There’s nothing worse than that moment you realizing that your breath smells like your tuna lunch, stale coffee or worse. What you eat and poor oral hygiene are the two main causes of halitosis, or bad breath. When you think about it, the mouth is a dirty worksite: more than 600 kinds of bacteria live in the average mouth. Many produce smelly gases as they digest the tiny food particles stuck between your teeth and on your tongue. The best solution is proper oral-hygiene routine, which includes brushing, flossing, rinsing, tongue cleansing and regular visits to the dentist, is an important first step. However, sometimes you’re on the go and forget to carry your tooth brush with you. Think of these foods to help neutralize dietary acids.
5 foods that will combat bad breath
Munch on crunchy foods
Carrots, apples, celery – basically anything with fiber. Many carbs and proteins can get stuck in your teeth – even healthy foods like whole grain cereal or chicken breast. So follow a meal with a Granny Smith (feel the saliva kick in at the mention of it?) to cleanse the mouth. Sweet.
Parsley
When your garlic breads or delicious onion-topped burger arrives with a few sprigs of parsley on the side, consider it a hint to freshen your breath. Chewing on the sprigs releases parsley’s pleasant, breath-freshening oils. Garnishes of fresh basil and rosemary work, as does coriander, spearmint, tarragon, and cardamom. You can chew on fresh herbs or make tonics by steeping them in hot water to create a tea.
Berries and Lemons
Consuming berries, citrus fruits, melons, and other vitamin C-rich foods fosters an unwelcoming environment for bacterial growth. A vitamin C-abundant diet is crucial for preventing gum disease and gingivitis, two primary contributors to halitosis. Therefore, if you find it challenging to avoid foods that aren’t good for your breath, focus on preventive eating, which is far superior to trying to remedy the issue later.
Yogurt
Eating half a cup of plain yogurt twice daily can decrease levels of hydrogen sulfide in your mouth (that rotten egg odor). Additionally, the vitamin D in yogurt helps reduce harmful bacteria, making it less favorable for bacteria to thrive. If you want to add sweetness, xylitol is a great option for freshening breath and also aiding in cavity reduction.
Water
Yet another great reason to get your daily H2O. In general, water acts as a cleanser and encourages saliva production; swishing water helps rid the mouth of food particles that bacteria feasts upon. Keep a water bottle in your workspace – your colleagues will likely thank you for it!
Hope these 5 foods help you maintain fresh breath. If you choose to go for chewing gum – make sure it’s sugar free or you’ll be seeing Dr. Sims or Dr. Urquhart sooner than you think 😉
He’s completed a number of additional courses to best serve his patients and be able to educate them too. No matter your age or dental condition Dr. Sims can assist you in a professional manner and loves answering any of your questions or concerns.
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