Simply put: bad breath is a presentation no-no. You might be presenting in front of a group of 500 people and never get close enough for someone to smell the garlic medley you ate for lunch. But in all likelihood, there are always going to be people in the front row who know your secret. Here are a few fast (and creative) ways to beat halitosis before a presentation:
Keep Your Mouth Moisturized
One of the causes of bad breath is a lack of saliva in the mouth; saliva washes away bacteria and also acts as an antiseptic. Hydrate with plenty of old fashioned water, and consider using chewing gum (see below) to increase saliva production.
The Right Gum for the Job
Not all gums are going to get the job done properly. Gum sweetened with sugar and not Xylitol (a sugar substitute) will increase the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn increases the smell. Looking for a particular flavor? Cinnamon gum is proven to be the best at reducing bacteria.
Ye Olde Tongue Scraper
The back of the tongue is a perfect place for food to hide and bacteria to form. Using a tongue scraper may save you money in gum, mints, and water bottles in the long run.
Black Tea is the Way to Be
Black (and green) tea is a natural remedy that kills bacteria lingering in the mouth. We guarantee your breath will smell better than it would after a pot of coffee, so consider adding it to your morning routine.
Go Bananas
Fruits high in vitamin C kill bacteria, but did you know that carb-rich bananas fight bad breath? If you haven’t eaten anything recently, your body releases ketones as it breaks down fat instead of carbs for energy. And ketones, as you may guess, stink. You can solve this problem by eating a banana before your presentation. Isn’t science amazing?
Due Diligence
Nothing beats brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash. All three seek out food particles which are tiny pockets of bad breath waiting to happen. Consider spending that extra bit of time with your dental hygiene routine and “wow” the room with your fresh, minty breath.
Being fully prepared for a presentation isn’t always about selecting the right tie; occasionally it means ensuring that your breath doesn’t smell like a nightmare.
Question: Which bad breath busting technique will you use during your next presentation?
