Pack wisely
You don't have to have an entire tooth-cleaning kit strapped to your back, but small, discreet items can really help you out in case of an emergency. An airline-sized toothbrush and toothpaste could fit in your back pocket. Chewing gum or mints can be lifesavers, but do bear in mind that they are a short-term solution – they won't get rid of the germs that are actually causing bad breath. Another valuable tool is a tongue scraper. They are usually compact, inexpensive to purchase at a pharmacy, and freshen your mouth if you are prone to a fuzzy, yellowish tongue.
Eat smart
Everyone knows garlic is a no-no if you want to end the night with a romantic kiss, but another watch-out is meat. Protein particles are notorious for getting stuck in the crevices of your teeth, leading to bad breath.
Did you know?
If you eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, you are at risk for a condition known as ketosis, where your body burns fat instead of sugar, causing bad mouth odors.
The people’s consensus
In a US survey of over 1,000 people, only 1 in 7 said they would be able to overlook someone's bad breath on a date. More than half — 58% to be precise — said they would stop being attracted to someone with bad breath, and nearly half of all women said they would end a relationship if their partner had consistently bad breath.
