Coming away from a date with a good story is always welcome. However, you don’t want the story to be that you had bad breath. Brushing is your first defense against offensive odors, but there is more you can do. From watching what you eat to getting a teeth cleaning, here are five things you can do to maintain fresh breath.

How to Avoid Bad Breath on a Date

1. Watch What You Order

One of your best defenses while on a date is to avoid ordering foods and drinks that are likely to cause bad breath. That means avoiding onions, garlic, and other notoriously smelly foods. Limit your alcohol intake, too, because alcohol can make your breath stink.

2. Get Professional Teeth Cleaning

Nothing will do a better job of keeping your mouth fresh than a professional teeth cleaning. A simple office visit can help remove plaque and odor-causing bacteria that a simple brushing might miss. This should be part of your oral health routine, anyway, so make the most of it and schedule your next cleaning prior to your date.

3. Brush Your Tongue

When you brush before your date, don’t just brush your teeth. Your tongue is full of bacteria that can cause bad breath. Thankfully, a gentle brushing can help. For a more thorough cleaning, invest in a tongue scraper.

4. Drink Enough Water

Bad breath and a dry mouth go hand-in-hand. That’s because when our mouths are dry, we don’t produce enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria. Stay hydrated and you’ll minimize the risk of offending odors.

5. Bring Mints With or Mouthwash You

When all else fails, freshen up with some mints, gum, or mouthwash. Small travel-sized bottles of mouthwash are discreet and easy to tuck into a bag or pocket. Slip away to the bathroom to wash away the worst of what you ate.

If it’s time for your next teeth cleaning, schedule one with Main Street Dental of La Crosse, WI. Serving all of La Crosse County and the surrounding region, Dr. Dan Kujak and his team are known for their comprehensive oral care, from teeth cleaning to restorative dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 784-4063. For more information on their welcoming approach and nearly three decades of experience, visit their website.