Odorous breath is something nobody likes to talk about yet is something some of us cannot avoid. Whether we live with, work with or just know someone with bad breath, smelling it is something that cannot be avoided. Yet the condition itself can easily be avoided.
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!
