If you struggle with bad breath, you might be self-conscious about being close to others. It can also be harder to fight bad breath when you’re on the road, too. It can be hard to eat healthy, it’s easy to forget a toothbrush, and stress from traveling can make matters worse. Let’s take a look at a few strategies to fight bad breath while you’re traveling.
6 Ways to Fight Bad Breath While Traveling
1. Pack a Travel Case
Whether you’re just running errands for the day or you’re taking a long-haul flight, a small travel case can help you fight bad breath on-the-go. This can be as simple as a small toothbrush and toothpaste in a plastic bag or glasses case. You can even keep multiple travel cases handy. Throw one in your gym bag, in your car, or in your favorite jacket. With just a water bottle or a drinking fountain, you can quickly brush your teeth when you’re traveling, rinse, and be on your way.
2. Drink Lots of Water
Dry mouth can cause bad breath, or make it worse. Medications that cause dry mouth can make this worse, as well as smoking and vaping. Drinking lots of water can help alleviate dry mouth, and help fight bad breath when you’re traveling. Keep a reusable water bottle handy, and fill it up often. Like your travel case, keep your water bottles as available as possible; in your car, gym bag, suitcase, or anywhere.
3. Keep Gum or Mints Handy
Sugar-free gum or mints are no-brainers when it comes to fighting bad breath. If you’re in a hurry while you’re traveling, you might not always be able to buy these. Keep chewing gum or mints in your jacket pocket, purse, suitcase, computer bag, car, or even in a keychain attached to your car or house keys.
Buy your favorite sugar-free gum or mints in bulk from the grocery store so it’s easy to get more if you run out. To avoid a sticky mess in your jacket pocket or car cup holder, consider individually-wrapped and sealed items that won’t dissolve in the washer or melt in the heat if they get left behind.
4. Travel with Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great way to fight bad breath when you’re traveling. You might not have the time or opportunity to brush your teeth regularly, but you’ll always have time for a quick swish. While traveling with a large bottle of mouthwash would be difficult, a travel-sized bottle will fit in your bag or jacket pocket and 3oz and under is allowed on planes.
You can refill your smaller, travel-sized bottle from a larger container when it’s convenient for you. If you run out, you can even make your own mouthwash using common household items like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
5. Wear a Mask
In the last few years, wearing a mask while traveling has become more commonplace. This is a great way to avoid viruses and bacteria while you’re traveling, but it can also be a way to fight the social effects of bad breath. If you’re self-conscious about bad breath, wearing a mask can help keep odors contained. This might make odors worse for you, but it might help you feel less self-conscious.
6. Keep Travel-Sized Scents
Cologne, perfume, or essential oils won’t solve bad breath, but they can cover up bad odors. Keep a travel-sized container of your favorite scents handy. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your breath, rub or spray your scent around your neck or through your hair. This will keep the scent relatively close to your mouth and cover up bad breath odors.
7. Choose Foods and Drinks Thoughtfully
If you struggle with chronic bad breath, consider your foods and drinks a bit more carefully. Some foods and drinks will make bad breath worse, and others can make it better. Strong-smelling foods that contain garlic, pepper, hot sauce, seafood, mayonnaise and similar ingredients can contribute to bad breath. Drinks with lots of sugar, like soda, sugary coffee drinks, or cocktails, make it easier for bacteria to multiply, which also makes bad breath worse.
Drinking regular water can help fight bad breath and wash away bacteria. Foods or drinks that contain mint, orange, cinnamon, anise, and similar good-smelling ingredients might not improve bad breath, but won’t make it worse.
Solving Bad Breath
If you notice you often have bad breath, or your bad breath is getting worse, consider making an appointment with your dentist. Tooth decay, chronic dry mouth, mouth cancer, and other conditions can cause bad breath. Your dentist can provide more lasting solutions, and help resolve the cause of your bad breath.