But since many believe that by doing such things, they can be free from bad breath, the meaning of "good oral hygiene" is misinterpreted. It is not enough to brush your teeth. And there is a proper way to do it. Same thing goes with using dental floss. For most, 30 seconds is enough to brush their teeth. However due to its potency for temporarily erasing the traces of bad smell in the mouth, it is also used as mouthwash when boiled with water. Anise or pimpinella anisum is a licorice-flavored type of seed that could help freshen one's breath. While it may be used as a concoction, some oriental foods also contain anise to intensify the aromatic flavors. Stopping bad breath relies on 2 things: first, finding the cause of your condition; and second, treating it the right way 1. Finding the cause of your condition. Bad breath could only be stopped if you know where to start. And knowing where to start relies on knowing the cause of bad breath. Bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Some of the medical conditions, on the other hand, are liver cirrhosis, green discharges and stored mucus in at the back of the throat and tongue and in the nose and kidney problems. Another good symptom to use as a basis for self diagnosis of bad breath is the observance of yellow film covering the surface of the tongue. Doctors recommend that you brush your teeth for at least 2 times a day with toothpaste with fluoride for a minimum of two minutes. Using commercial toothpastes is okay if you are having bad breath attack after you eat your lunch but they may provide a temporary relief if you have more severe case of bad breath. Learn these easy to follow tips: 1. Brush your teeth. Tooth brushing important to keep your teeth clean by removing food particles from your previous meal. The doctors recommend that your brush your teeth for at least 2 times a day. Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 or 4 months. 2. Clean your tongue.