Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications
Take the ‘meat’ out of a meet and greet!
Have you ever had a juicy burger or steak for lunch only to find people desperately avoiding your bad breath on a crowded train? Well maybe not, but avoiding or reducing your meat intake might help prevent bad breath and potentially embarrassing situations.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a problem that affects 40% of the adult population at some time in their lives . Poor oral hygiene, gum disease and smoking all contribute to bad breath, but your diet also plays an important role.
The diet factor
The age-old tale about garlic and onions affecting your breath is true, but other foods such as meat and cheese are also culprits. Protein-rich foods that get stuck in teeth crevices attract the germs around the tongue and mouth that contributes to bad breath. Following a vegetarian diet or reducing your meat intake will help prevent the build-up of germs, and therefore may help to avoid those unpleasant odours.
Did you know?
A recent study of 11,000 vegetarians and healthy eaters concluded that a daily intake of fruit was associated to a 20% reduction in mortality from heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cancers of the stomach, lung, pancreas, large intestine, and rectum.
A balanced diet
Vegetarians and vegans, not to mention fruitarians and raw foodists, all have one thing in common – a high intake of fruit and vegetables. Meat, dairy and other high protein foods are good sources of iron, calcium and vitamins, but many fruit and vegetables can offer alternative sources . A healthy salad for lunch, or meat alternatives like calcium-rich tofu are good options to maintaining healthy teeth and fresher breath.
Can’t beat the meat
Good news, there is help out there if you’re not quite ready to give up meat or dairy. To avoid bad breath, brush your teeth (including your tongue) twice a day using germs-fighting dental products such as Colgate Total Toothpaste, which helps fight germs build up for up to 12 hours.
Dental floss is your friend, always pack some and use it every day, especially after eating meat. Drink a great deal of water to prevent halitosis by washing away thick mucus and germs, and to keep the mouth flowing freely with saliva . Finally, eat a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables and grains and try to limit your meat intake to twice a week.
