Long before the Dukan Diet became a phenomenal international success thanks to its unsolicited and unofficial endorsement by Kate Middleton's mother, the restrictive diet's author, Dr. Pierre Dukan, warned of its side-effects commonly associated with high-protein diet regimen. Among them are moodiness, bad breath, constipation, dry mouth and fatigue.

People who maintain a "limelight" profile feel the pressure of having to appear pleasant, healthy, and balanced weight-- if not underweight-- before the public. It is a sacred rule to smell good as they are usually expected to provide exemplary model.

Restrictive diets like Kate Middleton's Dukan promises weight loss by religiously eating protein-only foods specifically during the first phase of the diet. Of course, the dieters lose weight as they advance to the later phases of Dukan. As a consequence, their high consumption of proteins-- such as animal meat-- will give them unpleasant breath.

So for those who would like to follow the diet steps of Kate Middleton, but do not want to suffer its halitosis effect, a few tips from experts will prove helpful.

IB Times staff has compiled the best approaches to cure bad breath.

Tips on Treating or Preventing Halitosis

Tongue Scraper. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published on its Web site a study suggesting tongue scraper as an effective approach for managing halitosis. It also included a Cochrane review which concluded that tongue cleaning is more effective than using toothbrush. Experts explained toothbrush has usually rough bristles that may damage the soft tissues on tongues. The toothbrush is also not wide enough to thoroughly cover the entire area of the tongue.

Meanwhile, the tongue scraper can effectively reach the back portion of the tongue, where bacterial usually lurk along its grooves.

Essential Oil Concoctions. There are three known herbal oils that can ward off foul odors from breath: peppermint, spearmint, and almond. Peppermint is known for its benefit in curing respiratory problems like bad breath. Spearmint has disinfectant property that kills bacteria, among them the foul-odor causing. Because of its 'anti-hepatotoxic' property, the almond oil has been incorporated even in Ayurveda to treat oral health issues.

When these three oils are combined together using accurate measure, they can work wonders on one's breath. There are commercially available oral care products that use these three ingredients or they can be combined at home.

Baking Soda and Warm Water. After brushing the teeth, wash the tongue and surrounding muscles with a paste of baking soda. To prepare, three-parts of baking soda should be added to one-part of warm water. Use the fingertips to clean the mouth with the paste and massage in circular motion the interior cheeks, gums, and tongue including its back portion. Rinse thoroughly.

Menthol Gums and Candies. During an engagement, it is wise to chew mint gums or soft candies just before the event. This will ensure fresh breath, though momentary. Remember to throw away the gum or candy just before initiating conversations. Drinking a little amount of water will also do well for the breath.

Of course, smoking cigarettes and tobacco is known to cause bad breath. So quitting smoking is not just for good oral health. It is also best for overall health.