7 Foods That Causes Bad Breath 

Milena Marguenski • 20 September 2021

Bad breath is a common dental problem among adults of all age groups. It affects our self-confidence whenever we interact with our friends, relatives, and neighbors or engage in formal conversations.

On rare occasions, bad breath may be a warning sign of a serious health problem, ranging from gingivitis to gum disease, and even Periodontitis that leads to erosion of the bone.

Below, in this article, we’ve rounded up seven foods that is responsible for bad breath:-

1. Tea & Coffee

Both tea and coffee dry up our mouth by reducing saliva, which has a strong & lingering smell. And, in its absence, the mouth smells like rotten eggs.

Eradicating or cutting down the intake of these beverages has a positive impact on your dental health. Follow your morning cup of tea or coffee with a glass of sparkling water to maintain the moisture level in the mouth.

2. Garlic

A clove of garlic does so much to the taste of the food. It adds a depth of flavor to curries, pasta sauce, and more, but it contributes to bad breath. The smell from garlic stays for a long time after you have had your meal.

The garlic interacts with the body in a manner it enters the bloodstream and leaves through the lungs. Thus, people have the strange garlic feeling even days after consuming it.

3. Onion

Since onion is high on sulfurous compounds, it causes foul smell, more in those who consume raw onions as salad. When cooked, the strong & taste of onion can be minimized by soaking them in water before use, and by adding vinegar & species to your dish.

You can lower the effect of onion smell via brushing, flossing, and rinsing. But, cleaning the mouth only tackles half the problem. Therefore it is best to reduce your raw onion intake, and especially before having a big corporate meet or going out on a social gathering.

4. Canned Fish

Canned fish is a quick and healthy lunch, but it is a food choice that leads to bad breath. The fish in the can oxidizes and produces a nagging odor.

The smell stays in the mouth even hours after having the canned fish.

5. Acidic Food

Fruits & vegetables —such as grapes, tomatoes, blueberries, and sauerkraut— that are high in acidic content create the right environment for the harmful bacteria to thrive.

Such fruits & veggies are good for our health, but they cause havoc on your oral health. Thus, highlighting the fact that the diet which is right for keeping bad breath at bay, may not be a balanced diet.

6. Sugary Food

Sugary foods are the perfect fuel for bad breath because of bacteria. Some people use gum to tackle bad breath, as it keeps the mouth moist. It only works if the gum is sugar-free, otherwise, you’re feeding the bacteria.

7. Alcohol

The beverages that cause the worst mouth smell are those that contain sulfites, such as alcohol. It has a significant dehydrating effect, which creates the best environment for the bacteria in the mouth to linger and thrive.

As with tea & coffee, hydrating yourself is often advised. Plus, limit the intake of alcohol as minimum as possible.

Foods and Drinks That Make Your Breath Smell Good

  • Drink plenty of water to flush out the bits of bacteria from your mouth.
  • Consuming yogurt reduces the levels of odor-causing sulfide compounds.
  • Include herbs & spices in your diet to mitigate bad breath.
  • Foods rich in vitamin C such as broccoli helps people with bad breath.

Why Your Breath Gets Stinky

Bad breath is not because of smelly food, it's because of bacteria in your mouth. The microbes reside on dead food particles in the mouth.

So, brush your teeth twice a day to get rid of debris that causes bad breath, as per the American Dental Association.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental checkups at a family dental care Brooklyn clinic are imperative for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. As per the American Dental Association, see your dentist at least once in six months to prevent many oral problems. They’ll check your teeth and gums for cavities & other gum infections.

At Park Dental in Brooklyn, we promise the finest family dental services at the most affordable prices in the town. We have a panel of qualified oral surgeons with extensive expertise in a variety of advanced dental treatments.

To book an appointment, call us at 718.573.3333 or you can always Inbox at info@parkdentalbk.com.

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