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Foods That Cause Bad Breath: How They Make Your Breath Stink

woman covering her mouth

Foods That Cause Bad Breath: How They Make Your Breath Stink

Have you ever been told that your breath smells awful? Maybe you are not aware but bad breath could be due to several causes. One of the main reasons is probably your love for foods that can cause bad breath. Professionals state that breath odor can be prevented with proper oral health care and regular dental visits. Dental 266’s clinic in Burwood can help solve this issue. Check out this link to visit their website.

Foods Causing Bad Breath

Bad breath can be very frustrating. It has a lot of negative effects not only on how you present yourself to other people but it also prevents you from speaking confidently. Eventually, when the condition got worse, it can even affect your mental health and relationships.

It can be quite exasperating when despite your maximum efforts to maintain your oral health, halitosis or bad breath still persists. Before you lose hope, know that there are certain foods that can significantly cause bad breath. After contacting a dental team in Marsden for advice, we compiled the list below for you to see if the foods that might lead to unpleasant breath:

female checking the smell of her breath
  1. Protein. People who eat protein foods excessively often suffer from bad breath. According to dentists, the odor occurs because protein has a certain smell (like cat pee) that escapes through the mouth after it has been digested.
  2. Citrus fruits. Although citrus fruits do not specifically cause bad breath, their effect on your mouth basically invites bacteria to stay in. Bacteria are very much into acidic environments making citrus fruits an open invitation for odor-causing bacteria to feast in your mouth.
  3. Pasta. Pasta, particularly red sauce pasta can start acid build-up in your mouth and eventually cause bad breath. When eating foods like this, be sure to keep a glass of water beside you so you can easily wash away the odor.
  4. Fish from a can. Compared to fresh fishes, canned fish like tuna and salmon can produce a very strong odor when eaten. But what’s great about it is that it won’t cause permanent bad breath and can usually be washed off with drinks.
  5. Dairy products. Certain foods in the dairy products group contain several amino acids that can cause a reaction when introduced to the bacteria residing in the mouth. When amino acids and bacteria are combined, hydrogen sulfide takes place and bad breath follows.
  6. Peanut butter. If you are an avid fan of peanut butter, you already know how sticky this food is. Due to its sticky consistency, it’s hard to instantly remove and wash it away. Peanut butter residue can even stay in some areas of your mouth for quite some time. These particles cause bad breath when not thoroughly cleaned.
  7. Garlic and onions. The most popular foods that cause bad breath are definitely garlic and onions. These two exhibits strong and powerful taste and odor and are usually part of the recipe of so many different dishes.
  8. Coffee. Your bad breath could be due to your ultimate love for coffee. This hot drink is often the most important part of most people’s morning routine. But apparently, this beverage can also cause bad breath because of its drying effect in the mouth. A dry mouth hinders the production of saliva which gives the odor-causing bacteria the freedom to form and linger.
  9. Horseradish. The strong smell of horseradish is its natural defense against animals. One of the main reasons why horseradish is used in many dressings and sauces is because of its distinct flavor and smell. Unfortunately, since its odor is so strong, consuming it can give your breath a foul odor.
  10. Alcohol. Obviously, almost all alcohol has a smell that not everybody likes. Like coffee, alcohol can also cause dry mouth and allow bacteria to grow in which gives you bad breath.

Foods That Fight Off Bad Breath

Maintaining your oral health is the best way to prevent halitosis. Brushing your teeth regularly, using a mouth rinse, flossing, and regular dental appointments as the Evergreen Dental team advises, will complete a good dental hygiene regimen. But did you know that certain foods are also helpful in keeping your breath fresh? The foods listed below are effective in fighting off bacteria that cause bad breath:

female drinking
  • Water. This beverage is the healthiest and best beverage that our body could greatly benefit from. Water keeps us healthy and hydrated as it rinses away toxins and bacteria from our body.
  • Yogurt. Most yogurt that you can buy these days contains probiotics that are very effective in fighting bacteria. Eating yogurt two to three times a week can reduce the foul odor in your breath.
  • Cherries. Research shows that cherries have the ability to eliminate the foul odor of methyl mercaptan, a gas that causes intense halitosis which can usually be found in some foods.
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots promote good saliva production and keep your mouth moisturized. It’s also a bonus that they are high in fiber which also acts as a natural toothbrush. Remember the saying about apples? “An apple day keeps the doctor away” can also be rephrased as “An apple a day keeps the bad breath away” as it contains triple power to prevent halitosis.
  • Herbs. Basil and parsley contain a natural chemical called polyphenols which is an effective remedy for bad breath.
  • Ginger. Even though ginger does not taste good, it’s a healthy and natural solution against bad breath. Use it as a mouth rinse by combining sliced ginger with water and lemon.
  • Green tea. Aside from its many health benefits, green tea can also fight off bacteria with its natural antioxidants.

You can also prevent bad breath by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating foods that can cause bad breath may be bad enough but it could get worse when combined with excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. You may also opt to make adjustments in your diet as it might contain certain foods that give you bad breath. If you are wearing dentures, be sure to keep them clean all the time and store them in dry and sterilized storage.

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