(Guest blog by Jennifer Vishnevsky, a contributor to www.TopDentists.com, part of the Everyday Health portfolio.)

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be annoying and downright embarrassing. Halitosis is one of the most common complaints at the dentist’s office, as well as one of the most treatable. See your dentist to rule out any underlying problem, such as gum disease, bacteria or dry mouth syndrome. These problems can all cause your mouth to emit a foul smell. However, if you still find yourself with bad breath, here are some quick natural remedies for curing bad breath.

• Taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with water, prior to eating meals, is supposed to help your digestive processes run more smoothly.
• A salt water gargle is also useful for eliminating bacteria from your throat.
• Tea tree oil is a natural cure for bad breath when it’s used as a toothpaste additive. Add a drop of the oil to your toothpaste before you brush. Never swallow the toothpaste.

In order to really curb bad breath, try to update your daily routine with these natural options.

Brush and Rinse

Improper brushing is one of the leading causes of bad breath. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft bristled toothbrush. Floss between your teeth at least once per day and use a toothpick to remove any food lodged between your teeth after meals. If you’re brushing and flossing, consider using a tongue scraper to scrub off bacteria from your tongue.

Removing plaque and tartar from the teeth during a dental cleaning can help you reduce bad breath immediately. A dental cleaning will also remove any bits of food that are stuck between the teeth, which also leads to halitosis.

Baking soda is a fantastic remedy for bad breath, since it changes the acidity levels in your mouth. Add some baking soda onto your toothbrush, brush with it, and then rinse with water. You can also purchase toothpaste that contains a small amount of baking soda.

Watch Your Diet

If your mouth is dry, eat a citrus fruit that is high in citric acid, which can help improve your breath. The acid in orange, lemon or grapefruit stimulates the saliva, which can help improve your breath. Fruits and veggies that are high in vitamin C may inhibit bacterial growth.

There are also foods you can eat that promote good breath. Chewing raw vegetables and fruits work like a brushing mechanism to dislodge debris from your teeth. Plus, the vigorous chewing boosts saliva production.

Test out a combination of the easy tricks along with fully changing our beauty and diet regime to really notice a difference in your fresher breath.