Embarrassing Question: I'm super self-conscious about my breath. I brush and floss every day, but I still feel like it's not enough. What else can I do?
Answer: Offensive breath is an issue everyone faces, and not always being able to tell when we have it makes us feel even more aware of opening our mouths. While the most damage is done by food particles nestling in between teeth and on the back of the tongue, part of the problem actually comes from oral care products that use harsh alcohols and perfumes to mask bad breath. They work for a quick fix, but do more harm than good in the long run. Steer clear of any products that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which can be drying. Instead start with a toothpaste like SmartMouth Great Mint Mouthwash ($11) is like a chemistry set—you mix two zinc-fortified solutions together and swish for a minute. The formula, which is garnering rave reviews at G-U-M Fresh-R Tongue Scraper ($3.50) to get the bad breath baddies stuck in the back of your mouth.
We're not always able to excuse ourselves for a good, thorough brushing in the middle of the day. Keep something handy in your purse to combat midday bad breath toxins. Supersmile Quikee Fresher Breath Solution ($12), a toothpaste-like gel you dab on teeth and swish around. As it dissolves, Supersmile kills bad breath germs and whitens, too. Finally, do the round-the-clock bad breath block by taking a dietary supplement like
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