We’ve all experienced that “not so clean” sensation in our mouth at one time or another, but if you’re at home, you can usually get back to a fresh mouth by brushing your teeth. But what happens if you want to freshen your breath after your morning coffee at the office, or while you’re on the road and you don’t have a toothbrush handy? Below, we share some ways to avoid bad breath when you don’t have access to a toothbrush.
Sugar-free gum or mints
Gum is probably the most commonly used product to freshen our breath outside of a toothbrush, because it’s easy to carry with you at all times and it has a refreshing flavor. Sugar-free gum or mints are great breath fresheners that won’t expose your gums or teeth to sugar, which can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Look for gum with the ADA Seal of Approval for your best options, or if you have a favorite brand, just make sure you go with the sugar-free option.
Floss Sticks
Floss sticks are small tools that you can use to remove food particles from between your teeth, but they can also double as a tongue scraper in the event that food or other particles have gotten stuck to the surface. Store a couple floss sticks in your purse or in your car so you have access to floss and a tongue scraper when you’re on the go.
Fruit
Yes, some fruits have plenty of natural sugars, but they also help to prevent excess bacteria growth in your mouth. Apples, for example, have polyphenols, which help to eliminate sulfur compounds in the mouth that can contribute to bad breath. Oranges, grapefruits and strawberries are also good options.
Water
Water is typically readily available at a lot of places, so you’re probably never too far from a water break. Oral bacteria tends to thrive in dryer areas, so when your mouth is dry, you’re more prone to bacteria growth. This is why a lot of people have worse breath in the morning if they breathe through their mouth and it gets dry throughout the night. Try to keep water nearby and take a drink if you’re feeling parched to help keep your breath fresh.
Yogurt
If you have a refrigerator in the office, consider adding some individual size, low sugar yogurts so you’ll have access to this breath freshener at work. The probiotic cultures in yogurt work against the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn lowers the amount of hydrogen sulfide your mouth bacteria gives off.
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