Lick your wrist and let it dry. How does it smell? If it stinks, you’re part of the world’s population experiencing “halitosis” or, simply put, bad breath. How does this happen? Bacteria in the mouth will remain from the food you eat and create unpleasant scents if not removed. Garlic and onions contain smelly oils that go through the blood, which reach the lungs, where you release them when talking or breathing. Don’t be surprised if those around you cover their noses.
The good news is that some foods have the opposite effect by fighting bad breath! You probably already include some of these in your diet, so employing them to fight bad breath is manageable. Choose some of your favorites from the list below for instant relief and less embarrassment the next time you visit the dentist.
Herbs
While chewing gum has been around for centuries, people have nibbled on herbs and spices to mask terrible halitosis. The Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of Western medicine, even created a mouth rinse out of wine and herbs!
Thus, herbs like parsley, spearmint, or rosemary will do the trick. Rosmarinic acid, named after the herb, has significantly reduced garlic breath. If you don’t want to chew them raw, try making tea by boiling the leaves.
Tea
Speaking of tea, although it’s not technically considered a food, its ability to fight odors can’t be left unspoken. Green and black teas contain antioxidants that take care of halitosis. They also contain polyphenols, reducing sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
However, even your dentist will warn you to be careful with too much black tea or other variants, as it can cause a dry mouth, make odors worse, and even discolor your teeth. Try having regular tea between meals to keep your breath fresh and aid digestion.
Uncooked Fruits and Veggies
The fiber in crunchy fruits and vegetables acts like a toothbrush, keeping the mouth clean. These foods also produce more saliva, which helps to fight bad breath. Fruits and vegetables high in fiber and vitamin C are especially effective in preventing the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Unsweetened Gum
Chewing gum is an effective way to cover up bad breath. The act of chewing gum helps remove stuck food and also stimulates saliva production. More saliva means a cleaner mouth, as it washes away particles.
Keep in mind, however, that not all gum is created equal! Gum that has sugar can actually lead to tooth decay and make bad breath worse, so choose a sugar-free option instead.
Yogurt
Eating three ounces of yogurt a day for six weeks can reduce hydrogen sulfide levels by 80%, according to the International & American Associations for Dental Research. Hydrogen sulfide is the leading cause of bad breath and smells like rotten eggs.
Yogurt is a fantastic addition to your arsenal because it fights terrible breath like this: Dairy products are typically high in vitamin D, which reduces bacteria growth in the body. Probiotic yogurt with good bacteria will also make your gut happy.
Conclusion
Keeping your breath fresh means sticking to foods that reduce odors and proper maintenance of your oral hygiene. Schedule your appointment with a dentist in Framingham, MA, at Comfort Dental today! We offer family and cosmetic dentistry for all patients. Book now!
