Good and Bad Foods For Your Breath
Good oral care routine can help your breath smell fresh and clean. However, if your diet is full of strongly scented foods, you can expect to carry in your mouth, clinging to your teeth, gums, and your tongue, the aromas of these foods. If you don’t carry with you at all times your reliable oral hygiene kit, use it whenever possible after a meal, you can end up with a not-so-fresh breath at the end of the day.
Halitosis: Chronic Bad Breath
But if you have chronic bad breath or halitosis, know that there are certain foods out there that can make the condition worse. Onions and garlic are the usual culprits, these food ingredients being high in sulfur contents. It’s the same with spicy foods, like curry and similar hot, exotic dishes.
Fish, like tuna, contain dense proteins which are used as a food source by the anaerobic, sulphur-producing bacteria present already in an odorous mouth. Those whose diets revolve around fish must apply a splash of lemon or vinegar onto the dish before eating as it helps reduce the fishy odor. Other food sources rich in proteins are meat and dairy products like milk and cheese.
Coffee and juices can contribute to halitosis as these beverages are acidic and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can also cause dry mouth, a condition where saliva flow is hampered. The dry environment allows bacteria to proliferate and survive, and the condition can cause a foul-smelling odor. It is good to always have the mouth hydrated by plain water to keep the odors away.
On the other hand, there are food choices that prevent bad breath. This also means they can mask bad breath if already present. So while these foods can help, the source of halitosis still needs to be addressed.
High fiber foods help prevent bad breath, such as fresh produce like fruits and vegetables. Apples and pears,
oranges, melons, and berries, also celery, carrots, and cucumbers are high in fiber and are abrasive, able to get rid of odour-causing plaque. They have high water content, preventing dry mouth and flushing away bad breath. Eating these foods also promote saliva production in the mouth. Parsley is probably one of the most well-known claims to treat bad breath, perhaps owing to its strong and natural deodorizing flavor.
Fresh produce are also a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that build strong and healthy teeth and promote the health of gums. Drinking green and black teas, because they contain polyphenols, is said to help eliminate sulphur compounds and reduce oral bacteria.
Consult with Our Bellevue Dentist
Learn more about which foods to avoid and which to enjoy more where bad breath is concerned. Better still, have that dentist appointment with our Bellevue dentist, and have halitosis managed and cured.
