Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on food left behind. As they digest debris in the teeth, they give off a gas as a byproduct. It is this gas that causes the smell. There are some medical conditions that also cause bad breath, but we aren’t talking about those here. With a good oral hygiene regimen, regular visits to the dentist and using some of these foods in the diet, bad breath really could be a thing of the past.

1. Apples

An apple a day helps keep the dentist at bay as well as the doctor. Polyphenols in apples help break down bacteria in the mouth which has a positive effect on breath. They are also effective at cleaning the teeth and collecting debris that bacteria would otherwise feed on.

2. Fresh herbs

Herbs such as mint, parsley and basil all contain strong oils that have positive health benefits, including fighting the bacteria that cause bad breath. They taste pretty good too.

3. Ginger

Ginger is widely known as beneficial to digestion but it also helps neutralize bad breath. A small piece of fresh ginger eaten after a meal not only tastes great but also helps keep bad breath at bay.

4. Green tea

Green tea is popular for all sorts of reasons and the ability to banish bad breath is one of them. Like apples, green tea contains polyphenols which are known to tackle mouth bacteria. There are also links to the prevention of tooth decay too.

5. Water

One of the primary causes of bad breath is the lack of saliva in the mouth, or dry mouth. Having a glass of water after a meal has some very far reaching health benefits, the ability to fight bad breath is just one of them.

6. Vitamin C

Foods containing vitamin C such as broccoli and oranges as they create a hostile environment for bacteria within the mouth. A balance has to be struck to not make the mouth too acidic after eating, but an orange after a meal can certainly help.

7. Natural yogurt

Natural yoghurt not only lowers the pH level of the mouth after eating but has probiotic properties too. We know these are good for us as they help promote growth of ‘good’ bacteria which fights the bad, bacteria and breath!

8. Milk

Milk and certain dairy products are thought effective at fighting garlic breath after curries or strong garlic flavored food. Sulfur-like compounds within garlic are broken down by dairy, which is why this is on our list.

9. Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are used in Asia to clean out the mouth, generate saliva and fight bad breath. The oil within the seeds has antibacterial properties which fight the bacteria that cause bad breath.

10. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is widely used in both Eastern and Western cultures because of various health benefits and a delicious taste. It also has compounds that actively break down the gas that causes bad breath.

As holistic dentists, we believe in a complete approach to oral health and wellness. Introducing any of these foods into your diet is a good thing regardless of whether you’re fighting bad breath or not.

If you’re looking for a holistic dentist in New Jersey, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry for a consultation. We are here to help!

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We have spoken before about how to avoid bad breath. They include brushing regularly, flossing, watching your diet, the treatment of infection and giving up smoking. If halitosis still takes hold, there are still plenty of things you can do to treat it. Failing that, there are many effective dental treatments we can perform for you here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry.

Halitosis treatments

Most treatments for bad breath are quick, easy and painless. All of them are easily achievable either on your own or in conjunction with us.

Good oral hygiene

We often cover the benefits of brushing twice a day and regularly flossing so we won’t labor the point here. Suffice to say they are both the most effective ways of avoiding bad breath in the majority of cases. They are also very good at keeping your mouth healthy and infection free.

Other good oral hygiene practices include choosing the right toothbrush, using a good quality toothpaste and coming to us for checkups on a regular basis. Contact us at Aesthetic Family Dentistry if you would like to know more.

Dentist intervention

There are a number of causes of bad breath that will need our help to manage. They can include gum or periodontal disease, poorly fitting dentures, dental caries and xerostomia (dry mouth). They are all issues that are easily treated when you work with your dentist.

Some of these issues are asymptomatic in the early stages, meaning you won’t necessarily know you have them until later on. The earlier we can catch and treat these issues, the better it is for you and your overall wellbeing. That’s why it is so important to schedule regular dental checkups.

Treating or managing medical conditions

There are a number of medical conditions that cause halitosis. They include gastrointestinal problems, liver or kidney problems, bronchitis, diabetes and stomach ulcers. Some medications and some treatments such as chemotherapy can also produce bad breath as a side effect. Discuss these issues with your dentist as there are often alternatives available to either help or avoid this side effect.

Those are just some of the ways we can treat halitosis. If you would like to know more about how to maintain good oral health, book a dental exam with us here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry. We would be more than happy to discuss it further!

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