Keep your mouth clean. That means a thorough brushing twice a day and flossing regularly.

Clean your tongue, too. Bacteria left on your tongue can contribute to less-than-fresh breath.

Wet your whistle. A dry mouth can quickly cause bad breath. Saliva helps clean your mouth; it has a natural antibacterial action, and it washes away food particles.

Rinse. If nothing else, at least rinse your mouth with plain water after eating. Swishing the water around may help to remove some of the food particles left in the mouth after a meal and prevent bad breath from setting in.

Eat to smell sweet. Foods that help fight plaque may also help fight bad breath. Opt for celery, carrots, peanuts, or a bit of low-fat cheese if you want something to snack on.