliva production and help get rid of dead cells and decaying food from your tongue, gums and teeth.
• Yogurt—Medical research suggests that eating sugar-free yogurt can decrease the levels of sulfide compounds which contribute to mouth odors, as well as mouth bacteria.
• Pure water—Drinking water promotes saliva production which performs a constant cleaning duty and helps flush out decaying food that bacteria feed on.

Isn’t pleasant breath odor worth a few simple precautions? The people you meet will appreciate the effort… and you never know whom you will meet next.