Those raw onions may have been delicious
piled high on that burger you had for lunch, but they certainly won’t do any
favors for your breath. Most people have no idea that certain foods can mask
what you eat, just keep in mind that garlic and onions are the most common
instigators when it comes to halitosis or bad breath because they can stay in
your system. Your dentist explains that garlic and onions contain oils that are carried from your
bloodstream into your lungs giving everyone a sample of what you ate every time
you exhale.
However, all is not lost as there are some
foods you can eat that will give you an hour or two of relief until you are
able to attack the bacteria in your mouth that is producing those foul odors.
According to your dentist, parsley is one of the best ways to treat bad
breath and could be the reason that restaurants include a sprig of the herb on your
plate. Cinnamon, spearmint, and peppermint are also good for halitosis thanks
to the oils. Other herbs that work for bad breath include rosemary, eucalyptus,
cardamom, cilantro, and coriander.
Skip the coffee and opt for a cup of green
tea as it contains powerful antioxidants including catechin that can help ward
off odor causing bacteria.
Recent studies show that the live active
cultures contained in yogurt could help with that lingering odor from the
garlic prawns that you had for lunch. Yogurt contains good bacteria that can
overpower the foul smell caused by bad bacteria.
Pears and apples help saliva production.
Saliva is essential when it comes to helping rebalance the ecology in your
mouth. Other fruits that can help keep your bacteria in check include berries,
melons, and oranges. Fruits that are loaded with Vitamin C not only help rid
your mouth of bad bacteria, but can also fight against gum disease.
Carrots, cucumbers, and saliva encourage
saliva production helping rid your mouth of odor causing bacteria.
Nuts and other almonds work like vegetables
and fruit. According to your dentist, these tiny little toothbrushes help
remove bacteria.
Other ways to prevent bad breath include
drinking water and chewing sugarless gum. Water rinses your mouth while the gum
promotes saliva production.
Of course, food is
only a temporary fix. If you are constantly dealing with bad breath, it could
have something to do with your oral health. Remember to brush twice and floss
once each day, brush your tongue and use a fluoride mouthwash that is
recommended by the American Dental Association, and don’t forget regularly scheduled checkups with your dentist.
