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Other foods canhelp freshen things up.
In fact, certain foods that cause bad breath can disrupt the delicate balance of the oral microbiome.
So, what gives?
orthodontist and founder ofBOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio
How can food cause bad breath?
As bacteria consume this food this can produce odor-causing acid, she says.
[The smell] is released with the breath, or during exhalation, she says.
Ahead, were sharing seven foods (and drinks!)
that can lead to bad breath.
7 foods and drinks that can cause bad breath
1.
Sugary foods
Sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods can cause bad breath.
The caffeine in coffee leads to a decline in saliva production which subsequently increases odor-causing bacteria, she says.
Garlic and onions
Garlic and onions are notorious for contributing to bad breath.
orthodontist and founder ofBOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio
Dr. Fraundorf says theyre potent enough to get into your bloodstream.
These foods have a smelly sulfur compound that lingers in your mouth.
Spicy foods
Spicy foods can heavily impact digestion, which can lead to bad breath.
This is typically due tocapsaicin, a compound in spicy food, that can stimulate gastric activity.
Saliva also contains minerals that help protect tooth enamel, he says.
Dr. Fraundorf also recommends strawberries, watermelon, and apples, as they contain malic acid.
It helps whiten your smile by removing surface stains and increasing saliva, she says.
Its like a natural toothbrush that exfoliates plaque off your teeth, she adds.
Ginger
Dr. Fraundorf recommends consuming ginger to help neutralize some of the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth.
In fact,ginger contains 6-gingerol, a compound that stimulates enzymes that naturally break down foul-smelling bacteria.
Probiotic-rich foods
Both doctors recommend consuming probiotic-rich foods that can help support a healthy oral microbiome.
Herbs
According to Dr. Fraundorf, certain kinds of herbs can help eliminate bad breath.
Sugarless gum
Dr. Wei and Dr. Fraundorf both recommend consuming sugar-free gum to promote good breath.
Studies show that cavities are significantly lower in patients thatchew sugar-free gum for twenty minutesafter meals.
Chewing sugar-free gum increases salivary flow by stimulating mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote gum health, he shares.
Water
Plain ol H2O can also help promote good breath.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth.
It also helps stimulate saliva production, which is crucial for maintaining good oral health, Dr. Wei says.
What is the most common cause of bad breath?
While certain foods can contribute to bad breath, poor oral health and hygiene are its primary causes.
Having a dry mouth (aka xerostomia) can also cause bad breath.
Saliva provides the mouth with a self-cleansing ability by washing away food particles.
This typically occurs at night, due to other chronic health conditions, or depending on what you eat.
Its a logical explanation for why so many of us experience morning breath.
In fact, Dr. Wei saysbad breath (aka halitosis), can be indicative of various underlying conditions.
Respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia, can also contribute to bad breath.
This drip is optimal for bacterial multiplication, leading to bad breath.
If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene practices, its important to see a dentist for further evaluation.
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