Chances are that if you've suffered from problem breath for any amount of time your not feeling very good about yourself. After all, who could blame you? It's not enough that you have to put up with a continuous barrage of negative references about your breath, but it's especially hurtful when those comments come from family members and friends. Further, you've probably tried the toothpastes, gargles, mints, and chewing gum, but nothing seems to work. You've masked the symptoms for awhile but the odor keeps returning. As a result, you feel like there's nothing you can do to treat your breath problem. Let's get to work on raising your self esteem back up to where it belongs right now. The truth is that you can go about curing bad breath effectively and inexpensively.

While about 90% of all breath issues originate from inside the mouth other causes might stem from medical or dental conditions. Your best bet would be to make an appointment with your dentist or doctor to be certain. The information in this article is based on breath issues originating in your mouth.

Here's what goes on inside your mouth when you eat. As you chew, bacteria that resides in your mouth breaks down the proteins and sugars from the food. As a by-product, certain volatile sulfuric compounds are created that cause the smell in your mouth. This is the real source of your mouth odor. For people such as yourself, bacteria levels are higher than usual causing chronic breath problems for you and a dive in your self worth.

Now close your eyes for a moment and imagine you're having a face to face conversation with a loved one, friend, or associate because your breath is fresh and clean, and you feel great about yourself. Now use the following guidelines and make it happen.

How do you go about curing bad breath and raising your self esteem?

Your goal should be to create an environment in your mouth that will always neutralize volatile sulfuric compounds resulting in clean and healthy breath. To meet this goal you'll want to develop a structured and proper oral hygiene program for yourself. Structured meaning you'll have to follow your oral hygiene program everyday, at least twice a day so your bad breath does not return. Proper meaning you'll have to use the appropriate tools and ingredients to eliminate the source of your breath odor rather than covering it up. Homemade ingredients work exceptionally well because they are inexpensive and very effective.

With that in mind your oral hygiene program should consist of the following 5 items and should take between 3-4 minutes at least twice a day:

1. Toothbrush - Make sure you choose a toothbrush that fits the size of your mouth. A soft bristle toothbrush is preferred because it can minimize damage to the gums. Brush each tooth, front and back, using a gentle downward motion. Replace your toothbrush when it looks worn or every three months.

2. Toothpaste - Here's what I use and it's very effective. 5 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 5 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin, and 10 drops of either peppermint or spearmint. The baking soda will kill the tiny organisms that cause disease related bacteria. Salt acts as an antiseptic and the glycerin has antibacterial properties. The mint acts as a breath freshener. Combine and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Place in a wide mouth bottle.

3. Tongue scraper - Do not brush your tongue. You'll simply move the bacteria all around your tongue and mouth. Purchase a tongue scraper. You'll want a plastic scraper for flexibility. Just like your toothbrush make sure the tongue scraper is the right size and shape for your mouth. Begin as far back on your tongue as possible then gently but firmly scrape forward toward the tip. Make sure you rinse off your tongue scraper in warm water after each use.

4. Dental floss - In order for you to make sure that you are able to remove any and all food particles from between your teeth and gums you need to chose the right type of dental floss. If you have little spacing between your teeth then waxed dental floss is ideal. However if there are bigger gaps between your teeth then you need to use a tape dental floss because it is thicker and wider. Dental floss comes flavored and unflavored. Carry some mint flavored dental floss with you so that in a pinch you can freshen your breath.

5. Gargle solution - I've tried so many different homemade solutions and in my opinion there is still nothing better to gargle with than old fashioned warm salt water. Just place some salt in a small glass and mix with warm water. Gargle then swish the solution around in your mouth vigorously. Now take a deep breath in. You'll be surprised at how clean your breath feels.

Also, your going to have to supplement your new oral hygiene program with changes in your diet. Avoid foods that cause problem breath, such as onions, garlic, cheese, and pastrami just to name a few. Add more crunchy fruits and vegetables to maintain your clean and fresh breath.

Initially you might have to be a bit more vigilant about sticking to your new oral hygiene regimen. It takes about three weeks to completely learn a new behavior. After that time you'll feel proud of the fact that you've literally become an expert at keeping your breath healthy, clean, and fresh.