Working in close quarters has its advantages. One is that you get to know your colleagues really, really well.

The flip side is that you get to know them too well.

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6242_thumbWhen people spend whole days together, cute little quirks of behavior, hygiene or grooming aren’t always so cute after a very short while. And that includes bad breath.

Here are some top tips and tricks for battling bad office breath during your busy days:

  • Keep a water bottle or mug full of water next to you at all times — hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking water on a regular basis washes away food particles and bacteria, the two main causes of bad breath.
  • Try sugar-free mints, such as Ice Breakers. They freshen your breath without the annoying snap of gum, so there’s no need to worry when you meet with your manager.
  • Use mouthwash. Keep a small bottle in a desk drawer or in your purse. A quick swish now and then in the ladies room will give you that “just brushed” breath.
  • Try a tongue scraper for cleaner, fresher breath. They’re super cheap and will leave your tongue pretty and pink.
  • Eat parsley. The chlorophyll in parsley deodorizers bad breath, so a sprig or two will bring back a fresh mouth and with it, your confidence.