How to Get Rid of Bad Breath by Valentine’s Day

Feb 12, 2019

Cupid is making his yearly rounds which means we’re ready to get all dolled up for the official day of love. While flawless makeup and romantic hairstyles may come to mind, paying attention to your breath is just as important for a romantic dinner date with bae or celebrating Galentine’s Day with your BFFs. Keeping your breath fresh is not only appreciated by the people you’re talking to (or smooching), but it’s good for your own oral health too. To help make sure your mouth is in tip-top shape for Valentine’s Day and beyond, below you’ll find five dentist-approved tips to prevent and get rid of bad breath. (Photo via quavondo/ Getty)

1. Remove plaque on the reg. It’s gross to think about, but after a 3-course meal, your mouth is coated in odorizing plaque. Lawrence Fung, founder of Silicon Beach Dental in Los Angeles, recommends brushing with an anti-plaque toothpaste to help dislodge the bad-breath causing buildup from your teeth and gums. Brit + Co Pick: hello Antiplaque + Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste ($5)

2. Don’t forget your tongue. Just like the rest of your mouth, your tongue is also a gathering place for plaque. Celebrity cosmetic dentist Marc Lowenberg of Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in NYC recommends using a tongue scraper to remove plaque for fresher-smelling breath. Brit + Co: The Dirt Anti-Microbial Copper Tongue Scraper ($10)

3. Rinse with mouthwash. As beneficial as a quality toothbrush and paste combo can be, it never hurts to back up your oral health efforts with a quick swish of mouthwash. Lowenberg says to rinse your mouth twice a day with an ADA-recommended antiseptic mouthwash. Brit + Co Pick: ACT Mint Anticavity Flouride Mouthwash ($4)

4. Choose your drinks wisely. Sure, wine, whiskey, and tequila are worthy options on the cocktail menu, but if fresh breath is the goal, it’s best to steer clear.“Order a cocktail with vodka — it kills the bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath,” says Lowenberg. “Also hold off on sugary mixers because they will bind to teeth and trigger odor-causing bacteria.” (Photo via Steve Lupton/ Getty)

5. Put a little parsley on your plate. According to Lowenberg, eating parsley regularly can help combat bad breath that may be a result of digestion. A study published in the Journal of Food Scienceshows that parsley— along with raw apple, spinach, and mint — can help naturally deodorize breath, making it a quick and easy fix to any foul odor. (Photo via Akepong Srichaichana / EyeEm/ Getty)

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Katy Perry's Hilarious Reaction To See Ex John Mayer Is TOO Relatable

Running into an ex can be absolutely awkward — especially if you're Katy Perry and your ex is paramour, singer-songwriter extraordinaire, John Mayer. We all know that even if your breakup ended on good terms, you may forget how to temporarily speak — I may or may not know from experience! So it's really not surprising that Katy had a totally hilarious reaction to seeing John at Sabrina Carpenter's concert...I mean, she's SO freakin' relatable.

See Katy Perry's reaction to awkwardly running into John Mayer!

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It seems like Katy Perry and John Mayer are both Sabrina Carpenter fans because they were seen at her concert November 18. They didn't arrive together, but we don't think Katy was expecting him to sit RIGHT BEHIND HER as she got ready to enjoy the show. Once she turned around and saw who was sitting in the lucky seat, Katy's head dipped her head in an "Oh sh--" moment based on this short clip.

Same girl, same.

However, another clip captured by Deux Moi shows the two exes were engaged in a brief conversation. It doesn't look like there was any hostile energy between them so maybe they're on cordial terms.

Katy Perry & John Mayer's Quick Dating History

Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

According to US Weekly, Katy Perry & John Mayer had an "on and off" relationship for 3 years before deciding they were better apart. Beginning with a cute meet in 2009 and a reconnection in 2012, these were the epitome of opposites attract. Sources were quick to note both their romantic moments and multiple breakups, per E! News, but it seemed they had a lot of love for each other.

Our favorite moment involves Katy Perry telling Billboard how much she admired John. She called him a "genius" based on "his songwriting" and even said, "I've been a fan of John's for years before I actually got to kiss him."

Despite the fact their inner circles thought they seemed "perfect together,"E! News also reported Katy broke up with John for good in 2014.

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These 17 Holiday Decor Finds Will Instantly Make Your Home Cozier

The holidays are here, people – now is the perfect time to gear up your holiday decor game! Luckily, Fortunoff Backyard Store is here to help you get a jump with plenty of holiday decor options like Christmas trees, ornaments, outdoor lighting, wreaths, and charming indoor pieces. We scrolled their entire site and found these 17 total hidden gems that will undeniably fill your home (inside and out) with cheer.

Scroll on for our favorite holiday decor finds from Fortunoff Backyard Store!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

7.5-Foot Norway Spruce Classic Christmas Tree with 800 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

This affordable Christmas tree is at the very top of our holiday decor wishlist. Plus, you can't beat cozy lighting!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Terrafab Weathered Grey Barrel Gas Fire Pit

Though this gas-powered fire pit will sure come in handy during the cold holiday season, you can definitely still use it in the spring and summer for family bonfires and well into the following fall and winter for s'mores parties. Did we mention it's 64% off right now?!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

8.5-Inch Light Up Musical Water TV with Santa & Sleigh

This adorable battery-powered TV decor piece features a very charming Santa in his sleigh. We love the retro flair! When powered on, Santa's pictured in warm light and plenty of dazzling glitter to some of your favorite Christmas tunes.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Wooden Triangle Santa Head Advent Calendar

We're all about advent calendars this season. The best part about this Santa design is you can use it year after year. This is definitely a fun and festive way to count down the days until Christmas!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

87-Inch Midnight Gas Pyramid Patio Heater

This 50%-off pick is perfect for keeping your holiday guests warm, especially if your patio or backyard tends to be your main hosting spot. It can cover about 210 square feet for a super cozy effect.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Indoor Infinity Light Deer

This tiny deer fitted with a fun infinity mirror is ideal for decorating small spaces. You could also display it in your entryway or a front window for a bright and energetic "welcome home!"

Fortunoff Backyard Store

7.5-Foot Fraser Fir Full Christmas Tree with 2800 Twinkling LED Lights

Nothing beats a Christmas tree with some warm lights. They help supply that classic Christmas look we know and love. With pre-strung LED lights, you can spend more time enjoying the season instead of decorating!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

3.4-Foot Natural Reindeer with 360 Warm White LED Lights

Don't worry: we've got some goodies for you, all you yard decorators! This plug-in reindeer is crafted from a rattan material, giving it an unmatched cozy feel. It also comes ready to go with warm white LED lights that'll shine once the sun goes down.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

30-Inch Flocked Noble Fir Wreath with 100 LED Lights

This faux snow-sprinkled wreath looks great on its own with its collection of cozy lights, but you could also fix it up with some ribbons and other playful holiday accoutrement to show off on your front door.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

9-Foot Flocked Noble Fir Garland with 100 LED Lights

The coordinating garland is so gorgeous, too. Hang it across your mantle or along your stairwell to really up the holiday vibes!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

9-Foot Douglas Fir Full Christmas Tree with 4500 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

If you prefer your Christmas and holiday decor to lean more traditional, this is the tree for you. It gives a soft, warm glow that's sure to complement any interior!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Red Shiny Shatterproof Christmas Ball Ornament

Of course, a Christmas tree wouldn't be a Christmas tree without some ornaments! We love Fortunoff Backyard Store's selection, plus you really can't go wrong with a classic ball shape.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

9-Foot Red and Green Poinsettia Garland

Poinsettias always provide a warm welcome to the holiday season. Embrace Christmastime with a pop of poinsettia blooms placed tastefully throughout this decked-out garland!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

11-Inch Framed Star with 400 Warm White LED Lights

The lights wound around this cheerful star-shaped decor piece have a magical twinkling effect that'll cover your front or back yard with tons of holiday cheer. The 11-inch frame is fitted with 26.2 feet of clear cable, so you can hang it how you really want it.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

4.9 x 6.6-Foot Christmas LED Warm White Net Light

Net lights like these are the premier choice for decorating your yard's shrubs and bushes. They're extremely easy to install, plus the net construction ensures your lights are always evenly distributed.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

23.5-Inch Infinity Light Snowman

If jolly's what you're looking for, this handsome little snowman will be the piece to complete this year's holiday decor setup! He can happily sit in a window or on top of your mantle, emitting an eye-catching design all the while.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

4-Inch Glass Mercury Plaid Ball Ornament

Plaid will never go out of style when it comes to holiday decor, as far as we're concerned. Snag a few of these glass ornaments to truly deck out your tree in timeless Christmas spirit!

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Chad Michael Murray's Sweet Reason For Bringing His Family To Set Proves He's The Ultimate Girl Dad

Chad Michael Murray has many names: Lucas Scott, Cal Jones, Jake — and Dad! The actor (whose new movie The Merry Gentlemen is on Netflix now) just revealed that he always brings his kids to work while filming, and my daddy's girl heart is simply melting.

If you're an One Tree Hill fan, there's a good chance you're a die-hard Lucas and Peyton shipper, but IRL Chad currently has three children with wife, Sarah Roemer: a son who's nine, a daughter who's six, and another daughter who just turned one.

Here's why Chad Michael Murray always brings his family to set with him.

Chad Michael Murray has three kids: a 9-year-old son, a 6-year-old daughter, and a 1-year-old daughter.
The actor revealed why his family, whom he calls "The Pack," joins him on every film set.
He also spills on why he's "really proud" of new Christmas movie The Merry Gentlemen, on Netflix now!

The reason Chad Michael Murray always brings his fam to set is actually really simple. “I want to be there," he tells Variety of why his family is inseparable. "I got to be there for my daughter’s first steps. I got to take her trick or treating for the first time. And she crushed it!"

The actor really views his family as a unit, and proudly calls them "The Pack," which sounds exactly like something Austin Ames from A Cinderella Story would call his family. But don't worry — even though the family was with him on the set of The Merry Gentlemen, which follows a group of guys who stage a steamy revue to rescue a local venue, the kids don't have any innocence lost.

“It’s not gratuitous by any means," he continues. "We threaded the needle on that film. You go too far and you’re making one movie, you go too under, and it doesn’t work at all. It’s in the perfect space where people won’t feel wrong having it on the TV in the background. It’s the sweet spot, and I’m really proud of that."

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Chad and his wife recently celebrated their 10th anniversary on September 19, and he posted the sweetest tribute in honor of the special day. "We’ve jammed more into this 10 years than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s truly astounding," he says on Instagram. "It’s been the Best decade of my life by far- sharing each and every moment with you. We’ve grown this little pack together and seen so much of the world as a family. I’m so grateful for you Sarah. Every day is a better and much brighter day with you in it:)"

"I hope and pray for at least 50 more anniversaries with you," he continues. "Till we’re old and gray… new hips, new knees, our elbow skin will be touching the ground, all the kids will think we’re senile but really we’re just f-ing with them… coz that’s what you do when you’re old and together:) I love you Sarah- Happy 10th Anniversary❤️❤️❤️"

In addition to his new holiday flick, the One Tree Hill actor recently made headlines for commenting on his potential return to the One Tree Hill sequel series that's (hopefully) coming to Netflix soon. We know Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles are involved, but will we see Lucas join Brooke, Peyton, and Rachel? "No clue," he says, although he hopes it “comes together for the fans.”

“I mean, this fandom that has grown, I mean, literally, I was just in Halifax a week ago and, sure enough, I’m running into 11, 12, 13-year-old kids who are in love with Tree Hill,” he continues. “They’re seeing it on Hulu and they’re going, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ It’s stood the test of time and I think to have some new stories, whatever iteration of the show that’s created, I want it for the fans.”

C'mon everybody let's sing together — I DON'T WANNA BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYNA BE LATELY!

Does Chad Michael Murray seem like the ultimate girl dad? Let us know in the comments and tag us with your hottest The Merry Gentlemen takes!

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