National Fresh Breath Day
Many people suffer from halitosis, or bad breath, without even realizing it. Check your breath, practice good oral hygiene, and pop a sugar-free breath mint.
Nobody likes having a close quarters conversation with that one person who has just had onions and garlic for lunch!
Whether at a party, in the office, or generally just out somewhere in public, bad breath is a social faux pas that many people aren’t even aware that they have.
So National Fresh Breath Day was created to promote the kindness that comes from having an awareness about the importance of fresh breath!
How to Celebrate National Fresh Breath Day
Although most people are not likely to host a party just to celebrate National Fresh Breath Day, still it’s a day that deserves attention! Try these creative ideas for the day:
Check that Breath
It can be really hard for a person to smell their own bad breath! Generally, a bad taste in the mouth would probably signal that bad breath could be a problem, but that doesn’t always work.
Some people think that breathing into a cupped hand, so that the air comes back toward the face, is a way to get a better reading on bad breath.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Many people aren’t aware of the fact that most of the germs that cause bad breath live on the tongue. That means the tongue needs to be brushed too.
So even those who are brushing their teeth twice a day can still have bad breath if they aren’t dedicating a bit of their brushing time to their tongues!
In addition, rinsing with a germ-killing mouthwash can take it one step further in fighting the bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Those who don’t have the option to brush their teeth after eating or drinking might try carrying a small bottle of mouthwash so that they can at least rinse a bit to kill those icky germs and freshen up the breath.
Be Aware of Bad Breath-Causing Food and Drinks
Everyone knows that coffee can cause bad breath, so maybe they opt for orange juice. Except, what many people don’t know is that citrus fruits contain a lot of acid, which means that they, too, are likely to cause a breeding ground for germs.
Here are some other surprising foods that can cause bad breath:
- Cheese and Other Dairy Products. Dairy bites contain amino acids that can react with the bacteria in the mouth to create a sour sulfur compound–which can make the mouth taste and smell like rotten eggs!
- Peanut Butter. The pasty consistency of peanut butter can mean that the saliva doesn’t break down the proteins, plus, the stickiness can mean that it stays in the mouth long enough to create icky breath.
- Tomato Sauce. Just like with the citrus fruits, tomatoes are highly acidic which makes them more likely to cause bad breath.
Share Mints at Work
If this is a problem at work, why not offer the mints around the office (just don’t single out that one person who loves the peculiar lunches, or it could end badly), and spread the joys of fresh breath on National Fresh Breath Day!
History of National Fresh Breath Day
Most people aren’t aware of the fact that over 50% of the bacteria found in the human mouth contributes to bad breath.
Brushing twice a day and using mouthwash is the obvious beginning of the way to fight this. But people with serious problems with halitosis (which is just a fancy medical term for bad breath) may struggle to get through the day without offending someone with their stinky mouth odors.
Something many people don’t know is that mints and chewing gum that contain sugar can actually (in the long term) have the opposite effect than what people are hoping for.
So if opting for mints or gum to help with the problem of bad breath, be sure to choose special products that are sugar free, making it more likely they won’t actually make the breath worse than it was before.
National Fresh Breath Day was created to educate and make people aware about these and other factors related to having Fresh Breath!
National Fresh Breath Day FAQs
What was the first recorded breath freshener in history?
The Ancient Egyptians created the first known breath fresheners by boiling herbs and spices with honey to form chewable pellets.
These were used not just for fresh breath but also for their antimicrobial properties. Over time, similar practices emerged in other ancient cultures, highlighting the universal desire for pleasant breath.
How did medieval societies address the issue of bad breath?
During medieval times, people chewed on cloves, cinnamon sticks, or fennel seeds to mask unpleasant breath. These spices were not only aromatic but also had antibacterial properties.
How did the mint become synonymous with fresh breath?
The association of mint with fresh breath dates back to the Romans, who chewed mint leaves after meals. Mint’s natural menthol provides a cooling sensation, masking odors.
By the 18th century, mint became the flavor of choice in tooth powders and eventually in modern toothpaste.
Are there traditional remedies for bad breath from Indigenous cultures?
Indigenous peoples in North America chewed on the resin of balsam fir trees to combat bad breath.
The resin acted as a natural antibacterial agent. Similarly, Indigenous Australians used tea tree leaves to freshen their breath and cleanse their mouths.
Why do some people experience “morning breath”?
Morning breath occurs because saliva production slows during sleep, allowing bacteria to thrive.
Without saliva’s natural cleansing effect, sulfur compounds accumulate, causing bad odors. This is why staying hydrated and brushing before bed are essential.
Can spicy foods improve breath temporarily?
Surprisingly, spicy foods like chili peppers can briefly enhance breath freshness by triggering saliva production.
Saliva helps rinse away bacteria and food particles. However, the effect is short-lived, and the spice itself may later contribute to odors.
What role did the Industrial Revolution play in modern oral care?
The Industrial Revolution introduced mass-produced toothbrushes and tooth powders, making oral care accessible to more people. Factories produced mint-flavored products, setting the standard for fresh breath as a societal norm.
These innovations forever changed how people approached oral hygiene.
Are there superfoods that naturally combat bad breath?
Foods like parsley, apples, and yogurt are natural breath fresheners. Parsley contains chlorophyll, which neutralizes odors, while apples stimulate saliva flow. Yogurt’s probiotics can reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath.
How is bad breath perceived in different cultures?
In some cultures, discussing bad breath is taboo, as it’s considered deeply embarrassing.
Others, like parts of Asia, incorporate regular oral rinses and herbal remedies into daily life. Cultural attitudes often shape how openly oral hygiene is addressed.
Can laughter actually improve your breath?
Laughter increases saliva production, which helps clean the mouth and reduce bacteria.
While it’s not a substitute for brushing, a good laugh can indirectly keep your breath fresher. Plus, it’s a fun and natural way to feel good and share positivity.
See what else is happening…
There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!
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